In the last 26 years, the United States and Iran have consistently demonized and vilified each other. Yet, except for a few occasions, including the 1987 “tankers war” in the Persian Gulf, they have been willing and able to maintain a “no war no peace” relationship. However, since September 11, and more recently because of Iran’s nuclear crisis and the radicalization of its domestic politics, as well as the rising level of anti-Iran hysteria, the relations have deteriorated to a dangerous level. These developments are making it increasingly hard for either side to maintain the no war no peace status quo.

While on both sides there are still voices of reason, evidence suggests that egotistical intentions, wrong policies, national pride, and power politics are narrowing the option for diplomacy perilously thin. Meanwhile, countries and political groups opposed to the regime in Tehran are actively propagating the war option. It is only unfortunate that the United Nations is failing to exercise its founding purpose to make peace among nations, and that no world power is involved in a serious mediation effort. Nowadays, most states would side with the higher bidder, a market in which Iran cannot compete with the US!

Worse yet, most in the civil society and business communities on both sides, including academics, experts, journalists, civic leaders, business executives, and the general public remain complacent about the growing tension between the US and Iran. Some deny that there can ever be a war between the two, given domestic problems in the US, high oil prices, crisis in Iraq, and Iran’s internal problems and political divisions. They dismiss those warning against a possible war as alarmists. Meanwhile, nationalists, jingoists, opportunists, and hypocrites are wittingly or unwittingly promoting the war option.

Under such conditions, warmongers on both sides and beyond will shape events in the coming months. Unless prevented by......

President Ahmadinejad has named four nominees to important posts. The nominations are as follows: Sadeq Mahsuli as Oil Minister, Mahmud Farshidi as Minister of Education, Parviz Kazemi as Minister of Welfare and Social Security, and Mohammad Nazemi- Ardakani as Cooperatives Minister. The nominees must now meet approval by the Majlis before taking their posts.

Internal opposition asserts that Ahamdinejad’s nominees do not possess the political and bureaucratic experience to be successful in their respective roles. Particular attention has been paid to the inadequate credentials of the Sadeq Mahsuli and his readiness to direct the world’s fourth biggest producer of crude oil. Parliamentarians have indicated that they would disapprove Mahsuli's appointment, much like they threw out Ahmadinejad's attempt to place a close political ally in charge of the ministry in August.

'Unknown' given Iran oil ministry
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/43998 18.stm

Iran’s president names ‘unknown’ for oil post
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/85964 a7a-4b8e-11da-997b-0000779e2340.html

On Wednesday 26, 2005, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad leveled inflammatory comments against Israel during a conference in Tehran. The conference, led by students, was titled "A World Without Zionists". Ahmadinejad’s met the goal of the conference and provoked international rebuke when he called for Israel to be "wiped off the map". His comments generated a storm of condemnation across the globe, with particular disdain coming from Israel and its Western allies. The Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, demanded that Iran be kicked out of the United Nations.

Nevertheless, Iran’s President stood by his comments as he joined an anti-Israeli demonstration on the last day of Ramadan. These are not new words for the post Revolutionary Iranian religious leaders. The late Imam Khomeini and the former President Hashemi have themselves uttered similar statements.

Analysis: Implications of Iranian president's remarks
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php? StoryID=20051028-031718-9748r

Israel urges UN to exclude Iran
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/43825 94.stm

Iran Leader Calls for Israel's Destruction
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldla test/story/0,1280,-5371111,00.html

Israel: Remove Iran from U.N.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles /0,7340,L-3159945,00.html

Press outcry over Iran remarks
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/43846 16.stm

Friday, October 28, 2005 – As a public display of their protest against the existence of Israel, many Iranians took to streets to demonstrate. This is an annual event, named Quds Day by Imam Khomeini, and held on the last Friday of Ramadan. On that day, Iranians are urged to show their anger against Israeli activities and the occupation of Palestinian lands by Israel.

The Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad joined the demonstrations in support of his earlier statements and directed his own protest at Israel. His participation came only two days after his remarks against Zionism, which were harshly condemned by the Western world.

Likewise, November 4 is the Anniversary of the Iran’s hostage crisis. Each year the Iranians demonstrate around the former US embassy in remembrance of the event. In 1979, militant Iranian students seized the buildings of the US Embassy in Tehran and held 66 American hostages for 444 days inside the Embassy compound. The leader of the Revolution, Imam Khomeini, named the day “The National Anti- Global-Dominance Day.”

This year, the demonstration was held two days earlier, on November 2, 2005, to prevent conflict with Eid Fitr (End of Ramadan) on Friday. Demonstrators burned the US and Israeli flags during the demonstration and shouted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel". Reports indicate that it was the largest demonstration of its kind in recent years.

Iran president joins anti-Israel demonstrations in Teheran
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_ne ws/breakingnews.php?id=58382

Iran remembers US embassy siege
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/43989 64.stm

Some 10,0000 Iranians denounce U.S., Israel in protest marking seizure of U.S. Embassy
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world /20051102-0450-iran-us.html

Manouchehr Mottaki, the Iranian Foreign Minister, was quoted as saying the “missions of more than 40 ambassadors and heads of Iranian diplomatic missions abroad will expire by March,” the end of year according to the Iranian calendar.

Although Mottaki did not disclose the name of the Ambassadors or give any reasons, speculation abound. Iran's official IRNA news agency has indicated that Ambassador to Britain, Mohammad Hossein Adeli, Ambassadors to France, Sadeq Kharrazi, and envoys to Germany, Switzerland, and Malaysia are on the list to be replaced.

Mottaki also denied the rumors circulating that Dr. Javad Zarif, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, is also among those who are to let go. As things stands Dr. Zarif will continue his service for an unknown period. The expected reporting of Iran to the UN Security Council is a key factor why Dr. Zarif has been spared from the current purges.

The changes are of little surprise, considering the election of Ahmadinejad in June. Many of the diplomatic envoys rumored to be replaced have deep ties to former Presidents Mohammed Khatami and Ali Akbar Hashemi. Ahmadinejad has countered this claim by asserting the need to create a more efficient diplomatic corps, better equipped to address the current nuclear crisis. Given the delicate nature of the crisis that Iran is currently experiencing, it is important that Ahmadinejad name individuals with national and international credibility.

Iran restarts nuclear plans as 40 top envoys face sack
http://news.independent.co.uk /world/middle_east/article324308.ece

Iran to replace moderate envoys
http://edition.cnn.com/20 05/WORLD/meast/11/02/iran.ambassadors.reut/

Iran recalls senior ambassadors
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/43984 42.stm

Iran removing 40 ambassadors from posts
http://seattlepi.nwsource.c om/national/1107AP_Iran_Ambassadors.html

Iran plans major diplomatic shakeup; 40 ambassadors, diplomats to be recalled
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/051102/w110238. html