December 6, 2005: The government continues to negotiate with Europe over the fate of the Iranian nuclear weapons program. The Iranian Islamic conservatives are determined to have nuclear weapons, and still believe they can work out a deal whereby Iran pretends to stop developing nukes, and gets restored access to high-tech imports from Europe.
December 5, 2005: Islamic radicals from Iran continue to support Shia Arab radicals in Iraq. The Iraqi government has tried to negotiate deals whereby the Iranians withdrew from such involvement in Iraqi politics, but the Iranian government appears to have little control over Iranian Islamic radical groups.
December 4, 2005: Russia is selling Iran 29 Tor-M1 mobile anti-aircraft missile systems. These are short range (12 kilometers) missiles, that can hit targets at altitudes from 25-18,000 feet. Each vehicle carries eight missiles, and a radar system. These systems are excellent for guarding against attacks by low flying bombers, smart bombs and cruise missiles (as would be used if Israel launched an air strike on Iranian nuclear weapons facilities). China and Greece have also bought Tor-M1 missile systems. Deliveries to Iran are to begin in 2006, and is part of a billion dollar deal with Russia, that also includes other types of missiles and patrol boats.
December 1, 2005: The Islamic conservatives, now that they have complete control of the government, are replacing older professionals in the security agencies, armed forces and, police, with younger Islamic conservatives. The Islamic hard liners know there is growing popular resentment against the Islamic conservative government, and want to make sure they have firm control over the armed men who can keep the majority of Iranians in line.
November 29, 2005: Over the next five years, at least $500 million is being spent on building space satellites and launchers. Last month, Iran became the 43rd country to put a satellite in orbit. It's Sina-1 photo satellite can see objects as big as fifty meters across. You can get better resolution than that on Google Earth (and similar Internet based services), but Iran is trying to obtain the technology for building higher grade photo satellites, with the express purpose of spying on Israel, and other enemies of Iran.
