Analyst says US plan envisions broad attack on Iran

Saturday's Daily Briefing on Iran.
US plans envision broad attack on Iran - analyst.

• Reuters reported that U.S. contingency planning for military action against Iran 's nuclear program goes beyond limited strikes and would effectively unleash a war against the country, a former U.S. intelligence analyst said on Friday.

Chirac seeks to cut a deal with Iran that undermines the US.

• Amir Taheri, Asharq Alawsat reported that France 's President Jacques Chirac wants to try his luck with the Khomeinist regime in Tehran in the hope of persuading it to reduce its nuclear ambitions, abandon Hezbollah, and join France in creating a new "axis of independence". That is to say an anti-American bloc, in the Middle East.

US lawmakers seek to bar US attack on Iran.

• Reuters reported that a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives pushed legislation on Thursday to prohibit a U.S. attack on Iran without congressional permission.
• The New York Times reported that Democratic leaders in Congress lobbed a warning shot Friday at the White House not to launch an attack against Iran without first seeking approval from lawmakers.

Still the EU seeks 'fast, full' move on U.N. Iran sanctions.

• SignOnSanDiego reported that the European Union wants to apply United Nations sanctions on Iran fully and rapidly and may expand the list of people linked to Tehran 's nuclear program targeted by the U.N. resolution.

Why US Intelligence has been slow to reveal Iran's role in Iraq.

• The New York Sun in an editorial argued that a tug of war is going on within the Bush administration over what to do with a clutch of Iranian saboteurs seized in the Iraqi theater.
• Michael Ledeen, Faster Please reported that in a recent exchange between Sen. Ron Wyden and US Intelligence officials he said U.S. military personnel believe “ Iran is supplying devices that are now killing our courageous troops.” CIA Director Air Force Gen. Michael V. Hayden also said: “that’s very consistent, senator, with our analysis. Senator Wyden didn’t ask the questions I would have asked, namely “how long have you known this?

Gates Says U.S. Has Few Options to Halt Iran’s Atomic Plans.

• The New York Times reported that Robert M. Gates on Thursday played down the possibility of American military action against Iran but said it was not the right time for diplomatic engagement, either.

Iran's Blame Battle.

• Amir Taheri, The New York Post reported that a significant conflict is taking shape within the ruling establishment in Tehran . The conflict is centered on what looks like a looming economic crisis.

Here are a few other news items you may have missed.

• Reporters Without Borders expressed concern after freelance journalist, Taghi Rahmani, was prevented from leaving Iran as he prepared to travel to Denmark on 13 January 2007, to receive a prize awarded by the local section of the freedom of expression organisation, PEN International.
• The Guardian reported that in a son to be released statement, more than 100 Iranian activists outside that country have condemned its recent conference questioning the Holocaust.

Thank you, Doctor Zin and Team, for your hard work. This news is very important, and it is appreciated. Have a nice day everyone.