• As Rice’s desperately pursues diplomacy, Ahmadinejad sees sign that U.S. is desperate to leave Iraq.
  • Furthers conspiracy theory that Washington was behind bombing of Samarra mosque.
  • Iran OPEC governor speaks about Iran’s oil production level. More here.
  • Is Turkmenistan switching into Tehran’s camp?
  • Head of Iran’s Judiciary: Rushdie knighthood “indicates the treacherous policy of the UK colonialist regime and its longstanding hostility to Islam.”
  • Iran reaffirms Rushdie death fatwa.
  • Background:
  • On February 14, 1989, Iranian Supreme Leader Khomeini issued a declaration calling for author Salman Rushdie’s death
  • September 24, 1998: the Iranian government said it would do nothing to harm Rushdie, acceding to the British Foreign Office’s chief condition for the restoration of diplomatic relations.
  • On February 14, 1999, Iranian security officers reaffirmed their intention to carry out Rushdie’s death sentence.
  • On May 19, 1999, a day after London and Tehran agreed to once again exchange ambassadors, the Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran radio commentary called Rushdie an “apostate,” making his murder lawful under Islamic law.
  • On February 12, 2005, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement declaring, “The day will come when they will punish the apostate Rushdie for his scandalous acts and insults against the Koran and the Prophet.”
  • Supreme Leader calls for Tehran to provide more social services.
  • Photo from meeting.
  • Picture of the Day: Dust storm in southern Iran.