Unidentified assailants riding motorcycles on November 29 launched separate bomb attacks in Tehran against two of the country’s top nuclear scientists, killing one and prompting accusations that the United States and Israel were again trying to disrupt Iran’s nuclear programme. The motorcycle attackers reportedly attached the bombs to the professors’ cars and then drove off, detonating them from a distance. Prof. Fereydoon Abbasi’s wife was also hurt in the blast, the ...

Iran announced what it called a major step forward in its nuclear programme on December 5, showing determination to pursue it a day before talks with world powers which fear Tehran may be seeking atom bombs. Nuclear energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi said Iran would use domestically produced uranium concentrates, known as yellowcake, for the first time at a key nuclear facility, cutting its reliance on imports of the key ingredient for nuclear fuel. “This means that Iran has become self-suff...

The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) has emphasised the importance of cultural and interfaith dialogue to promote world peace and stability, and said it was seeking a historic reconciliation between the Muslim world and the West. “The OIC reflects the true and real image of Islam, based on tolerance, peace, pluralism and acknowledgement of diversity. It advocates dialogue with other faiths and civilizations,” said Abdul Rauf Bin Rajab, spokesman for the 57-member organisat...

Former Saudi ambassador to Washington Prince Turki Al-Faisal on December 5 felt that America’s credibility and honesty have been seriously compromised following the recent publication of hundreds of confidential diplomatic cables. Speaking at the concluding session of the 7th International Institute for Strategic Studies Regional Security Summit at the Ritz-Carlton, Prince Turki said officials will henceforth find it extremely difficult to engage in frank discussions with American diplo...

The Palestinian Interior Ministry on December 4 shut down the office of a private satellite channel in apparent dispute with a top Fatah official. The ministry said it decided to close the Al-Ghad satellite channel. The ministry said it ordered the channel’s employees to immediately leave the office, without elaborating the reasons behind the decision. The channel said it gave its 35 employees a paid vacation until it settles the issue with the Palestinian Authority (PA). Palestinian so...