The view from Iran’s Mashhad 12/30/2017 10:57:21 PM Iran protests swept cities Abdulrahman al-Rashed Al Arabiya, 30 December 2017  - The Tehran 2009 demonstrations were an unexpected surprise. But, that’s not because Iran’s regime does not have enemies in its circle, but rather because that demonstrators came from within the core of its system. Tens of thousands, lasting for several days and the demonstration could only be halted by the use of weapons and acts of bloodshed. Now, the demonstrations stem from various directions. They stem from cities such as Mashhad and continue spreading. The rioters carry slogans against Ali Khamenei and the state’s policies. The slogans echoed throughout Iran. Popular demonstrations Perhaps the popular demonstrations will not kill the regime, but they will definitely wound it. Ali Khamenei, alongside his military and political leadership, believed that promoting their victories in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon would gain...

Under threat? Iran's quiet infiltration over Iraqi Christian communities 12/26/2017 12:10:02 PM Qasem Soleimani, head of the terrorist Qods Force Hollie McKay Fox News, December 26, 2017 -  Christians who have called northern Iraq their homeland since the first century are recovering from ISIS’ carnage only to face an emerging threat that they fear could be just as challenging: the growing influence from Iran. That influence comes in an array of shapes and forms, and even an infiltration within the Christian community itself. Most flagrantly, it includes the direct arming and funding of a prominent militia of Iraqi Christians. The real intentions of the militia, known as the Babylon Brigade, worry those Christians who remain in or want to return to their ancient homeland, known as the Ninevah Plains. “We had ISIS, and now we are struggling with this increasing Iranian rule, the changing demographics,” lamented Dr. Salem Hana, a 33-year-old Ira...

Iran building permanent military base in Syria - claim Iran is establishing a permanent military base inside Syria, a Western intelligence source has told the BBC. The Iranian military is said to have established a compound at a site used by the Syrian army outside El-Kiswah, 14 km (8 miles) south of Damascus. The report comes amid growing tensions over Iranian influence in Syria and across the region. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu recently warned that Iran wanted to establish itself militarily in Syria. "Israel will not let that happen," he said. Satellite images commissioned by the BBC seem to show construction activity at the site referenced by the intelligence source between January and October this year. The images shows a series of two dozen large low-rise buildings - likely for housing soldiers and vehicles. In recent months, additional buildings have been added to the site. However, it is impossible to independently verify the purpose of the site...