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Home > Publications > Iran Update > Issue 2.30 | ||
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This past week, Major General Eliezer Shkedy, the commander of Israel’s air force, told CBS’s 60 Minutes that Iran “… is a very serious threat to the state of Israel, but, more than this, to the whole world.” In addition to heading the IAF, he also heads the Israeli task force on Iran. That tells you a lot about how seriously Israel takes the threats made repeatedly by Iranian President Ahmendinejad. There is no dismissal of him as a crazy person, and no trivialization of him as simply a madman. Shkedy made the comparison to the disbelief which greeted Hitler’s rants that resulted in the ensuing devastation that shocked the world. The threat is very serious, and only very slowly are the countries of the world waking up to this fact. And while Iran has been lying for years to the UN, to the West, and to the press about its intentions, the fact is that Iran is completely transparent about the true nature of its goals – one only has to look closely at its deeds and listen carefully to its words. Iran actually loves to boast about some secrets and ambitions. On April 8th, Ahmedinejad made a visit to the desert site of Natanz, a maze of buildings that comprises the site of the advanced new centrifuges he bragged about in recent weeks. These new, more reliable centrifuges can more rapidly turn uranium into fuel for nuclear reactors or nuclear weapons. There are 3,000 of them that spin day and night at about the speed of sound, and Iran has started to expand that number to 9,000. Iran released 48 photographs of the president’s tour, providing the first glimpse of them, and analysts are digging for information and clues. The photographs also featured the presence of Iranian defense minister Najjar on the tour, which was characterized by some as a surprise. Perhaps only to those who believe Ahmedinejad’s mendacious insistence that this nuclear know-how is intended for peaceful purposes.
Experts are currently predicting that Iran may have nuclear power within a year, a threat that is very credible now that we’ve seen the pictures. The momentum is escalating, especially at a time when rogue states share this kind of expertise. The information on the site in Syria bombed by Israel last September revealed a nuclear plant similar to one in North Korea and a missile site location south of Tehran was revealed to be very similar to a long-range missile assembly facility in North Korea as well. Safe to say that fewer people today would dismiss the idea of an axis of evil. As the level of anti-Semitic activity increases (click here to see the newly released report on anti-Semitism by the Stephen Roth Institute of Tel Aviv University) and anti-Zionist rhetoric flows from the mouths of Israel’s enemies, it is important to remember what has happened to the Jewish people in the wake of such threats in the past. During these days, as Israel commemorates Yom Hashoah and mourns the victims of the Holocaust, Major General Shkedy is reminding us in no uncertain terms. World Jewish Congress President Wants Swiss to Cancel Iran Deal -Ronald Lauder said that Switzerland should cancel a multi-billion dollar gas deal that would strengthen the extremist regime. Six Major Powers Discuss Incentives for Tehran – The five permanent UN security Council members plus Germany reached some agreement during the closed-door meeting but did not yet meet a consensus. US Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) is floating the idea of a “grand bargain” in which the US would normalize relations with Iran in exchange for Iran’s agreeing to end its nuclear program, cut off support for its terror groups, and moderate its behavior in Iraq. Iran: New Uranium Production Plant Open within A Year – Iran will inaugurate a anew uranium ore processing plant in less than a year in Ardakan, central Iran. Ahmendinejad boasts over military power. Olmert: Iran Will Not Be Nuclear – According to Olmert, the international community is making an enormous effort, in which Israel has a part, to prevent Iran from attaining non-conventional weapons capabilities. US national security advisor Stephen Hadley was in Israel to discuss Iran’s nuclear program with Olmert . Iran Hardening Position over Nuclear Program – Iran is hardening fits resolve over its disputed nuclear program, said US diplomats ahead of talks between six nations seeking to persuade Tehran to halt enrichment. Iran denies that there are any technical problems in its nuclear program which is feared to be diverted to weapons development. While saying that Iran is in favor of talks, Ahmendinejad said that he in no way is willing to give up the nuclear program. Spy Photos Reveal Launch Sites for Iran’s Long-range Missiles – The secret site where Iran is suspected of developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching targets in Europe has been uncovered by new satellite photographs. AHmedinejad Again casts Doubts over 9/11 Attacks – Ahmedinejad called the US version of the September 11 attacks a pretext used to invade Afghanistan and Iraq. This was the third time in a week that he questioned the death toll, who was behind the attacks, and how it happened. Iraqi Army Discovers Large Cache of Iranian-Marked Weapons - The Iraqi army discovered a large Iranian–made cache of arms in Basra, further proof of Iran meddling in Iraq. Bush Ties Iran, Al Qaeda, Among Greatest Threats - Bush’s warning came in a speech defending the war on terror and clearly warned that he would not hesitate to use force if Iran targets US interests in its strife-torn neighbor. The US chief military officer called Iran a top challenge and urged that a way be found to open a dialogue with Tehran. The State Department said that it encourages contacts between Americans and Iranians but denied reports that it had opened back-channel talks with the Islamic Republic. Gates calls Iran ‘hell bent’ on Getting Nuclear Arms – Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he believes Iran is ‘hell bent’ on acquiring nuclear weapons but warned in strong terns of the consequences of going to war. Iran Agrees to Address Atom Arms Allegations: IAEA - Iran has agreed on steps to clarify Western intelligence alleging that it secretly studied how to design nuclear bombs. Iran Seeks to Ban Canada Jewish Group from Anti-Racism Meet – Iran claimed that the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy (CIJA) has made no contribution to fighting racism. Clinton Warns Iran Against Israel Strike – Hillary Clinton warned that the US would “obliterate” Iran if it used nuclear weapon s against Israel, in comments that could foreshadow a tough new doctrine of deterrence towards Iran. Fouad Adjami, “Iran’s Sly Games in Iraq,” US News, April 17, 2008 – In a perfect world, Iran’s Arab neighbors ought to balance and contest Iran’s power. But the Arabs today are mere spectators to their own destiny and are hopelessly divided. Iran is left with a role far greater than its own weight should allow. John Vinocur, “Lack of Iran Strategy Makes 2009 Look Risky,” Internatinal Herald Tribune, April 14, 2009 – The danger lies in the paralysis of the international community to do something about Iran while Iran has time and determination on its side. If the CIA so wrongly assessed Iranian activity, the French are being realistic and hard-nosed. Editorial, “Bush and Iran, Again,” Wall Street Journal, April 15, 2008 - While President Bush again points to Iran as the source of trouble in Iraq, the White House must realize that Iran will continue to cause the deaths of Americans and Iraqis unless something is done to stop them. Editorial, “Iran is Playing with Fire,” Ha’aretz, April 16, 2008- As Iran threatens Israel with genocide, the Iranians are counting on the West to be weak and do nothing. The West includes states that want commercial dealings with Iran. They laugh at the damage caused the US by its own NIE report and the subsequent lessening of the pressure on Iran by others. The threat of an American military operation has nearly disappeared. Editorial, “Adrift on Iran,” New York Times, April11, 2008 – Ahmedinejad made the blustering claim that his scientists are tripling the size of their nuclear fuel program. The fact that it elicited hardly any reaction shows how little consideration the major powers are giving this major security challenge. Charles Krauthammer, “The Holocaust Declaration,” Washington Post, April 11, 2008 – The world did not greet Iran’s declaration that it was installing 6,000 more centrifuges with outrage, as it should have. What needs to be done? Yossi Melman, “Qassem Suleimani: Commander of Iran’s Quds Brigade,” Ha’aretz, April 17, 2008 - Iranian Brig-Gen. Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the al-Quds brigade of the IRGC, is the coordinator of Iranian strategy vis a vis Hezbollah and is deeply involved in Iran’s control of pro-Shiite militias in Iraq. Dennis Ross, “Choices and Strategies for Dealing with Iran,” Washington Institute, April 24, 2008 – Ambassador Dennis Ross testified before the US Senate, warning about the status of the Iranian efforts towards achieving nuclear capability and about the stakes in preventing Iran from going nuclear before it is too late. Iran to Replace Two Ministers - Attempting to shift blame for a ruinous economy from his own failed fiscal policy, Ahmedinejad will replace two ministers. 20 Hezbollah Men Die in Iran Training – At least 20 Hezbollah fighters have been killed during military training in Iran with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Chief of Police for Tehran Arrested - Tehran’s police chief, responsible for enforcing modesty rules, was caught in indecent behavior during a raid at a brothel. Switzerland Freezes Asset of 12 Iranian Companies – Switzerland said that it has frozen the assets of a dozen Iranian companies in accordance with the new UN sanctions. It will also ban the delivery of “dual use” materials that could be used for the manufacture of nuclear plants. India To Ship a Cargo of Diesel to Iran for the First Time – State-run Indian MRPL will ship a cargo of diesel to Iran, filling the void left by privately owned rival Reliance. It is also hoping to secure a long-term deal. Ahmedinejad plans his first visit to India. Tehran Delivers Gas Ultimatum – Iran’s oil minister warned Royal Dutch Shell, France’s Total, and Spain’s Repsol that the June deadline to sign multi-billion dollar natural gas contracts would not be extended. Iran Says Sanctions Not Deterring Foreign Oil Firms – Sanctions are not hampering Iran’s oil industry or deterring foreign firms from investing in it, said Iran’s oil minister. Comptroller of New York City Ready to Act on Iran – Comptroller William C. Thompson now viewed as likely to join other pension managers in economic pressure against nuclear threat; Sudan also a target. How Iranians are Avoiding Sanctions – Thousands of Iranian business people do not go to the bank to transfer money to their businesses or associates. They go to their trusted money changers, using a centuries-old money transfer system known as hawala. This system moves money about almost invisibly. Polish PM: EU Inconsistent on Iran – Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked on why the EU failed to pass sanctions on Iran, which it had been expected to do. Japan to Freeze Assets Tied to Iran Nuclear Program - Japan will freeze assets belonging to 12 organizations and 13 people that are tied to Iran’s nuclear development, the government’s to spokesman said. Iran Resumes Turkmenistan Gas Import – Iran has acceded to Turkmenistan stipulation for a rise in the gas price to renew gas imports to Iran. Human Rights Activists Press Austria’s OMV to Delay Iran Oil Deal - The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said the Austrian oil giant OMV AG should use its influence to pressure Iran to agree to stop executing children. Iran Says Number of Executions is Not High – This was said in response to the Amnesty International report that listed Iran as the world’s second most prolific executioner in 2007. Iran Would Eliminate Israel if attacked; Army General – Again inciting to genocide, Iran’s deputy army commander said that Iran would eliminate Israel from the global arena if it was attacked. Iran Women Activists Get Suspended Lashing Sentences – Three Iranian women’s rights campaigners have received suspended lashing and jail sentences for taking part in a rally, in a sign of authorities’ clamp-down.
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