(Back online; sorry for the travel-related pause)

· Ahmadinejad mocks Bush rhetoric about freedom.

· The fruits engagement:

o No change in Iran’s nuclear policy. No nuclear suspension.

o “If the US has strong resolve to change its approach in Iraq, we can be optimistic about continuation of the talks.”

o U.S. agreement to negotiate affirms Tehran’s strategy of defiance.

o Website run by former Revolutionary Guard commander uses Zbigniew BrzezinskiU.S. position. interview to erode

o Larijani dismisses U.S. concern on Iranian taking of American hostages.

o Iran wants archaeological relics back from the University of Chicago.

o Iranian pilots over New York? Tehran proposes direct Tehran-New York flights.

· Iranian flaunting diplomatic isolation:

o More agreements between Tehran, Russia’s proxy Belarus.

o New taxation agreement to promote trade between Italy and Iran.

o Ahmadinejad outreach to Latin America.

o Prospects for Iran-Hungary trade.

o Expansion of ties with Algeria.

· Khomeini’s daughter on export of revolution:

o ‘From Imam Khomeini’s point of view, the way to promote an idea was not by speaking about it but by acting on it so that others would be inspired to follow.’

· Economic vulnerability:

o Petroleum consumption up 6.5 percent among refinery shortfall.

o No postponement for rationing.

· Iranian editorial on U.S. Somalia/al-Qaeda strikes.

· Remembering Anniversary of Khomeini’s death.

· Picture of the Day: Rallying near Isfahan.