Headlines for 01-24-08

U.S. diplomat says Iran resolution "punitive"


EXCLUSIVE-IAEA makes 1st visit to Iran centrifuge site Iran has allowed top U.N. nuclear monitors to visit an advanced centrifuge development site for the first time in a gesture of transparency about its disputed atomic programme, diplomats familiar with the matter said.


Russia plays down Iran sanctions Mr Lavrov stressed the draft resolution did not mention strict sanctions, but would call on "countries to be vigilant in developing trade, economic, transport and other relations with Iran so that these relations are not used to transfer illegal, banned materials that can be used in nuclear affairs".


DAVOS-UPDATE 1-Rice offers Iran prospect of normal ties Just one day after getting agreement on a draft U.N. Security Council resolution against Tehran, Rice offered the incentive of a "more normal relationship" and expanded trade if Iran gave up sensitive nuclear work, according to the prepared text of her speech to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.


Iran vows to follow nuclear path despite sanctions


Wolfowitz to head US advisory panel The State Department has announced Mr Wolfowitz's appointment as chairman of the International Security Advisory Board.


U.S. commander orders plans on Pakistan Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of U.S. Central Command, issued a planning order, an internal instruction to lower-level commanders, to propose ideas for a long-term approach to helping Pakistan combat what has become an expanding, homegrown insurgency that threatens the stability of the government.


Russia: No 'harsh' sanctions on Iran Russia said Wednesday a new draft U.N. resolution on Iran's disputed nuclear program does not call for any harsh sanctions, and the Iranian president said new measures would not deter the country in its pursuit of nuclear technology.


Iranian people fear new wave of sanctions


Cheney wants surveillance law expanded Vice President Dick Cheney prodded Congress on Wednesday to extend and broaden an expiring surveillance law, saying "fighting the war on terror is a long-term enterprise" that should not come with an expiration date.


U.S., Israel discuss Iran Senior Bush administration officials are in Israel to discuss countering Iran's nuclear program.


Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs: Brainwashing the U.S. Military, U.S. police departments and stealing elections


Israel urges Davos business chiefs to boycott Iran


Former Ambassador to U.N. Advocates for Israel A staunch advocate of Israel, Bolton served as Assistant Secretary of State in the early 1990s.


Olmert: 2006 war with Hezbollah restored Israel's deterrence


US Officials Rejected Key Source on '94 Argentina Bombing The FBI agent, James Bernazzani, also says Argentine investigators had no real leads on an Iranian link to the bombing when his team was in Argentina. Three top officials in the US Embassy in Buenos Aires at the time ? including Ambassador James Cheek ? have confirmed the absence of evidence linking Iran to the bombing, which killed 85 people and wounded another 300.