Here is an update on some of the stories I have previously blogged on:
1) Iran’s Role in the Latin America (July 30)
The Iranian lawmakers have questioned the $280 million loan given to Bolivia. Their disapproval arises due to the Article 80 of the Iranian Constitution, which states that the Parliament must first approve “the taking and giving of government loans or grants, domestic and foreign.” The loan, approved on July 30, was given without seeking the Parliament’s approval.
2) A Sign of Growing Cooperation Between Iraq and Iran (July 30)
This New York Times article discusses the impact of the closure of the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) base by the Iraqi forces. The article argues that:
Last week’s bloody melee between Iraqi police officers and the residents of the camp has not only raised fresh doubts in Washington about the worth of these assurances, but has also exposed just how little leverage American officials now have in a country they largely controlled for almost six years.
It has also forced the Obama administration to confront some of the thorny issues that bedeviled its predecessor: how to prevent Iraq from falling deeper under Tehran’s influence, and how to fashion a tough Iran policy amid delicate negotiations to dismantle the country’s burgeoning nuclear program.
3) “Confessions” of the Protesters (August 1)
This Iranian News Daily article provides more details on Mohammad Ali Abtahi, confession. He has apparently stated that:
“10th presidential election was a different poll and I believe that the reformists, in the aftermath of their failure in three elections, were moving to somehow restrict the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution and peoples’ beliefs. Meanwhile, I admit that a major part of former Iranian president Seyed Mohammad Khatami’s visits were for publicity in a bid to attract the attentions toward Khatami and to present Khatami as the only option with a chance for winning the election.”
Meanwhile, former reformist President Khatami has come out and rejected the trial of protesters as a “show.” On his website, he stated that “the trial on Saturday was a show and the confessions are invalid … What was called a trial was a violation of the constitution.” Defeated reformist presidential candidate Mousavi has accused the government of subjecting the defendants through “medieval torture”.
Photo taken from the Press TV.
Photo taken from the BBC.
