MPs block Ahmadi-Nejad university plan

Supporters of Iran’s president demonstrated outside the country’s parliament on Tuesday after MPs dealt Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad a severe blow by rejecting one of his key proposals.

The move to prevent Mr Ahmadi-Nejad from expanding his control over Azad University in Tehran was the latest sign of infighting within the fundamentalist camp that dominates the regime. (more…)

Iran aid ship ‘Gaza Children’ to leave for Gaza on Sunday

An Iranian aid ship is to leave the Gulf port of Bandar Abbas for a 14-day journey to Gaza at the end of this week, a Red Crescent official was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency on Tuesday.

“The ship ‘Gaza Children’ is loading the cargo which will be complete by Saturday, and on Sunday it will leave Bandar Abbas for Gaza,” said Abdolraouf Adibzadeh (R) , who is also the project’s spokesman. (more…)

Lebanon MP urges ratification of petroleum law

MP Ali Hasan Khalil urged on Tuesday the need to ratify the petroleum law in Lebanon, saying that some MPs are delaying the approval.

Khalil, a member of the Amal Movement said: “We have waited years for this draft law and House Speaker Nabih Berri has placed it as a priority for over two years, (more…)

Prince Walid: I Have full confidence in Lebanon’s future

During the opening ceremonies of the Four Seasons hotel in downtown Beirut on Tuesday, Saudi Prince Walid bin Talal reiterated his commitment to support Lebanon, saying he has “confidence in Lebanon’s future.” (more…)

UAE enforcing tougher measures on Iran trade

Iranian firms in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly coming under tougher measures in line with UN sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear drive, a senior Iranian businessman said on Tuesday. (more…)

Heavy security in Sidon following threats

The Lebanese security forces on Tuesday deployed heavily in the southern port city of Sidon following threatening pamphlets calling on Christians to leave their homes in one week. (more…)

Hezbollah MP calls on US to provide list of recipients of funds

Yesterday Hezbollah MP Nawwaf Moussawi said his party might file a claim at the Lebanese judiciary “against anyone whom investigation shows to have taken funds from the US” for political use and today he called on the US Embassy in Lebanon to provide a list of the parties and figures who have received funds from the US administration for political use. (more…)

Aoun in Syria to meet Assad

Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun held talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus on Tuesday, Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA, reported.
According to an FPM statement Aoun traveled to Damascus, Syria on a private visit at 11:00 am . He is being accompanied by his son-in-law , Energy minister Gebran Bassil. (more…)

Istanbul bomb kills five as PKK clashes escalate

Suspected Kurdish militants detonated a roadside bomb in Istanbul today, killing at least four Turkish soldiers and a 17-year-old woman on a bus carrying army personnel.

Another 12 people were wounded in the blast today in Istanbul’s Halkali district, the state-owned Anatolia news agency said. (more…)

The Rush To Embrace Turkey.

By Ghassan Karam

One of the many popular sayings by Winston Churchill was his statement in response to Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941: “”If Hitler invaded Hell; I would make at least a favourable reference