Under the Microscope: Recent Wave of Attacks by Pressure Groups - 2002-06-26

Under the Microscope: Recent Wave of Attacks by Pressure Groups - 2002-06-26. In the program 'Under the Microscope' on Tuesday, June 26, Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh, a political analyst and international journalist, answers Farah Jahangiri's questions regarding the sidelining of Yasser Arafat, the recent wave of attacks by pressure groups, and the issue of embezzlements in Iran. 1- Dr. Noori Zadeh states that the insistence of Washington and Mr. Sharon on sidelining Mr. Arafat has caused many Middle East analysts to fear that the vacuum left by the removal of the interim Palestinian leader, who is a moderate Muslim and nationalist, could empower radical extremists. Even a senior member of the Israeli Labor Party has rejected the conditions set for the Palestinians. What is the European perspective on this matter? 2- Mr. Tajzadeh has once again been summoned in the recent wave of attacks by pressure groups against gatherings and threats from conservative media. Aside from holding presidential elections, what other activities has Mr. Tajzadeh been summoned for? 3- It seems that the threats from clerics and radical conservative newspapers against Mr. Aghajari have taken a dangerous turn, especially as hundreds of thousands of people are wandering in the ruins of villages in Hamadan, Qom, and Qazvin without shelter and basic necessities. These days, the focus is on Mr. Aghajari's remarks explaining the views of Ali Shariati. 4- With Mr. Alizadeh's recent statements, the embezzlements of several billion tomans by the offspring of influential figures have come to light again, including a notable embezzlement of 100 billion tomans by Nasir Tabasi in Al-Makasib.