News Archive - 19 January 2012

[Video] Fajr Sepasi – Esteghlal Tehran Fajr Sepasi 2 – 1 Esteghlal Tehran (W21) 09′ [1-0] Mehdi Rajabzadeh (P.K.) Get the Flash Player to see this content. Download 19′ [1-1] Mojtaba Jabbari (P.K.) Get the Flash Player to see this content. Download 84′ [2-1] Mehdi...

Talks are still on to fix date and location of the new round of negotiations with 5+1 on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, accoridng to a senior IRI official. Deputy head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Baqeri told IRNA on Thursday that no decision has been reached on the...

Six US troops have died in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan, US officials said Thursday. The helicopter went down in Helmand province, according to an AFP report. In a brief statement, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said the cause of the crash was "under investigation." Earlier this week,...

Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei met with relatives of the assassinated Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan Thursday night. Ayatollah Khamenei said in the meeting that the elite martyrs are source of honor for the country, adding that the martyrs are worth to be honored for they had...

pope Benedict XVI warned against the grave dangers that "radical secularism" posed to the Catholic Church and society in general during a meeting Thursday with US bishops. The United States was founded "on certain ethical principles" that have "eroded significantly in the face of powerful new cultural currents...," he...

Saudi protesters have taken to the streets in the Qatif region of the Eastern Province, waging yet another protest rally against the ruling Al Saud family, according to Press TV. Demonstrators took to the streets in Qatif on Thursday and chanted slogans against the Al Saud family, specifically Crown Prince...

Ramsey Clark, former U.S. attorney general and co-founder and representative of the International Action Center underlined the fact that the US and Israel were involved in the assassination of Iranian scientists. He also called for an end to a campaign of terror against Iran and Iranian scientists. The statement...

Helicopters flew supplies into snowbound villages in mountainous northeastern Afghanistan Thursday as the death toll from heavy snowfalls and avalanches rose to at least 28, an official said. Dozens more people have been injured or are trapped in their homes under up to three metres (10 feet) of snow in...

At least five US-led soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, according to Press TV.

>* Filings for new jobless benefits drop to 4-year low* U.S. gasoline demand plummets to lowest in more than a decade* Brent biased to revisit a low of $110.37 -technicals (Adds comments, weekly milestone, updates prices)By Manash GoswamiSINGAPORE, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Brent crude held steady above $111...

>NEW YORK (Reuters) - An international debate over whether to censor new research on bird flu may soon prove academic, as other laboratories close in on similar findings showing how one of the most deadly viruses could mutate to be transmitted from one person to another. Ron Fouchier of Erasmus...

>Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, made clear in an interview with Financial Times Deutschland that the U.N. body would press for full cooperation in meetings with Iranian officials in Tehran."What we know suggests the development of nuclear weapons," he was quoted as saying...

>Iranian negotiators last met counterparts from six world powers in Istanbul a year ago, and Turkey has played a leading role in trying to bring Iran back to the table.Addressing a joint newsconference with Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, Davutoglu said: "We have to understand that both parties...

>* Message addressed to U.S-backed Gulf Arab oil exporters* France sees EU imposing oil sanctions on Iran on MondayBy Tulay KaradenizANKARA, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Iran's foreign minister warned Arab neighbours not to put themselves in a "dangerous position" by aligning themselves too closely with the United States in...

>* PAJ, Idemitsu not in deep discussions with Japan govt on Iran* Japan's Jan-Nov 2011 Iran imports down 12 pct yr/yr (Adds details)By Osamu TsukimoriTOKYO, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Japan's oil industry is likely to cut its purchases of Iranian crude oil in about three months as Tokyo grapples with...

>By Chris BuckleyBEIJING Jan 19 (Reuters) - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao defended his country's extensive oil trade with Iran against Western sanctions pressure in comments published on Thursday, and yet also warned Tehran against any effort to acquire nuclear weapons.Wen spoke on Wednesday at the end of a six-day...

The release of 52 hostages Jan. 20, 1981, ended a 444-day crisis between what two countries?

Summary Box: Embargo is 'economic suicide' for EU Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Published 08:56 a.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Iran's OPEC governor said Tuesday a European Union embargo on Iranian oil would be "economic...

More than 20 homes have been destroyed by a fast-moving brush fire near Reno, Nevada, that has forced about 10,000 people to evacuate their neighbourhoods. Related Stories Gingrich fury over ex-wife's claims Iran 'can build nuclear bomb now' Sex ruled safe for heart patients Costa Concordia cruise tragedy: Woman diner...

Oil prices were higher in Asian trade as a weaker US currency encouraged buying of the dollar-priced commodity.

A Separation is a simple story of family breakdown, but under that straightforward narrative is a detailed map of the class, gender, cultural and religious differences that divide contemporary Iran.

SINGAPORE, Jan 20, 2012 (AFP) - Oil prices were higher in Asian trade Friday as a weaker US currency encouraged buying of the dollar-priced commodity.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Gold regained strength on Friday after an early drop in prices spurred bargain hunting from investors in Asia, while a steady euro and rising equities offered additional support for the metal, which is heading for its third week of gains. Consumers in China helped bullion jump to...

Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey signed a treaty on economic and trade cooperation according to which the level of trade transactions between two countries will reach USD 30 billion by the year 2015.

Had the GOP nomination hinged on a single vote four months ago, prior to a slew of gaffes and a Turkey earlier, Rick Perry might have been the GOP nominee.

HOUSTON — Police in Houston say they are testing some evidence found at the scene of a fatal shooting of an Iranian woman who was an activist on behalf of democracy and women’s rights in her home coun

January 20, 2003

The European Union is discussing whether to impose sanctions on Bank Tejarat, the last major Iranian bank financing large-volume trade in Europe, according to EU diplomats and sanctions specialists close to the negotiations.

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang intends to assist the transport sector amid the rising prices of oil, even as transport group leaders reportedly would not want to meet with President Aquino in a dialogue.

Every country should get rid of their chemical weapons. They’re deadly.

A young Moldovan woman who says she was called to the bridge of the stricken Costa Concordia to help evacuate Russian passengers has defended its embattled captain, saying he worked tirelessly and "saved over 3,000 lives". Related Stories Woman diner defends cruise captain Six killed in Nato helicopter crash Gingrich...

I dislike beards. Stealing time from my own tweezing life’s work, I may start a shaving movement: Buzz the Fuzz, Bare the Hair, Unfurl...

An Israeli hacker who goes by the name Hannibal this week stole 85,000 Facebook logins from Arab users of the social network, as part of an online hacker war being fought in the Middle East.

IRI and Russia discussed a step-by-step plan proposed by Russia for Iran’s nuclear issue. The plan was discussed by deputy Iranian National Security Council in foreign policy and international affairs and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday. Baqeri is currently in Russia for talks with Russian officials...

The AA said drivers have already seen a 1p a litre rise over the last fortnight - with another 1p now in the pipeline.

Nation & World briefing ATLANTA - A new government study suggests many teenage girls are clueless about their chances of getting pregnant.

International outcry isn’t strong enough over Iran’s treatment of a woman convicted of helping to kill her husband and of an ‘illicit relationship’ with two men

An Israeli former intelligence chief has said that Iran could build a nuclear bomb any time it wants, a claim that could aggravate tensions between Israel and the United States and heighten fears that the Jewish state could launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Related Stories Leap second...

Golshifteh Farahani, a Paris-based Iranian actress, has been banned from returning to Iran after posing nude for French magazine Madame Le Figaro.   read more

TEHRAN - At least 36 people were injured in a magnitude-5.6 earthquake that struck Iran on Thursday, an official said.

US President Barack Obama on Thursday said US-led sanctions had reduced Iran's economy to a 'shambles,' in a robust defense of his policy towards Tehran following sharp Republican attacks.

>* Talks with U.S. on Iran sanctions to continue* U.S. asked to consider Japan situation flexibly* Next working level meeting seen sooner than laterTOKYO, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Japanese Trade Minister Yukio Edano said on Friday that government officials told visiting U.S. counterparts that Japan's imports of...

The Korean economy will face greater risks this year as the Seoul government has agreed to reduce its oil imports from Iran gradually in response to a US request to participate in global sanctions aga .....

The U.S. and its NATO allies already have about a thousand of missiles capable of intercepting Russia’s intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Russian first deputy premier in charge of defense said.

The Republican presidential candidates face off for the 16th debate in Charleston South Carolina tonight. This time–only four contenders remain, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. CNN’s John King will moderate the debate and ask the candidates about the pressing issues of the day, such as “jobs,...

# iran While we're all up in arms over SOPA and PIPA , the government of Iran continues to monitor its citizen's Internet access . The government has gone so far as to sentence a programmer to death for insulting the sanctity of Islam because of a piece of software used...

Councilman Dan Coffey said he’s held several public forums, including a public meeting on stormwater earlier this month, and that they are sparsely attended. “It’s not that the council hasn’t been trying” to hold forums in the community, Coffey said.

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP) - Newt Gingrich is denying that he ever asked his ex-wife for an open marriage and is angrily denouncing the moderator of Thursday night's Republican debate for raising the issue. Related Stories BP could pay US $25 billion for Gulf oil spill: Analyst At least 100...

Esteqlal has suffered its second consecutive loss in the 21st week of Iran's Premier League as the Blues lost an away match against Sepasi.

The top U.S. general, visiting Israel at a delicate and dangerous moment in the global standoff with Tehran, is expected to press for restraint amid fears that the Jewish state is nearing a decision to attack Iran’s nuclear program.

Sara A. Carter National security correspondent Top U.S. defense officials are urging Israeli counterparts to show restraint with Iran, as part of an effort to lower the temperature in the ongoing crisis over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. On Friday, Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is...

The U.S. Republican Presidential race has tightened, and President Obama is facing a firestorm of protest from many sides, with his decision to cancel the Keystone oil pipeline from Canada to Texas. Connie Lawn sends us this audio report.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., who supports Mitt Romney for president, said today that he thinks Romney as president would concentrate on fiscal –not social – issues. Kirk backs the former Massachusetts governor, but has a more moderate stand on, for example, abortion. Kirk is pro-choice and Romney...

Down in front sit the two youngest reporters in the room, twin siblings Faith and Zach Dalzell of Daniel Island. They are 12 years old.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's just-concluded visit has promoted friendly cooperation with Nepal, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Thursday.

Iran's foreign minister has warned neighbouring states not to put themselves in a "dangerous position" by aligning themselves too closely with the United States in the escalating dispute over Tehran's nuclear activity.

thicks@bayareanewsgroupJude Law is one of 37 people who will receive cash payout and apologies from Rupert Murdoch's media empire for being harassed and having their phones and e-mails hacked by the tabloid press.

>U.S. crude was unchanged at $100.39 a barrel by 0018 GMT. The front-month February contract, which expires later in the day, settled lower for a second straight day. It hit the day's high at $102.06 early.Brent settled at $111.55 a barrel.FUNDAMENTALS* Besides the fall...

Columnist Bruce Ramsey asks an important question: What does a nuclear-armed Iran have to do with us? [“Why pick a fight with Iran?” Opinion, Jan. 18.] He says that a nuclear-armed Iran would be contained by other nuclear powers, namely Israel.

THE Iranian Presidency has circulated images of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s meeting in Havana with the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

LONDON (Reuters) - French black-and-white silent movie "The Artist" scooped three big prizes at the London Film Critics' Circle Awards on Thursday -- best film, best director and best actor. The honours added to growing momentum for the sentimental throwback to the "pre-talkie" Hollywood era after it won three Golden...

Lebanon saw a dramatic decline in tourism throughout 2011 with the number of visitors decreasing by 23.66 percent from 2010 levels.

THIS title, President Daniel Ortega’s campaign slogan during his reelection bid, was taken to heart by Nicaragua’s people, reflecting the desire of the broad masses in this small Central American country to consolidate the "Christian, socialist project of solidarity," as the Sandinista leader said during his swearing-in ceremony, held in...

The New Orleans Saints have decided on Steve Spagnuolo as their next defensive coordinator, according to a report by FOX's Jay Glazer.

NEW YORK - From the Magic Kingdom to the Apollo Theater, President Barack Obama on Thursday made the case for American tourism and his own re-election bid, mingling his political and economic agendas as he tried to stay ahead of the Republicans chasing after his job.

NEW YORK - Here's a crash course on how to further wreck the global economy.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senators on Thursday warned Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner not to weaken a new law aimed at thwarting Iran's nuclear ambitions by allowing countries to use different criteria to escape financial sanctions. The Treasury is grappling with how to implement the law that prohibits countries and their institutions...

(Freedom House/IFEX) - Washington - January 19, 2012 - The political uprisings that have swept the Arab world over the past year represent the most significant challenge to authoritarian rule since the collapse of Soviet communism, according to Freedom ...

The top U.S. military officer is visiting Israel and is expected to deliver the message that Washington currently favors sanctions, and not military action, in dealing with Iran's nuclear program. read more

Yesterday marked the third time in less than a month that the U.S. navy has saved Iranian sailors from some kind of maritime peril. Seriously, Iran, get your shit together.  Read more posts by Dan Amira Filed Under: international intrigue , iran

"Shahs of Sunset" will premiere on Bravo in March, and the first picture of the cast has been released.The new series is a joint venture between the network and Ryan Seacrest Productions, which follows "group of young Persian-American friends who juggle living and working in Los Angeles while balancing...

Two US marine helicopters collide over S. Afghanistan.

Senior Obama official denies the president quietly sought bilateral talks with Tehran.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has urged China to stop buying oil from Iran and join the West.

A Thai journalist and political activist who often exposed land disputes was shot dead in Phuket, Thailand, report the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), the International Federation of ...

Mobile phone giant Sony Ericsson has slumped to a loss in the final quarter of 2011 after it suffered poor Christmas trading and floods in Thailand disrupted its supply chain. Fourth quarter sales ...

Americans who beat the war drums by suggesting military strikes and regime change risk dragging this country into a new military calamity in the Middle East , write two former US hostages in Iran , L. Bruce Laingen and John Limbert. Nine years ago, in the case of Iraq ,...

Bangkok - Thailand's premier on Thursday defended her appointment of a cabinet minister who is on a US blacklist owing to alleged business links to Zimbabwe's President Robert ...

America's new ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, didn't exactly get the warmest of welcomes.

Top US military chief General Martin Dempsey arrived in Israel on Thursday, the US embassy said, for talks with political and military leaders that are expected to focus on Iran's nuclear programme.

Across the road from the headquarters of Kabul's police chief is a one-stop shop for every document an Afghan could need.

BRUSSELS (AP) — A possible European Union ban on oil deals with Iran remains in doubt just days before EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels in hopes of adopting it, a diplomat said Thursday.

The military has broken up an Islamic Jihad cell of 10 militants suspected of planning attacks on Israel.

>* Ankara, Tehran eye $30 bln annual trade by 2015By Tulay KaradenizANKARA, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Turkey and Iran said on Thursday they want to increase financial transfers between the two countries and double bilateral trade by 2015, a move likely to trouble Western powers trying to squeeze Tehran with...

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are at a high point, as the Islamic Republic threatens to close off a vital waterway and two U.S. aircraft carrier battle groups sit in the seas off the Iranian coast.

Today is Thursday, Jan. 19, the 19th day of 2012. There are 347 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 19, 1862, Union forces won a victory over the Confederates in the Civil War Battle of Mill Springs in southeastern Kentucky. On this date: In 1937,...

At least 36 people have been injured after a relatively powerful earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Iran's northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi.

[CNN] -- The new year has greeted Americans with the highest January gas prices ever, and some analysts say prices could get close to $5 a gallon in some areas during the warm-weather driving season.

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey is expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program, as well as the challenges posed by the past year’s regional upheavals and the American military exit from Iraq.

A possible European Union ban on oil deals with Iran remains in doubt just days before EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels in hopes of adopting it, a diplomat said Thursday.

* EIA crude draw of 3.44 mln bbls, lighter than API drop * Positive U.S. data, supply risks shrugged off * Coming Up: U.S. February crude expires Friday (Recasts, updates prices and market activity, changes ...

Best-selling author Peter Thomas Senese, the author of several internationally heralded novels including 'Chasing The Cyclone', 'The Den of the Assassin', and 'Cloning Christ' has donated 100% of his e-book royalties to the I CARE Foundation, a not-for-profit organization created to help stop international child abduction. This week alone, the...

There's a great country music song by Dierks Bentley that goes, "I know what I was feeling, but what was I thinking?" that should be playing in the Oval Office today. That's because an unpopular president, in the throws of a hotly contested re-election bid, just handed his opponents...

Our broken politics are now becoming everyone's business -- but we're the ones who have to fix them.

BY BILL WEINBERG | Last year, I was approached by Peter Lamborn Wilson — the elusive underground intellectual who is a refugee from the Lower East Side — who beseeched me to revive the Libertarian Book Club.

CLEVELAND (AP) - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is giving scholars and fans access to the stories behind the music. More>>