It is not a statue of Soleimani in southern Lebanon in the small town of Maroun al-Ras, it looks like a large, heavy-duty plywood cut-out.  You can see the video at “Hezbollah unveils Soleimani statue at Israeli border,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 15, 2020.

“National ID Card as a New Tool to Oppress Minorities in Iran,” Iran Press Watch, February 14, 2020.

“Hardliners set to ‘take complete control’ in Iran elections,” Stephanie Trouillard, France24, February 15, 2020.

Almost daily comments by various Regime leaders are now joined by Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC  Aerospace force—the region must unite to expel “Zionists” and Americans.  His comments are significant because he oversees Iran’s missiles and drones.  Hajizadeh was in charge of the ballistic missile attack on U.S. forces at Ayn al-Assad base in Iraq in January.  He also said, “Today …  [the] “axis of resistance extends from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, from Ansarullah in Yemen to Hezbollah in Lebanon.”  This is the Shia Crescent, and is reflective of Iran’s efforts for hegemonic rule over the Middle East.  See “Iran’s Hajizadeh: We must unite to expel the Zionists and Americans,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, February 15, 2020.

This is nice for the people of Iran—the tourism ministry has introduced “Simurgh” as its main tourism symbol/marketing device.  This animal is a mythical bird of Persian legend, supposedly having great wisdom.  If the Regime wants to really draw tourists, as the UN encourages it to, Iran must be wise and release hostages and stop its bullying of neighboring states.  See “The wait is over: “Simurgh” named Iran’s national brand for tourism,” Tehran Times, February 15, 2020.

“Iran Warns Korean Giants Forced By Sanctions Not To Leave Market,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, February 15, 2020.

“Top US Official Urges Tehran Regime to Give Iranian People a ‘Real Choice’ in Parliamentary Elections,” Algemeiner, February 14, 2020.

“Canada joins other nations pressing Iran for compensation to Ukrainian jetliner victims,” The Star, February 15, 2020.