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Saudi Prince: Trump’s Daughter Is My Friend

us-Saudi Arabia

According to a report by Al Alam News Network, as translated by IFP, Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud declared his mainly economic ties with the US President-elect Donald Trump in a TV interview.

He also said that Trump`s daughter, Ivanka, was “like a fiend” of his.

“I have been connected with Trump for 25 years. I bought a hotel and a ship from him. I contacted and congratulated him immediately after his election. I think the election campaign disputes are over now,” he said.

According to Bin Talal, Trump’s government has clear plans for US-Saudi relations, which are beneficial for both parties.

Turkey Not to Forget 52 Years of European Deception

Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu-Frank-Walter Steinmeier

According to a report by Kayhan newspaper, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, and his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu had an “intense verbal dispute” during a joint press conference, insomuch that the session was left halfway.

Çavuşoğlu brought a lot of accusations against his German counterpart, such as sheltering the members of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants, and preventing the extradition of those affiliated with [Turkish opposition figure] Fethullah Gülen’s movement to Turkey.

Besides, Ankara has not forgotten the European Union`s deceptive behaviour on Turkey’s accession to the Union since 52 years ago, a matter mentioned by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey.

According to ISNA, Steinmeier, a usually calm person, started to sharpen his tone as he felt attacked during the conference. Referring to the mass arrests in Turkey after 2016 coup d’état attempt, he invited his Turkish counterpart to be moderate; however Çavuşoğlu didn`t stop his verbal attacks.

“Turkey asks to be recognized as an equal, not a second-class associate,” Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs stated, pinning the blame on the EU`s “arrogant behaviour.”

As the final words in its article, Kayhan wrote that “the issue of human rights is an excuse for the West to invade other countries while having strategic relationships with the most dogmatist regimes such as those of Al Saud in Saudi Arabia, Al Khalifa in Bahrain and Al Thani in Qatar. Turkey`s situation could make a good example for those fascinated by the West.”

Iran Has Bought Russia’s Most Advanced Fighter Aircraft

mig-29

According to a report by Mizan, as translated by IFP, Abolfazl Hassanbeigi, the vice-chairman of Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, referred to the history of Iran’s plane purchase from the Soviet Union, and then Russia, and said, “Iran has purchased Sukhoi and Mikoyan MiG-29 fighters before.”

“MiG-29 is manufactured in three ranges. The first is sold to small countries; the second to Russia’s allies, and the third to the Russian Army,” he added.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has bought the same MiG-29 fighter jet that the Russian army possesses, namely the most advanced type.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, he further referred to the negotiations with China, Ukraine and Russia for joint manufacture of fighter jets.

“However, we haven’t bought Chinese aircraft because they were not as advanced as we expected them to be,” he noted, dismissing the reports about Iran’s secret negotiations with China about fighter aircraft purchase.

“Nothing can remain secret in today’s world. […] The world will naturally know and announce anything purchased or sold by Iran,” he added.

“As Iran is aware of the large number of weapons sold by Germany, France, China and the United-States to ISIS allies, others know about Iran’s deals as well,” Hassanbeigi went on to say.

Chinese Plane Makers Should Meet Int’l Standards to Sell Aircraft to Iran: Minister

While China is trying to catch up with Western aircraft manufacturers for a share of Iran’s market, Iranian Minister of Road and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi made it clear that Chinese planes must meet international standards and think of technical support before sales to Iran.

Akhoundi, who is in China with a business delegation, paid a visit to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) in Shanghai.

COMAC is China’s state-run aircraft manufacturer, established in 2008, Tasnim reported.

In comments during the visit, Akhoundi emphasized that Chinese planes will need to meet international safety standards before being used in Iran’s fleet.

Chinese plane-makers ought to assure Iranian airlines and organizations of the safety, technical and quality standards, and should also guarantee the after-sales service, as well as technical and financial support, he added.

Iran signed deals with European and American plane manufacturers after coming into force of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement between Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) reached in July 2015.

During a visit to Paris in January by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Tehran signed a major contract with Airbus worth about $27 billion to buy 118 aircraft.

Iran also sealed a deal in June worth around $25 billion with the US aerospace heavyweight, Boeing, for the purchase of 100 passenger planes.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

Newspapers today covered the pilgrimage of millions of Shiites to the Iraqi holy city of Karbala to mark the fortieth day after Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, known as Arbaeen.

They also covered the anti-Iran bills passed in the US White House and the US President Barack Obama’s possible veto.

The nomination of radical anti-Iran figures for key posts in Donald Trump’s cabinet also received great coverage today.

The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines:

 

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- 3 Radicals Nominated for 3 Key Posts in US

2- World’s Largest Gathering in Karbala

3- Trump Will Also Be Defeated by Iran’s FM Zarif

4- Former Diplomat Asefi: Trump Is Like a Two-Bladed Sword

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Donya-ye Eqtesad:

1- Foreign Policy Expert Mousavian Highlights Cautious Plans of Iran and Europe for Trump Era

2- Economist: Danger of Nationalism Threatening the World

3- Heavy Price of Scrapping JCPOA [Editorial]

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Ettela’at:

1- 85-Kilometre Friday Prayers in Route to Karbala

2- Rouhani: People Suffering from Unhealthy Quarrels and Competitions

3- 50 Nusra Front Terrorists Killed in Russian Airstrikes on Syria’s Aleppo

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Farhikhtegan:

1- Obama Will Veto US House’s Effort to Disrupt JCPOA Implementation

2- Waiting for another Epic: Millions of Pilgrims en Route to Karbala

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Haft-e Sobh:

1- Passion in Iraq’s Karbala, Turmoil in Mehran [Iran-Iraq border crossing closed by Iraqi government]

2- Gang of Evils in White House: Enemies of Iran Competing with Each Other for Being Part of Trump’s Cabinet

3- Storm of Oil Contracts

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Hamshahri:

1- Key to Resolution of Air Pollution Crisis Lies under the Ground

2- Iran Holds First Rank in Pace of Developing Cancer

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Iran:

1- Increase in Number of Iran’s Oil Customers in Four Continents

2- Rouhani: Foreign Investment in Iranian Provinces Multiplied in Post-JCPOA Era

3- More than 2 Million Pilgrims [from Iran] to Attend Arbaeen Pilgrimage

4- Passion of Book in Iranian Cities: Book Week in Iran Takes Culture Minister to Bookshops

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Former Swedish PM: Trump Means End of the West

2- Slaughter of More than 100 Muslims in Myanmar

3- Obama in Berlin: Trump Should Stand against Russia

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Kayhan:

1- Karbala, Home to Biggest Gathering in History of Mankind

2- French PM: European Countries in Danger of Downfall and EU in Danger of Collapse

3- Zionist [Israeli] Troopers Break Records in Draft Evasion and Desertion of Military Service

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Khorasan:

1- Resurrection of Arbaeen

2- A Resolution that Directly Violates JCPOA: US Ratifies Bill than Bans Plane Sale to Iran

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Mardom Salari:

1- Iranian Films Going on Screens in World Theatres

2- 600 Days Held Captive by Somalian Pirates

3- Iran-US Hostility to Be Resolved If the Two Countries’ Identities Are Changed: Expert

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Shakhe-ye Sabz:

1- Cleric: EU’s Office in Tehran Is a Factory of Infiltration

2- Intelligence Minister: We Have No Security Concern

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19


 

Shargh:

1- Half of Those Nominated for Trump’s Cabinet Are Radical Opponents of Iran

2- Turks Looking for Release of Iranian-Turkish Businessman Reza Zarrab

3- People’s Rare Line for Buying Books

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

 

World Media Criticised for Silence on Huge Arbaeen Processions

Arbaeen 2016

The following message is a strong protest and bitter criticism of global media over their silence on a political-religious event annually held to mark the 40th day after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of the third Shiite Imam, with millions of Shiites walking towards the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Imam Hussein’s shrine is located.

The text below has been widely circulated in various social media, particularly Telegram messaging app, which has over 27 million Iranian users.

Here’s IFP’s translation of the message:

Arbaeen 2016As soon as a few thousand people gather together somewhere in the world to throw tomatoes towards each other in a very meaningful (!) ceremony, the so-called ‘neutral’ media outlets immediately show up to cover the event with tens of video clips, interviews, and news items.

The moment a number of people strip naked in protest at the cruel (!) law of hijab, the photos of their move are once again immediately covered by these ‘neutral’ outlets.

Once a few people self-flagellate in some part of the world in a move against fatwas by top Shiite clerics, the neutral ‘media horns’ outpace each other in telling the world about such an important event!

The largest gathering in the world’s history is annually held on Arbaeen, with more than 20 million pilgrims walking towards Imam Hussein’s shrine. The event is even registered in Guinness World Records, but global (!) media have kept deadly silent on the event, as if there is no such gathering somewhere in the Middle East.

Damn these ‘totally neutral’ horns!

Cartoon Shows Clinton’s Deep Sorrow after Being Defeated by Trump

Clinton

“There have been a few times this past week when all I wanted to do was to curl up with a good book and never leave the house again,” Clinton said in her first public appearance since she lost the US election.

In a cartoon published by Khabar Online, Hossein Safi has depicted Clinton’s disappointment:

What Iran’s President Can Learn from Results of US Elections

trump-rouhani-clinton

According to an editorial published earlier this week in 19 Dey newspaper, as translated by IFP, one of the key factors that helped Donald Trump win the US election was his unflagging focus on domestic affairs of the United States, unlike his contender Hillary Clinton.

During his presidential campaign, Trump had zeroed in on raising the issue of American population’s income, tackling unemployment, reducing tax duties, preventing the arrival of immigrants and restoring glory to the American society.

Having been completely aware of the sociological features of the American population, the US President-elect Trump indeed managed to secure the support of a majority of voters against the media hype created by his rival and her whistleblowing agenda to loosen Trump’s grip on his campaign.

Even Trump’s caustic, haphazard stances on different topics did in fact save him in polls as he seemed persuasive enough for the general public to keep his promises after he won the election. When he attacked the Republicans, saying he would have started his campaign even without their support, Trump managed to secure more votes than was expected.

The people seemed senseless to what Trump’s GOP dissidents said and disregarded his bad temper as a man. What American people cared about was voting for a person who would address their troubles. Maybe Clinton could have won more votes than Trump and become the president-elect if she could put more emphasis on domestic affairs than US foreign policy.

The results of US elections can have implications for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in his campaign for the next presidential election in Iran; he will have to highlight domestic affairs instead of foreign policy. During his presidential debates, Rouhani insisted that besides the nuclear technology, people’s lives must also be considered.

These days, however, Rouhani’s administration seems to be more focused on international relations, regional détente and fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the landmark deal Iran struck with world powers. This might be a logical stance when viewed by the elites, but this is not necessarily the case for ordinary people. One thing is for sure: this will not bring many votes for Rouhani in the upcoming election over the next 7 months.

Clinton’s fate could be a lesson for Rouhani’s advisors to alter the administration’s rhetoric from extreme focus on foreign policy and elitism to addressing people’s problems.

West Dual Policies on Israel Nukes Threat to Mideast, NPT: Iran

Reza Najafi

“The West’s double standard policies on the nuclear program of the Zionist regime [Israel] have adverse consequences for regional security and the Non-Proliferation Treaty,” Reza Najafi said at a seasonal meeting of the IAEA’s Board of Governors in Vienna, Austria, on Friday.

He added that the Israeli regime’s nuclear program has created serious security concerns for people in the region and the international community at large.

He said the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member states have repeatedly censured Israel’s military nuclear program and urged the IAEA to seriously and closely follow up on the issue.

“The Zionist regime has regrettably continued to advance its nuclear and military program in recent years through disregard of the legitimate demand of the international community, the West’s blind support and the blatant violation of all international rules and regulations,” the Iranian envoy said.

Najafi added that the West must stop any type of cooperation with Israel and the delivery of nuclear substances and equipment to the regime.The Israeli regime, which pursues a policy of so-called deliberate ambiguity about its nuclear bombs, is estimated to have 200 to 400 nuclear warheads in its arsenal. The regime has refused to allow inspections of its military nuclear facilities or to sign the NPT.According to March 2015 emails by former US secretary of state Colin Powell leaked in September, Israel has 200 nuclear weapons “targeted on Tehran.”

Iran, France Hold New Round of Political Talks

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for American and European Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi had a meeting with Christian Masset, secretary-general of France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, held in Paris on Friday, for the second round of Iran-France political negotiations.

The periodical talks began this year, after a January visit to Paris by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, when the two nations signed a number of agreement.

In the Friday’s gathering, Takht Ravanchi and Masset discussed a range of issues, from transatlantic relations to the latest developments in the region, as in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Upper Karabakh.

They also talked about the ways to boost trade interaction between Tehran and Paris, calling for closer cooperation in the energy industry, transportation, healthcare, pharmaceutical industries and agriculture.

A major conclusion reached at the meeting was the decision to convene the first session of Iran-France joint economic commission in the near future, to be chaired by foreign ministers of the two nations.

In a separate meeting on Friday, the Iranian diplomat visited French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault for talks that covered mainly regional issues and bilateral economic relations.

The top French diplomat also emphasized the necessity for the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).

Trump Appoints an Islamophobe, a Racist, a Defender of Torture to Key Posts

American Government

The three men have accepted Trump’s offer. However the US president-elect will need the Senate to confirm his Cabinet nominations, and Sessions could face some trouble due to a checkered past around his views on race.

Back in 1986, the Alabama senator was accused of making racist comments while serving as a US attorney in Alabama. He called a black assistant US attorney “boy” and the NAACP “un-American” and “communist-inspired.”

Sessions is a very close ally of Trump, as he was the first senator to endorse his presidential bid. According to media reports, he is one of the key architects of Trump’s immigration, counter-terrorism and trade policies.

The role of Sessions will be vital for the new president, as he opposes any path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and is an enthusiastic backer of Trump’s promise to build a wall on the border with Mexico. But his confirmation, even in a Republican-controlled chamber, is not guaranteed.

National Security Adviser-in-waiting Flynn shares Trump’s harsh criticism of the Obama administration, especially since he was ousted as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014.

Flynn is also a known Islamophobe who used torture on those captured during army covert operations, TeleSUR reported.

He has said the US is “at war with” the “cancer” of Islam, and tweeted that “fear of Muslims is RATIONAL.” His appointment will not require Senate confirmation.

Pompeo, who is affiliated with the tea party movement, is an army veteran who says he graduated at the top of his class at the West Point military academy. He is also a graduate of Harvard Law School.

Pompeo has called for National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden to receive the death penalty. He wants to reverse post-Snowden reforms of government collection of telephone “metadata.” He has described the Guantanamo Bay prison as a “perfect facility” for interrogating terrorists, and he has called CIA torture “within the law.”