Iran downplays Hormuz threat amid fears of military confrontation [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has warned regional countries against being quote "dragged into a dangerous position." Salehi, who is currently visiting Turkey, said that Iran has never tried to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large portion of the world's oil exports pass. He further said that Tehran threatened to close the Strait if Western sanctions banning its oil exports are tightened, and said his country wants stability in the region. In Washington, White House spokesman Jay Carney said that Iran still has a way out of the growing confrontation over its nuclear program, adding that Tehran must discuss its nuclear activities with the world's leading powers. However, he didn't confirm reports that President Obama wrote to Iranian leaders expressing a readiness to talk, as confirmed by Iranian officials. Meanwhile, EU countries are moving ahead to impose additional sanctions on Iran, which may include Iran's central bank, amid opposition from Russia and China.

Reporter, Male #1
The war of words between Western powers and Iran over the anticipated additional sanctions is raging on a slow fire. In light of the escalating rhetoric, Washington is adopting conflicting approaches. On one side, they threatened Iran in the secretary of defense's statement regarding the Iranian threat to close the Strait of Hormuz. And on the other, the US is offering Iran a way out of the growing confrontation over its nuclear program by inviting Iran to discuss its nuclear activities with the world's leading powers. The invitation is raising questions, especially considering the puzzling letter that Obama reportedly sent to Iranian leaders, expressing his willingness to negotiate, as confirmed by Iranian officials. While Washington declined to comment on the issue, the letter seems to support the statement issued by the Iranian foreign minister during his visit to Turkey. The Iranian diplomat confirmed that negotiations are underway to resume the six-way nuclear talks. The Europeans are calling for unconditional talks. Russia has clearly rejected the sanctions and pushed for negotiations, and Beijing shared a similar position.

Guest, Male #2, (Liu Weimin, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
We believe this situation will not help resolve the Iranian problem and we are concerned about it. We believe that resolving the issue must be achieved through dialogue and negotiations. Resorting to sanctions, pressure, and threats would lead to further deterioration of the situation.

Reporter, Male #1
A deterioration that the European countries may not agree with, as they continue to push for tightened sanctions against Tehran. The EU states have agreed in principle to freeze the assets of the Iranian Central Bank, which is the main channel for Iranian oil revenues. They also agreed to ban Iranian oil exports, but they have yet to agree on how to protect non-oil trade from sanctions. The dependence of European economies on Iranian trade, which includes importing 30 percent of Iran's oil, varies from one European country to another. The sanctions may have a stronger effect if other countries, such as India, Japan, South Africa, and South Korea are included. This explains the recent visits by American officials to these countries, in what seems to be a campaign to besiege Iran and assure its oil-importing partners by offering them other alternatives. On one side, there is a nuclear program, oil, and a strait, as well as new European sanctions to dry up Iran's sources of wealth. And on the other side, there are six-way international talks over the Iranian nuclear program; talks that hinge on the anticipated visit of IAEA inspectors, due to arrive in Tehran at the end of the month.

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Battle looms in Yemeni town captured by al-Qaeda [New TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male # 1
The Yemeni city of Rada'a fears turning into a battlefield between al-Qaeda and the Yemeni army as the organization's members confirm they will fight for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate.

Reporter, Female # 2
For the seventh consecutive day, residents of the city of Rada'a in al-Bayda Province, located southeast of the Yemeni capital, are in a state of panic. They fear looming confrontations between al-Qaeda members and the army forces that came to the region. This comes as one of those gunmen claimed leadership of the group and declared an Islamic caliphate in Yemen.

Guest, Male # 2
We call on the Islamic nation to unite and be patient. The prophet, God's praise and peace be upon him, said: "The victorious were patient for an hour." It is only an hour, so be patient, persevere and be vigilant. The Islamic caliphate is coming, with permission from God, and it will be established, even if we have to sacrifice our own skulls, our money, our children and our homes. Do not be sorrowful for you are the highest, oh Muslims. The victory of God is near. The victory of God is near so be happy for these conquests; by God these conquests will liberate the Island of Prophet Mohammad, may peace be upon him.

Reporter, Female # 2
And while the sheikhs of al- Bayda and the residents of Rada'a accuse security authorities in the province of involvement with the gunmen with the aim of repeating the Zinjibar scenario in Abin Province, military leaders in the province say they will defend it until their last drop of blood. Meanwhile, Western media point to British involvement, with the aim of repeating the scenario of Afghanistan and Pakistan, since Britain has historically funded fundamentalist groups and movements, leading its capital to be dubbed "Londonstan."

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Baghdad's governor threatens to kill any foreigner for security breaches [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male # 1
The governor of the Iraqi capital Baghdad threatened to kill any foreigner carrying weapons on the streets of the capital after four armed Americans linked to the US embassy were arrested. Governor Salah Abdul Razak said his government will no longer allow armed foreigners to roam the neighborhoods and streets of the capital without the approval of the local government or without being accompanied by embassy police.

Reporter, Male # 2
After four armed Americans were arrested near Governor Salah Abdul Razak's home in Baghdad on January 12, talks about the movement of armed Americans carrying out unknown tasks in Iraqi regions were renewed. The deliberate incident is indicative of the intelligence role of the American embassy in Baghdad to maintain US influence after the withdrawal of occupation forces from the country, as confirmed by observers. This led Baghdad's governor to threaten to kill any foreigner carrying weapons on the streets of the capital. The four armed Americans who were arrested were later found to be affiliated with the American embassy. Abdul Razak said his government will no longer allow armed foreigners to roam the streets and regions of the capital without the approval of the local government or without being accompanied by embassy police. Abdul Razak confirmed that armed foreigners roaming residential areas is a security breach that must be dealt with, and stressed the need for embassy police to accompany all foreign diplomats to prevent any future problems or security breaches. The incident is not unprecedented; armed Americans in civilian clothing set up a fictitious checkpoint on al-Shumari road, south of Baghdad. They searched the vehicles of several Iraqi citizens. The office of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki issued a warning to all security firms, notably those working in the Green Zone's embassies, to leave the country within ten days. This series of actions seems somewhat linked to the simultaneous increase in the number of visitors to the US embassy by the leadership of al-Iraqiya List. Observers say these US embassy-related events aim to counter the Iraqi government's attempts to attain sovereignty and independence and put an end to the influence of foreign powers in the country.

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Violence continues in Syria as Arab League's mission mandate expires [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that nine activists were killed by the gunfire of security forces in an ambush in the northwestern area of the country. As for security operations in other parts of Syria, the Observatory added that two civilians were killed in the city of Homs, as well as two people in the city of Hama, and one person in a protest demanding the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Yesterday's death toll has risen to around 20 people who were killed by the gunfire of security forces in Syria, according to a statement by the Syrian Revolution General Commission.

Reporter, Male #2
The neighborhoods of Bayada, Deir Ba'alba, al-Qusur, and Bab al-Ghur in Homs experienced strong shelling and heavy gunfire by military forces, while reinforcements intensified in other neighborhoods. According to activists, the city of Talbiseh in the province also experienced shelling by the military and security forces that wounded a number of residents. As for the Zabadani region in the countryside of Damascus, it is still witnessing violent shelling and a harsh siege, forcing many residents to flee.

Guest, Female #1
They are shelling day and night. Where are we and our children supposed to go? We were forced to flee our home. God sent these people to host us in their homes; they gave us and our children shelter.

Reporter, Male #2
The Free Syrian Army carried out a number of operations that were described as massive in Zabadani. Its members began patrolling the streets of the region as if they had liberated the areas. In an interview with the BBC, Deputy Commander of the Free Syrian Army Malik al-Kurdi confirmed that a ceasefire deal was made with the Syrian forces in the region, which has been shelled for five days.

Guest, Male #3 (Malik al-Kurdi, Deputy Commander of Syrian Free Army)
There was coordination between the Zabadani elders and the intelligence body for a ceasefire. In fact, a ceasefire agreement was reached a while ago and they withdrew their damaged tanks. But then they resumed opening fire on the Syrian Free Army and so the ceasefire only lasted several minutes.

Reporter, Male #2
The region of Idlib witnessed violent artillery shelling as clashes erupted between the regime's army and groups of defectors in the town of Takharim, leading to casualties on both sides. This occurred after four protestors were wounded by the gunfire of Syrian security forces in the town. The region of Jabal al-Zawiya was also shelled by rockets, according to activists, who said military forces killed a civilian after detaining him at a military checkpoint in Idlib area. The city of Maarat al-Numaan in the province was stormed after a group of defectors destroyed an armored truck belonging to the military. Meanwhile, protests continue in a number of Syrian regions as tensions continue to escalate in other parts of the country. In the city of Aleppo, the security presence was intensively reinforced in order to prevent protests that have become an almost daily occurrence at the university. In turn, Syrian authorities allowed some media networks to film the release of detainees as instructed by President Bashar al-Assad. However, the Syrian Revolution General Commission said several of those released were arrested immediately after leaving the prison. According to the opposition, the deployment of security forces in villages and provinces that the Arab delegation visited became a regular practice in order to prevent residents from approaching and reporting to the delegation. The delegation's visit to Syria is scheduled to end on Thursday and the team will return to Cairo to submit its report. Hayyan Aqoub, BBC.

Presenter, Male #1
Diplomatically, in the framework of the Arab League's effort to find a solution to the Syrian crisis, Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Ben Helli said the chief of the Arab observer team to Syria will submit a report on the team's mission. The Arab observer delegation is facing increasing criticism from a number of parties. Ben Helli added that the report will be evaluated and shown to an Arab League committee on Saturday.

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Netanyahu praises Dutch stance on Iran sanctions [IBA, Israel]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the age-old ties between the Jewish people in Holland. Speaking last night from the historic 17th century Portuguese synagogue, Netanyahu also praised his host for standing strong against Iran. Security was tight around the 17th century Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam's old Jewish quarter. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah paid tribute to the Dutch government which Netanyahu said supported Israel's stance for tough sanctions against Iran.

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Pakistan court to examine Zardari's immunity [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
Pakistan's Supreme Court postponed the trial of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for charges of contempt of court and granted the government two weeks to prove that President Asif Ali Zardari should have immunity. This decision came after Gilani appeared before the court and insisted that the president's immunity deters the implementation of the national reconciliation decree. The judicial dispute may aggravate the political crisis in Pakistan. Our correspondent Mayoub Khadar reports from Islamabad.

Reporter, Male #2
Armed with support from his partners in the coalition government, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani appears reassured and composed to defend himself before the Supreme Court. While Gilani tried to show amiability toward the court, he did not offer a straightforward apology.

Guest, Male #3 (Mola Baksh Chandio, Pakistani Law Minister)
This was an important day in Pakistan's history. The prime minister's appearance in court indicates the government's respect for the judiciary. We are not trying to create tension between the state institutions.

Reporter, Male #2
Gilani, accompanied by his attorneys, downplayed the gravity of the allegation. His only excuse for refusing to reopen the corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari is that the president has immunity. This appeal was rejected by the court, which granted the government only two weeks to submit an official petition to prove that Zardari has immunity.

Guest, Male #4 (Ikram Chaudhry, Pakistani Supreme Court's Senior Lawyer)
So far there have been a number of questions that need to be answered, the most important of which is about the president's immunity: is it unconditional or conditional?
I believe it is conditional because according to the constitution, all citizens are equal before the law. If not, then it is discrimination and a violation of the constitution.

Reporter, Male #2
So the president's immunity is the most important issue at the moment. While the court examines the case, the defense lawyers insist that Zardari should enjoy immunity inside and outside the country. There is no doubt that this dispute will burden Gilani's government and will put Zardari at risk of legal prosecution.

Guest, Male #5 (Mubashir Zaidi, Journalist for Dawn TV)
It is obvious that the division is widening between the court and the government. Gilani's appearance in court is a lesson to all politicians.

Reporter, Male #2
The Supreme Court is examining the immunity status of the president and the prime minister. This complicated and thorny issue may prolong the political crisis until a verdict is issued. Mayoub Khadar, Dubai TV, Islamabad.

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Food crisis threatens Africa's Sahel region [Algérie TV, Algeria]

Presenter, Male #1
Repercussions of the African continent's crisis cast a shadow on many tensions and conflicts. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, this may lead to a food crisis and famine on the continent. Ibrahim al-Khali Karbal brings us the following report.

Reporter, Male #1
A food crisis is looming on the horizon of Africa's Sahel region. This, according to a statement by the European Union's humanitarian aid commissioner, predicting a food crisis over the coming months, and adding that people will suffer if no action is taken. If this prediction is accurate, Africa's Sahel region will face the third crisis of this nature in just one decade. The five Sahel countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad are the most susceptible to the threat of major food shortages over the coming months. Oxfam International also warned of what it referred to as the United Nations' "dangerous delay," as the first warning signs of the threat of famine in the Horn of Africa were visible in 2010. The organization said this delay leaves the region at risk of an acute drought that threatens the lives of 12 million people. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees expressed growing concern about the lack of security in Somali refugee camps. There are nearly one million refugees scattered across the neighboring countries. The commission is recording cases of a lack of security that hinder the work of relief agencies in the area. In addition, political unrest is negatively affecting food security, especially in raw material-rich countries such as oil-rich Nigeria, and cocoa-rich Ivory Coast. UN experts believe unemployment and poverty are main problems in the continent due to the lack of diversification of value-added activities and qualified workers. The United Nations called on promoting development to reach their goal of reducing poverty.

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Six Afghans killed in US convoy attack [Press TV, Iran]

A bomb explosion has targeted US troops outside Kandahar airport. This was in the southern part of Afghanistan. Afghan officials say that blast killed at least six Afghan civilians. But a spokesman for the Taliban, while claiming responsibility for the bombing said a dozen special American forces and military advisors died in the incident. The Taliban spokesman also said that following the attack, foreign troops opened fire on Afghan civilians, killing three and wounding many more. There has been no let up in military attacks despite freezing temperatures in the cold season across the country.

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The ordeal of getting to school in the West Bank [Press TV, Iran]

We'll start you off in the West Bank. Unlike most school children in the rest of the world, the school children in Azzun Atma, a village in the east of the northern West Bank city of Qalqilya, have to walk through a military checkpoint and metal wires and at the mercy of armed Israeli soldiers simply to get to school. While attempting to film how school children, amongst all other Palestinians, are terrorized, searched, and humiliated by Israeli occupation soldiers while crossing illegal Israeli gates and checkpoints set up inside of the West Bank, Israeli soldiers stationed at the southern gate of Azzun Atma prohibited any filming within 500 meters of the gate, which they described as a closed military zone.