Heavy news day. So, hackers (who?) gained access to the computers and cameras of Evin Prison. Will the world hold Iran accountable? Don’t believe the headline that guards will be prosecuted—oh, they may, but the Regime already knew what they were doing there. This is a show trial. We know who should really be prosecuted. “After leaked videos, Iran opens cases against prison guards,” AP, September 1, 2021.
A closed national internet is one more type of prison imposed by the Regime on its citizens. “Iran eyes 2025 to complete controversial national intranet,” James Barton, Developing Telecoms, September 1, 2021.
The Taliban’s new leader will be the never seen Hibatullah Akhundzada. See “Taliban to Follow Iran Model, Appoints Supreme Leader,” Kashmir Observer, September 1, 2021.
What does Iran do to woe Africa? You don’t read this every day in the news. “Africa emerges as next scene of confrontation between Israel, Iran,” Danny Citrinowicz, Al Monitor, September 1, 2021. “Traditionally, Iran sees the African continent as an important arena in its global struggle for influence. It is competing for influence against Saudi Arabia and also against the West, exploiting anti-colonial sentiments in the continent. To establish influence in Africa, Iran had created over the years an infrastructure of mosques, cultural centers, charitable networks and educational institutions. These were used to spread its revolutionary ethos across the continent. Of course, Iran is not the only Muslim country exporting Islam to Africa and supporting its spread there. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other countries are also operating in a rather similar manner. Still, Iranian efforts at penetrating Africa also have other components. Experts believe that by exploiting fragile political structures in some African countries, and perhaps even with the support of the Lebanese diaspora, Iran and its affiliates have succeeded in building smuggling and crime networks. Through these networks, it is argued, Iran recruits local operatives, who then also join the Iranian religious cause. Experts point to evidence indicating that the Iranian Quds Force (through Unit 400) trains, funds and equips several separatist groups in Africa and provides training to Shiite groups, including the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. Iran has also used its ties with some African countries to bypass the economic sanctions that were enforced by Washington.”
“Sixty Percent Of Buildings In Iran’s Capital ‘Don’t Comply’ With Earthquake Standards,” RFE/RL, September 1, 2021. “An Iranian newspaper has quoted a Tehran risk management official as saying that 6-in-10 of the city’s buildings don’t meet seismic standards and would be heavily damaged if a major earthquake hit. The report in the Hamshahri newspaper quotes city risk management department head Reza Karami-Mohammadi as saying 1-in-5 of Tehran’s buildings would be “completely destroyed” in a big earthquake. Iran lies on the Iranian Plateau at the juncture of the Eurasian Plate to the north and the Indian Plate to the southeast and is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. “Sixty percent of the buildings do not comply with the anti-seismic standards and will be seriously damaged” if a magnitude-6.5 or bigger quake were to strike, Karami-Mohammadi was quoted as saying.”
No surprise here. But how with the U.S. respond to this feet-dragging? “Iran says nuclear talks might not resume for 2-3 months,” AFP, September 1, 2021.
“To take on Iran, Lapid sketches out vision for a regional ‘alliance of life’,” Lazar Berman, Times of Israel, September 1, 2021. “Foreign minister’s ambitious plan would establish a broad axis stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic, but can he make it happen?”
“Lebanese Government Says No Permission Sought To Import Iranian Fuel,” Iran International, September 1, 2021.
Only took a couple of days to drive over to Iran. “Taliban Reportedly Deliver American Military Hardware To Iran,” Iran International, September 1, 2021.
“The Takeaway: Iranian foreign policy under Raisi takes shape,” Al Monitor, September 1, 2021.
“Report: Tankers Under Way to Lebanon With Sanctioned Iranian Fuel,” Maritime Executive, September 1, 2021.
“As COVID-19 Spikes, Iran Pirouettes on Western Vaccine Ban,” Nisan Ahmado, Polygraph.info, September 1, 2021.