Amnesty International found that more than 220 of the recorded 304 deaths of men, women, and children by Iran’s security forces took place over just two days, Nov. 16 and 17, and that new and extensive research has again found that the security forces’ use of lethal force against these was unlawful.  There was no evidence the people were in possession of firearms or that they posed an imminent threat to life that would have warranted the use of lethal force.  “Iran: Details released of 304 deaths during protests six months after security forces’ killing spree,” Philip Luther, Amnesty International, May 20, 2020.

“Venezuela’s Guaido says Iran fuel shipment ought to alarm Latin America,” Reuters, May 20, 2020.

“Iran arrests athlete for kissing girlfriend on roof in Tehran,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2020.

“Iran will support any nation or group that fights Israel: supreme leader,” Reuters, May 20, 2020.

Anyone who doubts the Shia Crescent is still a goal, look at this story.  “From Beirut to Bangui: inside Iran’s plan to take proxy wars to Africa,” Albin Szakola and Jack Losh, The National, May 20, 2020.

“Israel claims Iran sent Libya’s Haftar anti-tank arms,” Betul Yuruk, AA, May 20, 2020.

Etihad Airways flew 16 tons of aid for Palestinians via Tel Aviv in the first Gulf country flight to Israel.  “Iran’s leader accuses UAE of ‘treachery’ after first direct flight to Israel,” Times of Israel, May 20, 2020.

What a lovely gift for Quds Day!  The poster shows a conquered Jerusalem with the mosque and the dome, with photos of the late Quds Force general Qassem Soleimani.  “Iran’s supreme leader releases anti-Israel ‘final solution’ poster,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, May 20, 2020.