Iran responsible for attack on Israeli diplomatic convoy
By Robert Fragnito January 19, 2010A failed attack on an Israeli diplomats' convoy last week was carried out on orders from Iran reported the Jerusalem Post on Monday, January 18. Sources close to Jordan's General Intelligence Department (GID) revealed that the attack was carried out in retaliation to the killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Professor Massoud Ali Muhammadi in Tehran last week. GID is investigating the possibility that the explosives used in the attack may have been smuggled into Jordan by Iranian diplomats. The attack in Amman is also believed to have been carried out in a style similar to the Tehran assassination by local al-Qaeda supporters. In a related matter, Iran's Interior minister on Monday vowed to avenge Muhammadi's death.
Mottaki: Six Powers failure to reach conclusion on sanctions may help nuclear talks
Iran's Foreign Minister, Manoucher Mottaki, told reporters in press conference that the six powers failure to reach a decision on new sanctions is a sign of “increased rationality” reported AP on Monday, January 18. Mottaki said the six powers—the U.S., Britain, France, China, Russia, and Germany—inability to produce new sanctions at the United Nations will enable Iran to continue working with the international community to reduce fears over its controversial nuclear program.
Kabul on High Alert after Taliban Attack
Kabul is on high alert after an attack on the Afghan capital by the Taliban militants reported The Age on Tuesday, January 19. Taliban gunmen and suicide bombers attacked commercial and government buildings on Monday.
Iran, Iraq hold talks over border disputes
Iranian and Iraqi military commanders held talks over an incident where Iranian troops made an incursion into Iraq's Fakkah oil field last December reported Reuters on Monday, January 18. The meeting held in Iran's border town of Qasr-e Shirin ended with both sides expressing hope that the neighbors would resolve “misunderstandings” over their joint border.
Turkey delays new constitution to focus on EU reforms
Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AK Party) will delay the passage of a new Turkish constitution until 2011 to focus on enacting European Union harmonization laws reported Today's Zaman on Tuesday, January 19. Efforts to pass the new constitution is due to opposition parties in parliament who also oppose passing reforms that would enable Turkey to become a member of the European Union.
