The Saudis have shot down another Iranian drone, this one aiming for an airport.  “Saudi Arabia downs Iranian-backed threat on eve of Israel-UAE flight,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 31, 2020.

And speaking of deadly drone technology.  “Iran boasts of new bombs for drones in armed forces display,” Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, August 31, 2020.

It is time to use a Yiddish/Hebrew term to describe Iran’s behavior—Chutzpah.  Iran wants to restart flights to Kiev even though Iran hasn’t come clean or paid for the shooting down of Ukraine’s jetliner.  “Iran has called for the resumption of air traffic with Ukraine,” Steve Cowan, Free News, August 31, 2020.

“Mother of Iranian sons sentenced claims they were tortured,” Al Monitor, August 31, 2020.  “Bahieh Namjoo, the mother of Navid, Vahid and Habib Afkari, sent a recorded video to BBC Persian highlighting the cases of her three sons. Navid received a “double death sentence” for allegedly killing a police officer during the 2018 protests. Vahid was sentenced to 54 years in prison, and Habib was sentenced to 27 years. All of the brothers have also been sentenced to 74 lashes. In the video, Namjoo said that two years ago authorities arrested Navid and Vahid. After three months, authorities also arrested the third brother, Habib. Namjoo believes Habib’s efforts to get his brothers released are what led to his arrest. According to Namjoo, all three brothers were tortured during their imprisonment. Navid’s hand was broken, and Habib’s hands and legs were broken. She also claims that Vahid was psychologically tortured, which led to him attempting to take his own life twice.”

“Iran’s IRGC downplays rampant corruption and its implications,” Mohammed Al-Sulami, op-ed, Arab News, August 31, 2020.

“Iran’s Multiethnic Society Explains Why Tehran Fears Democracy,” Brenda Shaffer, The National Interest, August 31, 2020.