"Vajihe Gheguini" has joined the Freedom Stars

SMCCDI:

Ms. "Vajiheh Cheguini" has passed away, on January 20, 2006, in Tehran.

The maverick and combatant woman never abdicated from her principles and humanistic believes, despite all pressures exerted by the Islamic republic regime, and she was always supportive of Iranian students and freedom fighters. Despite her age and physical conditions, she actively participated in the "July 9, 1999 Students' Uprising", beside her courageous daughter "Maloos Radnia known also as Mariam Shansy".

"Vajiheh Cheguini" raised the anger of the brutal "Ali Falhahian" (an Islamist Cleric known for his involvement in the killing of dissidents and a former Ministry of Intelligence) and hopes in the hearts of many arrested students due to her audacity. She was beaten and threatened many times at her home or in front of the doors of the infamous "Tohid Prison". But just as like as a strong Cedar tree, she always stood tall in face of the enemies of freedom.

Her last moments were spent in wishing for the liberation of Iran and of seeing her exiled daughter.

May she rest in peace and may her path be consistent!

Tehran, January 21, 2006

Gingrich Calls for Regime Change in Iran

Human Events OnLine:

by Robert B. Bluey24 Posted Jan 24, 2006 Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a potential 2008 Republican presidential candidate, says Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is as great a threat today as German dictator Adolf Hitler was in 1935, and the United States should not wait to help bring about a regime change in Iran. "If we don’t have a very serious systematic program to replace the government of Iran, we’re going to live in an unbelievably dangerous world," Gingrich said during an exclusive interview with HUMAN EVENTS. "This is 1935 and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is as close to Adolf Hitler as we’ve seen. We now know who they are; the question is who we are -- are we Baldwin or Churchill?" (Click here to listen to Gingrich's quote.) Gingrich referenced the two former British prime ministers -- Stanley Baldwin and Winston Churchill -- who disagreed about Hitler's intentions. Churchill proved to be correct in his fears of the Nazi leader, but Britain -- and the world -- acted too late, resulting in mass casualties during World War II. Gingrich told HUMAN EVENTS he foresees a similar situation arising in the United States today with regard to Iran.

Listen to Newt Gingrich

When asked about President Bush's top priorities in his remaining three years in office, Gingrich said atop that list should be overthrowing -- peacefully but most likely militarily -- the government of Iran. "Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in September 1941, when we sank a German submarine while we were technically at peace, did a nationwide radio address and said, 'If you are standing next to a rattle snake, you do not have an obligation to wait until it bites you before you decide it’s dangerous.' "And I will just say flatly, our objective should be the systematic replacement of this regime," Gingrich said. "We should start with all-out help to the forces of independence in the country -- there are trade union groups, there are student groups -- we should in every way we can get them resources. We should indicate without any question that we are going to take the steps necessary to replace the regime and we should then act accordingly. And we should say to the Europeans that there is no diplomatic solution that is imaginable that is going to solve this problem." The wide-ranging interview with HUMAN EVENTS took place as Gingrich prepares to deliver a major policy address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) next month in Washington, D.C. Gingrich wrote a book last year, "Winning the Future," and is currently revising the paperback edition for release later this year. When asked about his presidential ambitions for 2008, Gingrich refused to rule out a run, although he said he would first wait to see what the Republican field looked like before making a decision. Gingrich's hawkish attitude about Iran comes at a time when pressure is mounting on Iran for threats Ahmadinejad has directed at Israel. Yesterday, John Bolton, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said the Bush Administration wouldn't accept a nuclear Iran. Bolton said President Bush wants to exhaust all peaceful and diplomatic measures, "but has made clear that a nuclear Iran is not acceptable." He said Bush is deeply concerned about Iran's potential to launch a nuclear holocaust.

Tens of drivers wounded, wives taken as hostage

SMCCDI:

Jan 28, 2006, 02:41 Tens of Tehran's Collective Bus drivers, technicians and workers have been wounded by brutal militiamen who have attacked the strikers gathered in some of the terminals. The strikers were refusing to allow Bassij para-military members to take the wheels of their vehicles.

Wives of at least 3 strikers have been arrested at their homes and brought to an unknown destination in order to be use as tool of pressure against their husbands. Threats have been made about their fate if the strike doesn't come to an end and that the drivers and other employees of Tehran's Collective Bus Company don't start work on Sunday morning.

Tehran Bus Drivers Strike Despite Repressive Measures

SMCCDI:

Jan 28, 2006, 01:09 Hundreds of Tehran's Collective Bus drivers, technicians and workers have started their strike despite all repressive methods used by the Islamic republic regime. Many of the employees have stayed home by forcing the Islamic regime to deploy its plain clothes security agents in the streets of the Capital and behind the wheels of the buses.

The un-experienced appointed drivers have a hard time to insure the service and many users are refusing to take the buses in sign of solidarity with the strikers.

Many workers, students and governmental employees, such as teachers, are using the transport problem for not showing up at their works or classes. Tracts have been distributed in the Capital by underground social or workers groups declaring solidarity with the strikers.

Many cab drivers have put their head lights on and are using their horns in show of solidarity and many residents are showing the 'V' (Victory) sign. The move is very noticeable in the Enghelab and Azadi squares. Militiamen are looking very worry and are arresting the residents.

The strike has created serious problems in the transport despite the fact that hundreds of regular drivers and the Greater Tehran's Collective Bus employees have been arrested or threatened.

Many of the arrests took place, yesterday evening, at the homes of those suspected to be part of the strike and the Islamic judiciary is intending to trial many of them for conspiracy. False charges, such as, "Drug trafficking", "Having Prohibited Arms" or "Endangering the National Security" are expected to be use against the arrested employees. Threats have been made against the family members of many employees and militiamen have been deployed in the terminals in order to control the situation. The Islamic regime has also transferred many militiamen of the Bassij Force's logistic to fill the shifts of the arrested employees.

The regime's leadership was hoping to limit the impact of the action by resorting to its usual repressive actions.

The Greater Tehran has appreciatively 12 millions of inhabitants and many Tehranis, who are using this cheaper way of transportation, are supportive of the strikers. The move is expected to plunge the Iranian Capital into a relative chaos, as it did during the last two collective actions.

Users showed, on December 23, 2005, an extreme sign of patience and their support of the strikers. Many refused to take the buses which were drove by militiamen and the domino effect created more complication for the regime, as, many governmental or industrial employees didn't show up at their posts or works while being able to justify their absenteeism.

The same trend was followed on January 7, 2006, when hundreds of drivers made a symbolic action on a very symbolic day, resulting in fear among all factions of the Islamic regime. Hardliners and Islamist 'reformists'. Partial strikes were made and most drivers put their head lights, in the middle of the day, for showing their exasperation. The move coincided with the anniversary the "Iranian Emancipation Law" adopted by the former Iranian regime, in 1935, and banned by the Islamic republic in 1979. Of course, this action had fewer echoes as the so-called "reformist" faction of the regime and most ultra Marxist groups preferred to pass it under silence. Never less many Tehranis, especially among females, were seen considering the bus drivers' move as a hidden support for the message of modernism, equality and secularism of the banned law. Many were seen showing the "V" (Victory) sign (well known in Iran) to each other and to the maverick drivers.

The today's move is putting more pressure on the Islamic republic regime, at a time that it's facing more international pressure. The strike, if extended due to the free world's support, might lead to the apparition of a worker movement, such as, the 1980's Solidarnosc (meaning Solidarity and which was the independent Polish Shipyards' Workers Union formed in Gdansk and lead by Lech Walesa) which was able to rally other cities drivers and various economic sectors behind it and to create the possibility of radical political changes.

Most National-Secularist groups, such as, the SMCCDI and the INSP (Iran's National-Secular Party) are supportive of the strikers and in general of any clean and clear move for a genuine democratic and secularist change in Iran. The two movements' members and supporters have been asked to help the families of the drivers. The _expression of this support and calls on the population to protect the strikers have been made, at several occasion, on the waves of abroad based Iranian radio and satellite TV networks broadcasting for Iran.

The strikers' move and legitimate aspirations are not only limited to internal Iranian debate and in this line, several western workers' unions, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and influent politicians, such as, the U.S. Senator Rick Santorum have already declared their support of the "Tehran Collective Bus drivers".

In a letter dated, January 6, 2006, Santorum requested from the U.S. Secretary of State to intervene on behalf of the arrested Tehran's Bus drivers and the repressed Iranian People. Slamming the Islamic regime for the persistent human rights abuses and the brutal attack of the strikers, the Pennsylvanian Senator stated in part of his letter: "I ask that you and other senior leaders of the US Government make a concerted effort to reach out to groups of individuals, such as unions and students, to let them know the People of America stand with them in their fight for greater freedoms and liberties".

Without doubt, the continuation of such public declarations and a real financial support for the strikers can plunge the Islamic regime into an abyss from which it can not escape. The result would no more lead to just obtaining some greater freedoms or liberties, but to a total liberation of Iran due to a secular and democratic revolution without any need to any kind of military intervention. The trend has become so noticeable, as especially the absolute majority of Iranians have well taken their distances from the regime's "reformists from within" and some of their docile so-called student associations, such as, the "Office of Consolidation Unity" (OCU).

Tehran Bus Drivers To Protest On Saturday, Strong of Int'l Support

SMCCDI:

Jan 25, 2006, 13:42 Tehran's Collective Bus drivers have issued another notice of strike, in order to protest against their poor conditions, the lack of the right of having an independent union and the persistent imprisonment of their colleagues. The strike is to take place this coming Saturday from early morning affecting most areas. It will include drivers, technicians and administrative employees.

Of course, the Islamic republic regime is expected to use once again of its entire repressive arsenal, in order to dissuade many drivers to participate, and to use its militiamen in order to fill the remaining vacuum.

The Greater Tehran has appreciatively 12 millions of inhabitants and many Tehranis, who are using this cheaper way of transportation, are supportive of the strikers. The move is expected to plunge the Iranian Capital into a relative chaos, as it did during the last two collective actions.

Users showed, on December 23, 2005, an extreme sign of patience and their support of the strikers. Many refused to take the buses which were drove by militiamen and the domino effect created more complication for the regime, as, many governmental or industrial employees didn't show up at their posts or works while being able to justify their absenteeism.

The same trend was followed on January 7, 2006, when hundreds of drivers made a symbolic action on a very symbolic day, resulting in fear among all factions of the Islamic regime. Hardliners and Islamist 'reformists'. Partial strikes were made and most drivers put their head lights, in the middle of the day, for showing their exasperation. The move coincided with the anniversary the "Iranian Emancipation Law" adopted by the former Iranian regime, in 1935, and banned by the Islamic republic in 1979. Of course, this action had fewer echoes as the so-called "reformist" faction of the regime and most ultra Marxist groups preferred to pass it under silence. Never less many Tehranis, especially among females, were seen considering the bus drivers' move as a hidden support for the message of modernism, equality and secularism of the banned law. Many were seen showing the "V" (Victory) sign (well known in Iran) to each other and to the maverick drivers.

The upcoming Saturday's move is expected to put more pressure on the Islamic republic regime, at a time that it's facing more international pressure. The strike, if supported by the free world, might lead to the apparition of a worker movement, such as, the 1980's Solidarnosc (meaning Solidarity and which was the independent Polish Shipyards' Workers Union formed in Gdansk and lead by Lech Walesa) which was able to rally other cities drivers and various economic sectors behind it and to create the possibility of radical political changes.

Most National-Secularist groups, such as, the SMCCDI and the INSP (Iran's National-Secular Party) are supportive of the strikers and in general of any clean and clear move for a genuine democratic and secularist change in Iran. The two movements' members and supporters have been asked to help the families of the drivers. The _expression of this support and calls on the population to protect the strikers have been made, at several occasion, on the waves of abroad based Iranian radio and satellite TV networks broadcasting for Iran.

The strikers' move and legitimate aspirations are not only limited to internal Iranian debate and in this line, several western workers' unions, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and influent politicians, such as, the U.S. Senator Rick Santorum have already declared their support of the "Tehran Collective Bus drivers".

In a letter dated, January 6, 2006, Santorum requested from the U.S. Secretary of State to intervene on behalf of the arrested Tehran's Bus drivers and the repressed Iranian People. Slamming the Islamic regime for the persistent human rights abuses and the brutal attack of the strikers, the Pennsylvanian Senator stated in part of his letter: "I ask that you and other senior leaders of the US Government make a concerted effort to reach out to groups of individuals, such as unions and students, to let them know the People of America stand with them in their fight for greater freedoms and liberties".

Without doubt, the continuation of such public declarations and a real financial support for the strikers can plunge the Islamic regime into an abyss from which it can not escape. The result would no more lead to just obtaining some greater freedoms or liberties, but to a total liberation of Iran due to a secular and democratic revolution without any need to any kind of military intervention. The trend has become so noticeable, as especially the absolute majority of Iranians have well taken their distances from the regime's "reformists from within" and some of their docile so-called student associations, such as, the "Office of Consolidation Unity" (OCU).

American group calls for "Regime Change" in Iran

SMCCDI:

Jan 24, 2006, 00:00 A US think tank group named "Committee on the Present Danger" (CPD) called, yesterday, for "Regime Change in Iran" to be the official policy of the Bush Administration. Such call is taking place few days before the next "State of the Union Speech" scheduled for January 31st.

The group which is based in WDC has several influential members, such as, James Woolsey and George Schultz as its co-chairmen. Mr. Woolsey is a former CIA Director and Mr. Schultz is a former US Army head. Senators Joseph Lieberman (D) and Jon Kyl (R) are the group's honorary co-chairmen.

In its press release, the CDP has requested from the Bush Administration to adopt officially the policy of "Regime Change" and has urged "strong diplomatic and economic measures" to be taken against the Islamic republic regime.

Some of the measures requested are: Sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council; Embargo on oil and ban of any foreign direct investment in Iran; Building a legal case against the Islamic regime's supreme leader and its current president for torture and murder of Iranians and incitation to genocide; Appointment by the U.S. President of a "Point Person" who would speak to Iranians and would dramatize the plight of political prisoners; More energetic and effective assistance to pro-democracy activists in Iran; Sharply increased support for U.S. based pro-democracy Iranian satellite TV stations; Ancillary pressure on Tehran by asking from the Lebanese Army to disarm Hezbollah and to restore the Lebanese sovereignty and freedom.

During the press conference, James Woolsey stated: "We believe that the U.S. and the International Community should energetically assist the millions of Iranians who want a government that does not repress its own people and threaten others".

While the CPD move - boosted by the dangers posed by the theocratic system to the western world - can be qualified as a positive step, concerns are existing about the level of the group's commitment in backing a genuine and non-military change in Iran.

Many opponents to the Islamic regime and particularly the National-Secularists are worried about the relations which are existing between the CPD and some, officially former, members of the Islamic regime.

Some of them are, such as, Mohsen Sazgara who's living currently in the US. The latter was a former founder of the Islamic Militia and was among those who backed factions of the Islamic regime till two years ago. Sazgara left Iran after the massive boycott of the regime's last parliamentary elections in which Iranians showed the deep rejection of all of the regime's factions. The former militiaman is also known for his involvement in the brokerage and looting of Iranian petroleum thru offshore societies.

Same concerns are existing about the CPD's relation with the members of a so-called student group, named "Office of Consolidation Unity" (OCU). The group, which is rejected by most Iranian students, is also known for its support of part of the current regime and active role in trying to deviate the true aspiration of the Iranian youth in seeking a secular and accountable state.

Fears are existing that CPD or some other American policy groups might try to boost such controversial individuals or groups to the pedestal of genuine 'reformer leadership' as they tried to do so a year ago without any real success or popular welcoming in what was qualified as "Referendum Project".

Unfortunately, some Iranian-American analysts, such as, those consulted by the Hoover Foundation, are offering often a distorted view of Iran and Iranians' aspirations to their employers. These individuals' suggestions are often based on their own past ideological views or some opportunistic goals rather than the requests of the progressist Iranian society of today.

Most importantly, Iranians are rejecting any Russian type scenario in which former KGB members or heads could become the future leaders of their country.

It's hoped that the CPD would clarify the dark zones existing in some of its suggestions or that the US Administration would complement them based on Iranians aspirations. Some of these requests are: Support of genuine and trusted National-Secularist groups inside and outside Iran; Support of a genuine and accountable secular state; Respect of Iran's territorial integrity and its sovereignty over the Iranian islands of the Persian Gulf, such as, the Lesser & Greater thumbs and Aboo-Moosa; Respect of Iran's 50% share of the Caspian sea and its resources - based on the 1921 & 1972 agreement made with the former USSR.

Also, one of the main LA based genuine pro-democracy satellite TV network to be supported is without doubt the NITV (www.nitv.tv )

Such clarifications would without doubt raise the level of hope and of political activity among millions of Iranians, who have till now been deceived by some of the free world's empty promises or wrong policies which have, so far, benefited to the clerical regime.

Participate in "February 1st" rallies against Islamo-Fascism

SMCCDI:

URGENT ACTION Dear Iranians, Dear Americans, Dear Iranian-Americans, Dear Freedom Lovers, Most Middle-Easterners and Iranians have been long among the first victims of Islamo-Fachism. Iranians for their part have shown their deep rejection of the Islamic republic regime, at many occasions, by boycotting successive sham elections or by demonstrating, striking or some even resorting to violence at the price of their lives and due to total exasperation. Iranians in their vast majority have turned their backs to the totality of the theocratic regime and the degree of popular rejection is to the point that even some absconded former officials, living now in exile, are not trusted by the masses. No one, except a few demagogues located mainly abroad, can claim anymore that the Islamic republic regime has any kind of popularity or legitimacy. The main reasons that this antiquated system of governance is still standing in power is due to the use of force, a lack of real commitment from the world to support Iranians for the choice of a clean and clear secular political frame, and the lack of a trusted unified opposition abroad. Americans and Europeans who were standing idle in front of the rise of Islamo-faschism have started to realize its real dangers and threats posed to the world. This awareness of the western world came to fruition as a result of an increase of the Islamist terrorism in the world, beginning with the tragedy of September 11, 2000, and attacks made in Bali, Madrid, London and elsewhere. Europeans who were known for their apathy due to closing their eyes and making deals with tyrannical and terrorist regime's, such as the Islamic republic, are now suddenly waking up and understanding Mao-Tse-Toung's maybe only valid claim that "Colonial Powers would sell the cord which can be use to hang themselves". The latest comments made by Jacques Chirac, the French President, on the "readiness of France to use any type of conventional or non-conventional arms against states sponsoring terrorism" can be qualified as an example of such sudden awakening and as part of its roots. It should be noted that Chirac himself was involved, in early 90s, in freeing terrorists in exchange for the Islamic Republic's juicy oil and industrial contracts. His new stance can be qualified as a positive step while Iranians will always remember how Chirac's Administration freed the Islamist terrorists who were involved in the murder of the late Dr. Shahpoor Bakhtiar and several other dissidents. The US for its part has been a relatively more trusted ally of the Iranian people and less involved in deal-making with the Islamic Republic. However, lobbyist groups and infamous apologists of the clerical regime (such as Hooshang Amir-Ahmadi and Mehranguiz Kar of the self called "American Iranian Council" (AIC), Titra Parsi of the self proclaimed "National Iranian American Council" (NIAC), and the worst of all, Shirin Ebadi who is the opportunist Noble Peace Prize recipient) are looking to legitimize the Islamic regime by calling for the establishment of relations between Washington and Tehran. Helped by some so-called American Liberal circles and part of the media, they're intending to resume what was left of their immoral agenda with the victory of the Bush Administration in 2000. The possibility of sanctions against the regime has even boosted their activities and forced them to show their true intentions of trying to save the Islamic Republic. It's in reaction to such an immoral and illegitimate agenda that we must all mobilize as it is this agenda which is trying to put a lid on the real aspiration of Iranians for total democratic regime change in Iran and an end to the life of the Islamic regime via the careful use of the current open window of international attention. We must use any possible occasion to echo the outcry of Iranian people and all those rejecting Islamo-Faschism by calling for an end of theocratic rule in Iran!!! Any option, other than military, must be supported and used for freeing Iran and Iranians from the yoke of tyranny and terror! In that line we must participate in any American or European groups' actions which are targeting the root of our misery, no matter what other internal or additional agenda these groups might have!!

Our agenda is clear!!!

We want an end to the totality of the Islamic regime by staying on our principle that such a change should be only for bringing down the Islamic Republic regime by the hands of Iranians only and without endorsing any military action!!! This can be achieved by boycotting the Islamic regime's oil, by freezing Iran's assets and those of the regime's leaders which were looted on the back of Iranians, and by helping genuine and trusted Iranian opponents (not the usual mistrusted old horses and opportunists) to step in and create a unified, trusted platform that can respond to the aspirations of this huge mass which is the younger generation of Iran. Dear Iranians, Dear Americans, Dear Iranian-Americans, Dear Freedom Lovers,

The time has come that we must move forward and use all our power and every open window of opportunity while staying true to our principles! A group named "United American Committee" (UAC) has scheduled a major and nationwide rally in the USA. The major motif of the action is to "Protest against Islamo-Facshism" and it is to take place on "February 1, 2006", in some major American cities. The group's charter is stating that UAC's goal is "to promote awareness of threats which face America from within its very own borders, primarily focusing on Islamic extremism in America." It is adding that the movement is intended "to promote citizen involvement in national security issues, and to awaken Washington on the issue of Islamic extremism." While the UAC's stated goal might seem to some as having the purpose of an internal American debate or some right-wing agenda, in reality, no one can claim that Islamo-Faschism is not a real threat and source of tyranny and terror. That's why we're calling on each of you to seize the occasion and participate in some of the following UAC's demonstrations of "February 1st" that we do co-sponsor hereby.

These co-sponsored rallies, where we'll be also present, are as follows: 1) CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, In front of the federal Building, located at 11000 Wilshire Boulevard Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM 2) NEW YORK: New York City, at the World Trade Center - Ground Zero Time: 1:00 PM 3) TEXAS: - Dallas (Addison), at the Intersection of Beltline and Addison Time: 4:30PM - Houston, at the Tranquility Park located between Walker and Rusk Sts Time: 12:00 PM Remember that your participation would''t mean the acceptance of any group's total agenda, but it would be a clear show of support for the call to oppose Islamo-faschism and the Iranians' aspiration for the peaceful liberation of Iran!! In that line, the SMCCDI, the INSP (Iran's National Secular Party), and the "Alliance of Iranians" (Texas) are participating in some of the February 1st rallies against Islamo-Faschism. Our members and supporters will also be carrying placards stating "End the Islamic Republic in Iran!", "No to Theocracy, Yes to Secular Democracy!", "Democratic Regime Change in Iran!", "Respect Iran's Territorial Integrity", "Down with Islamo-Faschism". We will also carry Iran's only legitimate flag which is the "Lion & Sun", which has been banned by the clerical regime!! May it be raised again on the Damavand pick, in all Iran's current provinces and on all the Iranian islands of the eternal Persian Gulf! We're looking to shake the hand of each of you, on February 1st, and are calling on those in Europe to seize the occasion and organize the same type of action in the cities of their residence!!

Please spread this message and ask your friends, relatives and co-workers to participate as well!

United we stand! Divided we fall! The "Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran" (SMCCDI)

The evolution of revolution

Jerusalem Post:

by Saul Singer

This is the most grave situation that we have faced since the end of the Cold War, absent the whole war on terror. - Sen. John McCain on Iran, on Sunday's "Face the Nation" John McCain, Republican Senator from Arizona and presidential hopeful, is absolutely right about the gravity of the threat from a nuclear Iran. But does anyone notice something strange? McCain strongly backed President George Bush in toppling Saddam Hussein, and is an unabashed hawk in the war against militant Islamism. Presumably, he cheered when Bush launched his doctrine of regime change against rogue regimes - the famed "axis of evil," of which Iran is a charter member. Yet even McCain describes the Iran crisis as something separate from the fight against terrorism. How can this be? Somehow the old, pre-9/11 idea that fighting terrorism means hunting down groups like al-Qaida, rather than confronting terrorist states has crept back into the minds of even the most ardent supporters of Bush's foreign policy. Perhaps McCain made a slip of the tongue, but if so, it was quite a slip. What he should have said was that preventing a nuclear Iran is the pivotal challenge facing the war against terrorism today. But doesn't everyone know that al-Qaida is Sunni and Iran is Shi'ite, and never the twain shall meet? Iran supports Hizbullah and Islamic Jihad against Israel, but what do the mullahs have to do with al-Qaida and 9/11? In reality, the conventional notion of a chasm between the Sunni and Shi'ite branches of the Islamist jihad is mistaken. The official 9/11 Report has a whole section titled "Assistance from Hezbollah and Iran to al Qaeda" that notes "we now have evidence suggesting that 8 to 10 of the 14 Saudi 'muscle' [9/11] hijackers traveled into or out of Iran between October 2000 and February 2001." The report states that al-Qaida terrorists received "advice and training" from Hizbullah, and cites detainee testimony that "Iran made a concerted effort to strengthen relations with al Qaeda after the October 2000 attack on the USS Cole, but was rebuffed because Bin Ladin did not want to alienate his supporters in Saudi Arabia." The same source reports that Iranian border inspectors were instructed not to stamp the passports of al-Qaida operatives, mainly to facilitate travel to Saudi Arabia. On December 18, 2005, The New York Times reported that after the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, "Al Qaeda lost its sanctuary, and Osama bin Laden and other Qaeda leaders scattered to Pakistan, Iran and other countries." THERE IS, then, no shortage of direct connections between Iran and al-Qaida, including specifically the 9/11 hijackers. Sunni and Shi'ite terrorists, it turns out, are happy to work together toward a common cause such as killing Americans and Israelis. Still, it might be argued that al-Qaida, regardless of any assistance it receives from Iran, is essentially an independent actor, and so it is a stretch to claim that targeting Iran is an efficient way to fight al-Qaida. But this sort of thinking, though common, also misunderstands the war we are in. Putting terrorist groups at the center and their state backers on the periphery is the wrong way around. The whole progress of the war, in either direction, should be measured, as the terrorists do, in the coin of states, not groups. Al-Qaida knows that no terrorist group can subdue the US, let alone control the world. The militant Islamist theory of victory is simple: Take over as many states as possible, first in the Muslim world, then beyond. Now that pro-terror regimes in Iraq and Afghanistan are gone and Libya has cried uncle and ostensibly abandoned the terror/nuke business, Iran is far and away the most important terrorist regime in the world. For Israel, Iranian nukes are obviously an existential threat. But for the world as well, a nuclearized Iran would represent the pivot between a world with more terror states and one with fewer. Make no mistake, if the mullahs fell, it would be a major, perhaps mortal blow to al-Qaida and to militant Islam worldwide. This is so because terrorists depend not on military power, which they lack, but on a sense of inevitability and despair, which they hope to create. They are either the wave of the future, or they are nothing. When the Taliban fell in Afghanistan, there was suddenly a surplus of Bin Laden T-shirts in Peshawar, Pakistan. McCAIN SAID another important thing in that same interview: "The Iranian people are not happy under these mullahs. They oppress and repress them. We've got to do much more to encourage the democracy movement in Iran." He's right for two reasons: The fall of the Iranian regime would deal the greatest blow to Islamist terrorism, and it is the only sure way to protect against a nuclearized terror state. As our columnist Amir Taheri noted, the West should "acknowledge that the problem is not uranium enrichment but the nature of the Iranian regime. More than 20 countries, from Argentina to Ukraine, enrich uranium without anyone making a fuss. But who can trust the present leadership in Teheran not to embark upon some tragic mischief in the name of its ideology?" The Iranian regime should be the subject of withering international isolation of the sort used to topple Somoza in Nicaragua, Marcos in the Philippines, the apartheid regime in South Africa and, most recently, to reverse the stolen election in the Ukraine. Indeed, the mullocracy is more deserving of pariah status than any of these other nasty regimes, since it both oppresses its own people and poses a dire threat to international security. The great irony is that though Iran's aggression compounds its human rights sins, its support for terrorism has allowed it to escape the campaigns used to vanquish less-threatening dictatorships.

The most significant impact of economic, or even military, sanctions may not be their direct effects but their contribution to a comprehensive denial of legitimacy. Though the mullahs seem to revel in flouting the international community, it is such isolation and rejection - and their own people - that they fear most.

The ultimate solution to the Iran problem is an old-fashioned one: revolution.

HILLARY CLINTON TAKES MONEY FROM THE MULLAHS

Publius Pundit:

Hillary Clinton, on her latest rumble and tumble of speeches aimed at the Bush administration, has accused it of downplaying Iran as a threat to national security and has subsequently called for sanctions against the regime. But in the wake of so many lobbying and corruption scandals in Washington, is Hillary playing a game of double standards? According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Clinton has received $5000 in campaign contributions from a PAC called the American Iranian Council, which is known to be against sanctions and in favor of restoring diplomatic and trade relations between America and Iran — something that would only further prop up the regime.

The money was raised from Hassan Nemazee and Faraj Aalaei, with further solicitations to Gati Kashani, all figures linked to AIC and the mullahs. Here is more factual information from John Spencer regarding Clinton’s pandering to this group in exchange for their money.

On its website, the Iranian American PAC noted, “On Friday June 3rd, Iranian American friends of the Hillary Clinton Senate re-election campaign hosted a fundraising event in honor of Senator Clinton. The event took place at the home of Gita and Behzad Kashani in Los Altos Hills, California.”

The PAC favors looser Visa rule for Iranians coming to the United States. The FBI opposes liberalized visas for the terrorist state. But in full pander mode, the PAC reported Clinton attacked United States Visa policy. “Senator Clinton went on to address the audience on topics specifically relevant to the Iranian American community. She discussed immigration and acknowledged the difficulties Iranian nationals have in obtaining visas to visit family members residing in America. ‘Our visa policy is not only unfair but it’s not good for America.’”

Pathetic. If taking on the mullahs is truly your conviction, you shouldn’t be taking money from them. Though skeptical, I had started to get a better image of her on the international stage because of her very in-your-face support of the democratic revolutions sweeping the world this past year. But this seems to prove what we already knew in the first place: it’s all for show.

UPDATE: Jim Hoft investigates further into the AIC’s fundraising activities.

Robert Mayer

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2006/01/hillary-bashes-bush-while-banking.html

Hillary Bashes Bush While Banking Iranian Donations!

** She Even Held a Fundraiser with Iranians Accused of being Pro-Regime Supporters! ** Robert Mayer at Publius Pundit found this amazing news today... At one fundraiser Hillary discussed immigration and acknowledged the difficulties Iranian nationals have in obtaining visas to visit family members residing in America. "Our visa policy is not only unfair but it’s not good for America. We’re losing out by keeping out keen minds and ideas, which is having a negative impact on our competitive advantage." (Payvand) We're also keeping out the Mullah suicide recruits! Here is a photo of Hillary at a fundraiser on Friday, June 3rd, 2005, at the home of Gita and Behzad Kashani in Los Altos Hills, California. (Payvand) Senator Clinton accepts money from supporters of Iranian Mullahs

Senator Clinton has accused President Bush of downplaying the threat from Iran while she has been accepting money from supporters of the Iranian regime. Wealthy businessmen Hassan Nemazee and Faraj Aalaei are associated with the American Iranian Council, a pro-regime anti-sanctions group. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Namazee has contributed $4,000 to Clinton's reelection while Aalaei has given $1,000. The press describes their lobby this way "the American-Iranian Council [AIC], a pro-regime lobbying group trying to get Congress and the Bush administration to lift the trade embargo on Iran." (Insight, 3/25/04) Hillary Clinton is also raising money from Gati Kashani, another figure linked with the Mullahs. On its website, the Iranian American PAC noted, "On Friday June 3rd, Iranian American friends of the Hillary Clinton Senate re-election campaign hosted a fundraising event in honor of Senator Clinton. The event took place at the home of Gita (pictured on the left) and Behzad Kashani in Los Altos Hills, California."

Oh... and Hillary is not the only one... Senator Joseph Biden held a fundraiser at the home of Dr. Namazi-khah. The doctor is well-known in the Los Angeles area for his support of the ruling clerical regime in Tehran and is one of the regime's leading unofficial lobbyists in America. The event hauled in an estimated 30,000 dollars into Biden's re-election coffers. Here is more on the Biden event. John Kerry's Iranian campaign contributor Hassan Nemazee tried to silence the SMCCDI, a pro-democracy Iranian student group. During the 2004 presidential debates, John Kerry insisted as president he would provide Tehran with the nuclear fuel it wants for a pledge to use it for peaceful purposes only. (How was this forgotten this past week? No wonder JFK has been silent on the latest developments in Iran!)

IRAN-RELATED TOP MUST READ OP-EDs

Publius Pundit:

If you’re already going to rest for the weekend, think again: there’re some op/eds you might want to read and I thought I had to post them here.

Michael Ledeen wrote an interesting piece in the National Review urging the Bush administration to do the right thing with respect to Iran.

Below are some excerpts :

You want to bomb the nuclear facilities? Do you really believe that our intelligence community is capable of identifying them? The same crowd that did all that yeoman work on Saddam’s Iraq? The CIA that once received accurate information on Iranian schemes in Afghanistan, only to walk away from the sources that provided it? The CIA that, three times in the past 15 years or so, seems to have had its entire “network” inside Iran rolled up by the mullahs? And even if you believe that we have good information about the nuclear sites, are you prepared to deal with the political consequences, in Iran and throughout the region? Do we even know, with any degree of reliability, what those are? Look at the problems we now face in Pakistan, after a handful of innocents were killed in an assault against a presumed terrorist gathering. Then imagine, if you can, the problems following hundreds, or thousands of innocents killed in raids inside Iran. Are you prepared for that? […]

it seems self-evident that it would be even more urgent to support revolution in a nuclear Iran than earlier, doesn’t it? So why not start now? The Iranian people may be ready. We won’t know until we try.

I’ve to say that I disagree with the following statement:

Sanctions, even if you accept the fantasy that the West en bloc accepts them and enforces them, would do more harm than good

In my opinion, sanctions would further isolate the Mullahs’ regime , even though this is not enough.

John A. Ross of American Daily suggests ways to counter attack the Islamic Republic’s fascism, by supporting genuine opposition groups.

Well within international decorum, the U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with Iran and can, therefore, legally align, or recognize any representative organization within Iran or in exile. The recent formation of the Iranian National Secular Party (INSP) in exile is a natural place for the U.S. Government to start the process of regime change in Iran. Enjoying unparalleled support from Iranians in Iran and around the world, the Iranian National Secular Party (INSP) is postured perfectly to translate the Iranian people’s desire to acquire the levers of power in Tehran.

J. Grant Swank Jr, Mich News, also proposes to work with Iranian opposition groups.

On Iranian political forums, Nobel Prize Winner Shirin Ebadi is criticized for her almost pro-regime tones and for urging the Bush administration not to support the pro-democracy groups in the exile. Read the posts in the forums of Marze Por Gohar and Activist Chat.

I agree with the posts.

Well, it’s all for today. In case there’s some important news, I’ll return and update.

Brokeback Diplomacy

Cox and Forkum:

From FoxNews: Germany: Diplomacy Can Solve Iran Crisis.

Germany's foreign minister said in comments broadcast Thursday that European efforts to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council did not mean abandoning attempts to reach a diplomatic solution.

Iran's top nuclear negotiator, meanwhile, told the British Broadcasting Corp. that his country is ready to compromise with the West over its nuclear program. ...

Europe, backed by the United States, on Wednesday rejected Iran's request for talks, raising international pressure on Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment. ...

The quick dismissal of Iran's request for a ministerial-level meeting with French, British and German negotiators focused attention on the next step: the U.S. and European push to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council, which could impose economic and political sanctions.

Russia and China, which have veto power on the council, appeared to remain the greatest obstacles. Both nations are opposed to sanctioning a country with which they have strong economic and strategic ties. In recent days, they have expressed reluctance even to the idea of referral.

Even if there were consensus on sanctions, the five permanent Security Council members would be faced with a dilemma. Placing an embargo on Iran's oil exports would hurt Tehran, which earns most of its revenues from energy sales, but also roil world crude markets, spiking prices upward. [Emphasis added]

Posted by Forkum at January 19, 2006 04:53 PM

IRAN: SUPPORT HOPE FIGHTERS WITHIN & WITHOUT

MichNews.com:

By J. Grant Swank, Jr. Jan 19, 2006 Since 1979, Iran has declared war on the USA. It’s not a recent comeupon. Iran’s goal has always been Islam world rule, particularly overtaking the USA. Iranian Islamic fanatics never give up.

At present, Iran is run by a maniacal demonic messiah forerunner. He and scores of other Allah loyalists believe that when chaos envelopes the world, then Islam’s messiah will appear. He as president of the legalistic killing cult will help usher in that reign.

Therefore, the egocentric, eccentric president listens to no one but the Koran’s Allah. No UN Security Council. No European / American delegation. No one but Islam’s deity. And that deity is laced in blood, murder and maiming.

Further, that chaos could involve dropping bombs here and there—particularly America and Israel, hence the build up of nuclear power in Iran.

Iran then will make and drop the bomb. It is in the will of Allah. Chaos must come to the planet. Only then can the messiah appear. Allah’s will does not change, no matter the diplomatic discussions offered Iran. Iran goes to a higher power—Allah’s declarations in the "holy book."

Iranian murder cultic leadership does not care at all about the UN, sanctions, or board room dialogue. Further, Iran is fourth in oil producers. Iran threatens that if free world leaders push Iran over the patience line, Iran will cut off the oil. Prices will soar through the free world roof.

Consequently, the rest of the world politic is wrestling with a murdering cult, not a politic. That is not realized by most free country leaders. They still think they are dealing with a politic, hence UN Security Council, sanctions, talks, etc. Not so, as well as not so in New Iraq. Likewise there the Islamic hellish theology will rule from Parliament to the grassroots; indeed New Iraq could develop into another Iran.

Is there any hope?

Yes. It is the God of the Bible. He has intervened to rescue His planet before—both in biblical literature and in the secular history books. He can do that again any time He so wisely desires. "The battle is the Lord’s," the Bible states. Consequently, believers must intercede constantly to heaven’s throne on behalf of the planet’s safety and freedom’s existence.

Yes, hope also is in mobilizing the freedom fighters within Iran and those in exile. There are those who are waiting desperately for the free world to realize their existence. Take for instance the Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran.

Visit this site: STUDENT MOVEMENT COORDINATION COMMITTEE FOR DEMOCRACY IN IRAN (SMCCDI)

The purpose of that organization is set forth as follows:

"It's to note that the members of our Movement consist of students inside and outside of Iran, as well as Iranian professionals who share the students’ vision of a free, independent, democratic, secular and industrialized Iran.

"Although we have differing views for a post-theocracy Iran, we are united based on our shared beliefs in nonviolent resistance, secularism, peace, democracy and free markets.

"We believe the common objectives that unite those of us who oppose the theocracy are far greater than what divides us. Yet, we have allowed our differences to dictate our actions, permitting the theocracy to take advantage of our lack of unity.

"We need to come together and unite behind a set of principles and ideals, not an individual. No more individual worship. That time has long faded. How many times must we set up ourselves for disappointment by putting all of our hopes behind an individual?

"We need to look forward to the future and create a better life for our children, not waste time placing blame for past mistakes or constantly criticizing one another.

"We need a tangible, constructive and positive action plan. Let us unite behind implementing peace, democracy, free markets and a bill of rights in Iran, while trusting the Iranian people to decide as to which government or individual suits them best."

There are other organizations such as Regime Change in Iran. Its web site provides a daily briefing on Iranian happenings. The site also provides blogs for "a real democracy in Iran."

Visit: REGIME CHANGE IN IRAN

In order to get out the message of freedom fighters within and outside of Iran, "A Few Simple Shots" movie will premiere this week. It is a "first look into the untold stories of Iranian political prisoners," according to the producers.

The promoters state: "Three years in the making, acclaimed Iranian Director Joseph Akrami presents a documentary on the untold stories of Iranian political prisoners.

"A FEW SIMPLE SHOTS takes the audience on a behind the scenes look of the corrupt Iranian government with stories told from past political prisoners, United Nations Officials and human rights organizers.

"Through his movie, Akrami presents a world of unfair and restrictive laws that is oppressing a nation that is left with no voice.

The movie will be shown to a select audience at the Wehlstetter Conference Center, Twelfth Floor, AEI, 1150 Seventeenth Street, NW, Washington DC on Friday, January 20 at 7 PM. Registration is at 4:45 PM. Discussants will hold forth at 5 PM, featuring Joseph Akrami, Independent filmmaker. Guests will include Nina Shea, Center for Religious Freedom. Email: VRodman@aei.org or phone 202-862-4871.

Yes, there is hope. But it is limited. However, with God there is no limitation.

Counter Attacking Iran’s Fascism

The American Daily:

By John A. Ross (01/19/06) It apparently took the outrageous verbal rants of the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad, to get Europe and America to come to the realization that Iran’s Mullahs represent a dangerous threat. Advocating “wiping Israel off the map” and promoting the concept that the “holocaust” is a myth created by the West to justify Israel’s statehood in the Middle East are Ahmadi-Nejad’s war cry. Threatening Israel’s very existence and overtly pursuing an atomic fuel-cycle capability that probably will place weapons of mass destruction under their control must rightly terrify anyone with a brain. Designed to coerce the U.S. and Europe to counterattack in some way that will be used to rally the Arab world around Iran, Tehran’s non-Arab Mullahs are playing all their cards to stay in power. Astutely aware the U.S. and Europe have taken their bait, Iran’s manipulating Mullahs have recently directed their supporters to project a national image of social tranquility around the world. The real situation in Iran is diametrically opposite to the false image the Mullahs are trying to project through their minions to the world, and it is nothing more than a manipulative ploy. Saddled with the fact that less that 15% of Iranians voted in last year’s presidential election and there are violent demonstrations against the regime almost every week, Iran’s Mullahs are bluffing. Requiring some of the intestinal fortitude America’s military and coalition partners have demonstrated in Iraq, resolution to the current Iranian threat can be easily resolved. Supporting Iranian regime change advocates with resources and imposing a 55-MPH restriction, similar to the 1973 response to the Arab embargo, will quickly rearrange the world’s priorities. For starters, China and India’s energy concerns will suddenly disappear, Russia and the Arabs will have a glut of oil they can’t sell and will do anything to get rid of Iran’s Mullahs causing them to lose profits. Deprived of reactionary Arab cover at their side, Iran’s fascist Mullahs would then try to blockade the Hormuz Strait using terrorists organizations they support and missiles purchased from China. Attempting to blockade the Hormuz Strait would bring the full force of the American military on the Iranians and, in all likelihood, a complete blockade of all Iranian ports and severing all pipe lines in and out of Iran. Precision bombing of hidden nuclear sites throughout Iran would ensue and the Mullah’s would be left to deal with the Iranian people they have systematically brutalized for the last 26 years. Well within international decorum, the U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with Iran and can, therefore, legally align, or recognize any representative organization within Iran or in exile. The recent formation of the Iranian National Secular Party (INSP) in exile is a natural place for the U.S. Government to start the process of regime change in Iran. Enjoying unparalleled support from Iranians in Iran and around the world, the Iranian National Secular Party (INSP) is postured perfectly to translate the Iranian people’s desire to acquire the levers of power in Tehran. It is a foregone fact that Iran’s Mullahs are the primary sponsors of terrorism around the world, proven to be complicit in the 9/11 atrocity, seek weapons of mass destruction and commit brutal human rights offenses against the Iranian people. As such, the Mullahs must return to their Mosques, or the Iranian people must be helped in dealing with them in their own way.