Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - July 18, 2001 - Study of Political Bulletins from the Strategic Research Center

Continued follow-up on the treatment of Sheikh Hossein Hashemian.

Full Text of the Daily Entry:

In the morning, I contacted the doctors at Shahid Rajaei Heart Hospital; they informed me about the results of the CT scan of Sheikh Hossein [Hashemian]. There is hope, but it also carries risks. I spent a lot of time correcting an interview with Mr. Sadegh Hosseini. I read several bulletins from the political department of the Strategic Research Center [of the Expediency Discernment Council].

The brutality of the Zionists yesterday, which led to the martyrdom of three Palestinian citizens, including a three-month-old child, has received widespread coverage in the world’s media, and many have condemned it, including the United States and the NATO Secretary General.

The major issue of the day is the summit of the G8 leaders in Genoa, Italy, and the massive protests occurring against them. Despite the police's strict control over the city and their efforts to prevent the entry of travelers, tens of thousands are demonstrating violently in the streets. Due to police violence, they are attacking banks, shops, and cars, while the police are dispersing tear gas from helicopters, saturating the area around the summit venue to the point that no one can approach. The pressure exerted by the public for global accountability is extraordinary and unprecedented. The environmental conference in Bonn [Germany] is also facing numerous protests due to negligence and especially the lack of cooperation from the United States in preserving the environment.

In Indonesia, the president had stated that he would declare a state of emergency today but has backed down. However, his opponents insist on impeachment, and the country is heading towards increased tension. In Turkey, the Saadet Party has announced its formation, replacing the Virtue Party.