Iran suspected behind attack in Karbala

Thursday's Daily Briefing on Iran.
Iran Involvement Suspected in Karbala Compound Attack.

• CNN News reported that the Pentagon is investigating whether a recent attack on a military compound in Karbala was carried out by Iranians or Iranian-trained operatives, two officials from separate U.S. government agencies said.
• The New York Times reported that investigators say they believe that attackers who used American-style uniforms and weapons to infiltrate a secure compound and kill five American soldiers in Karbala on Jan. 20 may have been trained and financed by Iranian agents.

Times Report: US plans strike against Iran.

• The Jerusalem Post reported on a Times report that the US was drawing up plans to attack sites where Iran is believed to be enriching uranium before President George W. Bush's candidacy comes to an end.

US denials on Iran fail to calm Europe.

• The Sydney Morning Herald reported that European diplomats are increasingly anxious that the US is planning air strikes against Iran to destroy its suspected nuclear program. [Who asked you, you cowards?]

Iran Pressing Russia Over Plan for OPEC-Like Gas Body.

• CNSNews reported that Iran is urging Russia to launch a gas exporting grouping similar to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), but Moscow has yet to throw its support behind the controversial idea.

Iran ready for unconditional US-talks: Mottaki.

• IranMania reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki stated that Iran acts within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty [HA!] and is ready to take part in negotiations without any preconditions and in an atmosphere free from political pressures.

Questions Abound on Health of Iran's Khamenei.

• Eli Lake, The New York Sun reported that speculation is mounting in American and Israeli intelligence and defense circles about the declining health of Iran's 67-year-old supreme leader, who is believed to be suffering from cancer.

Here are three news items you may have missed.

• Michael Ledeen, Faster Please said his heart felt plea while reading the president’s interview in today’s Wall Street Journal.
• The Washington Post reported that President Bush's nominee to command U.S. forces in the Middle East told the Senate said that Iran is positioning its military to deny U.S. access to the Persian Gulf while acting as a "destabilizing" influence in the region.
• Google Video featured a video of students jeering Ahmadinejad.

Thank you, Doctor Zin and Team, for the news that you continue to deliver. It is appreciated. Have a nice day.