Why are these men smiling? PJM Iran analyst Meir Javedanfar says it's because Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has just made a worthwhile investment and Syrian president Bashar Assad is enjoying a windfall - a billion dollars from Iran to Syria -- payment for refusing to talk peace.
Meir Javedanfar reports on the recent SMS poll that registered a resounding rejection of the Ahmadinejad administration by the Iranian people. But the West, he says, must be careful not to push them back into the arms of the extremist politicians that are losing their loyalty.
Meir Javedanfar explains how by rationing gas, Iran's president imposed sanctions on his people which are more devastating than anything the West could have come up with, and how the move could deal a mortal blow to Ahmadinejad's chances of re-election in 2009.
Increasingly, the angry speeches of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reveal a desperate president in need of a conflict. Just a few days ago, he crossed a key rhetorical red line by expressing open hostility towards both Judaism and Christianity. By Meir Javedanfar
"Hold it right there, Mr. President!"
In a bold move last year, Iranian legislative body, known as the Majles, made a failed attempt to cut their President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's term in office. Now they are trying to do it again -- and this time they just might have a shot.
by Meir Javedanfar
"What should truly worry Washington is that if this plan is successful, US soldiers are likely to be next in line for capture by Iran."
by Meir Javedanfar