Memories of Akbar Hashemi - February 1, 2001 - Continued Controversies Surrounding the Trial of Shahram Jazayeri Arab and Hashemi's Quotes from Analyses by Voice of America and Alireza Noorizadeh

Continued Controversies Surrounding the Trial of Shahram Jazayeri Arab and Hashemi's Quotes from Analyses by Voice of America and Alireza Noorizadeh

Resignation of Mohsen Safaei Farahani from the Spokesperson Role of the Budget Consolidation Commission of the Sixth Majlis

Sheikh Ahmad Jannati's Remarks during Friday Prayer in Tehran Against the U.S. President

Full Text of the Daily Notes:

The backlash against George Bush's remarks is escalating globally, with widespread mockery directed at him. North Korea stated that Bush has developed a moral leprosy, while the Chinese government spokesperson remarked that China cannot agree with such unconstructive statements. The Chairman of the Russian Duma strongly condemned these remarks, and the European Union officially announced its intention to continue developing relations with Iran, while U.S. media have shown contradictory responses.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon expressed regret for not having ended Yasser Arafat's life during the Sabra and Shatila massacre, a statement that has drawn condemnation from the EU and several countries.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has warned that the nation should prepare for far worse blows than those experienced on September 11. This warning follows the announcement that documents have been found in al-Qaeda centers, including blueprints of U.S. nuclear power plants and other sensitive sites, indicating plans for attacks. This rhetoric may be aimed at stirring public sentiment in the U.S. to secure military funding and intimidate other nations. Bush reiterated his statements at a university in southern America.

In Pakistan, the kidnappers of American journalist Daniel Pearl from the Wall Street Journal have extended their deadline to today, with retired Muslim boxing champion Muhammad Ali appealing for his release.

In Paktia, eastern Afghanistan, the appointed governor by Hamid Karzai has been unable to take control of the province, resulting in the deaths of 50 people. This situation has highlighted to Western nations that the issues in Afghanistan remain serious and perilous. The German government has declined to assume command of peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan, which was supposed to transition from British to German control after three months. Furthermore, Karzai has requested that international forces also secure other provinces beyond Kabul, a request that has been declined despite the current British presence.

CNN has aired a new tape of Osama bin Laden, reportedly prepared by Al Jazeera, but has opted not to broadcast it, as it emphasizes continued actions against the U.S. The U.S. government has warned Americans in Pakistan and Iran to be cautious about their safety.

It has been announced that a 315-ton American spacecraft, launched in 1992 for studying cosmic rays including ultraviolet rays, has completed its lifespan and is heading for Earth uncontrolled, risking disintegration in the atmosphere. If it lands in populated areas, it could pose dangers; the latest reports indicate that it has fallen into the waters of the Persian Gulf.

Voice of America has welcomed Mr. Mehdi Karroubi's comments regarding the trial of Shahram Jazayeri, quoting Alireza Noorizadeh who described it as the beginning of a transformation that should lead to the ousting of Mr. Hashemi Shahroudi, the Chief Justice. It expressed disappointment that the reformists have joined other factions in condemning Bush's statements, expecting that they would at least remain silent. It is said that these positions may damage Karroubi's reputation.

Mr. Mohsen Safaei Farahani, spokesperson for the Budget Consolidation Commission, resigned after several unsuccessful attempts to answer reporters' questions, stating that he cannot defend the budget for the year 1381 due to:

1. Actual budget cuts,
2. Decreased development allocations in favor of current expenditures,
3. Spending the reserves of the currency stabilization fund, which has been previously boasted about,
4. The decision to borrow from foreign resources,
5. The inflationary nature of the budget,
6. The budget's potential to reduce employment due to lower development allocations.

In recent days, the free currency exchange rate has been rising, influenced by political and economic issues, the budget situation, and oil prices. Mr. Ahmad Jannati, in Friday prayers held at Imam Khomeini's shrine, labeled the U.S. President as insane and chained. Some Israeli soldiers have disobeyed orders to confront Palestinians, which is considered a serious threat to Israel.

I spent the entire day at home, studying, resting, and visiting with the children. Fati is busy preparing food and hosting in Iftikhar's absence.