"The Economist" survey was wonderful - main theme, "religious democracy" is an oxymoron, which everyone knew anyway (except maybe Khatami).

"The Bills" can't pass for at least 2 months so don't expect any "news" from Iran for a while. If I see something stupid I'll put it here, otherwise if you have any questions just mail me. (Whatever you do, don't believe uncorroborated Ledeen or SMCCDI reports!) Radio Farda is a great source.

"Iran tries to kick its oil habit" another great article from Asia Times. Can't believe I can read it for free...

"Another prominent conservative leader, Mr Habibollah Asgaroladi, charged that the CIA 'published the cartoon on the Internet just two days before its publication in Hayat-e-No daily' and instructed 'its mercenaries inside Iran to use it'." (Straits Times)

Archive.org demonstrates the picture has been there since at least October 1997. These conservative leaders aren't very competent when it comes to the Net, or disguising their lies.

The other interesting news was Radio Farda again...

Italy Warns Tourists against Visiting Iran

* Italy listed Iran among the more than 30 Asian, African, South American and European countries its deems potentially dangerous for tourists. (Ahmad Ra'fat, Rome)

I couldn't find such a list on the Italian advice site, maybe I'm looking in the wrong place.

Le Monde Diplomatique is to start publishing a Persian edition soon.

As for news, you know the rest, Hayat-e-no closed for no particular reason, Radio Farda reports music banned in Fars province, and a 19 year old was sentenced to death for drinking (third time, you're out!)

No news on the bill vote date... January 16, the date the Shah left Iran, is coming up, and on that day the Economist Iran Survey also appears. I need to make my own predictions to see if they are in line with theirs.