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An excerpt is presented from the book "Believers: Love and Death in Tehran" by Marc Grossman and John Limbert on takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and its aftermath.

The article reflects on lessons from the Tunisian revolution that sparked the Arab Spring. It mentions that protests in Tunisia did not have any anti-American overtones and the U.S. embassy was not a target in the lead-up to Ben Ali's fall, along with deaths due to same. It also mentions that visits by foreign dignitaries spark the need to identify deliverables and, more often than not, force Washington to make tangible decisions rather than extend debates into another interagency meeting.

In article, the author talks about the beginning of tensions between Iran & the United States relations. Topics include assault on the U.S. embassy in Iraq by militia forces and its retaliation by the assassination of Iranian officials including Major General Qassim Suleimani, considered second only to the nation's president in seniority.

Criminal gangs in Sweden have been recruited by Iran to carry out attacks on Israeli interests, according to Israeli and Swedish security services. The Swedish Security Service has concluded that criminal networks in the country are being used as proxies by Iran. Iran, along with China and Russia, has been identified as one of the main sources of threats against Sweden. The Foxtrot group, a criminal gang in Sweden, has been implicated in an attempted attack on the Israeli embassy in January, which was allegedly carried out at Iran's behest. Swedish authorities are now working to limit Iran's ability to carry out operations that threaten security in Sweden. [Extracted from the article]

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the opening of an embassy in Ramallah, the administrative capital of Palestine, according to the country's foreign affairs minister. The decision is not meant to be against Israel, the Israeli people, or Jews, but rather a recognition of Palestine. This move follows similar actions by Ireland, Norway, and Spain in formally recognizing a Palestinian state. Colombia and Israel have had strained relations recently, with Petro criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Petro of being an antisemitic supporter of Hamas. [Extracted from the article]

President Xi Jinping of China concluded his visit to Serbia without visiting the site of the former Chinese embassy that was bombed by NATO forces. Although Xi had vowed to "never forget" the attack in an op-ed published in a Serbian newspaper, there was no mention of a visit to the site in official readouts of his trip. This omission may indicate Beijing's desire to prevent further deterioration of its ties with the West. Xi's visit to Serbia was part of a larger tour that included stops in France and Hungary, aimed at promoting China's potential as a trade partner. During his stay in Belgrade, Xi emphasized increased trade with China and signed multiple agreements for cooperation in various areas. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to "never forget" the NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999, which resulted in the death of three Chinese journalists. Xi's statement came ahead of his visit to Serbia, part of a larger tour of Europe aimed at dividing support for the US. The bombing has been a source of tension between China and the US, with Beijing expressing solidarity with Russia's position that NATO aggression necessitated the war in Ukraine. Xi's visit to Serbia highlights the strengthening ties between China and Serbia, despite tensions with Europe over human rights and trade issues. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a series of protests and rallies held in Washington, DC in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The first rally took place outside the Israeli Embassy and was held in memory of Aaron Bushnell, who self-immolated as an extreme act of protest against the genocide of the Palestinian people. Former Army intelligence officer Josephine Guilbeau spoke at the rally, emphasizing the need to support individuals like Aaron who are expressing their frustration with the situation. The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations also issued a statement expressing their sadness and frustration with President Biden's support for the Israeli government's actions. Another rally, called "Hands off Rafah," was held outside the Israeli Embassy and demanded an immediate end to the ongoing Israeli assault in Gaza. Protesters called for a ceasefire, the release of Palestinian political prisoners, an end to U.S. aid to Israel, and the resumption of funding to the UNRWA aid agency. The rally concluded with a march to Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog's residence. The article also briefly mentions a controversial pop-up fundraising dinner called the "Two Plate Solution," which sparked debate and captured attention in Washington, DC. [Extracted from the article]

American embassies are working to help U.S. farmers by promoting the exports of agricultural products and linking farmers to buyers in other countries. The U.S. Commercial Service focuses on promoting products such as tractors and fertilizer, while the Foreign Ag Service helps with paperwork and connects farmers to international markets. The USDA has offices in 120 countries, which analyze global supply deficits and promote American agricultural products. This article highlights the services available to assist farmers in breaking into international markets and emphasizes the role of agriculture ambassadors in representing and assisting farmers. [Extracted from the article]

The escalating crisis between Mexico and Ecuador began when Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador insulted Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his election. In response, Ecuador expelled the Mexican ambassador and later raided the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorean Vice President Jorge Glas. The raid, which violated international law, has drawn comparisons to the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. Mexico has broken off relations with Ecuador and is suing them at the International Court of Justice. The case is complicated by the fact that Glas claims to be a political prisoner, but he has been convicted of bribery and embezzlement. The incident has sparked condemnation from many countries, and it highlights the issue of corruption in the region. [Extracted from the article]

The Iranian embassy is across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, condemned the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria during a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. China called for an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza and urged the US to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis. China has close ties with Iran and has helped facilitate diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The article also mentions tensions in the South China Sea, but does not provide further details on this topic. [Extracted from the article]

Iran seized the MSC Aries, affiliated with Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, in the latest escalation of tensions following Israel's strike on an Iranian embassy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Embassy in Israel said the move was undertaken "out of an abundance of caution." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexico is calling for Ecuador's expulsion from the United Nations and seeking a formal apology after Ecuador raided the Mexican embassy in Quito. The Mexican government has brought the case to the International Court of Justice, claiming that Ecuador violated diplomatic norms. Ecuador sent police into the Mexican embassy to arrest a former vice president who had been granted asylum by Mexico. The ICJ will determine if Ecuador breached UN rules and should be expelled from the organization. Mexico has also suspended free trade talks with Ecuador. [Extracted from the article]

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa faced criticism from the Organization of American States (OAS) after the Ecuadorian national police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest a fugitive politician. The OAS resolution condemned the violent entry and also criticized the Mexican government for granting asylum to the politician and allegedly helping him escape to Mexico. The resolution emphasized the importance of respecting diplomatic conventions and refraining from intervening in the internal affairs of other nations. Some analysts see the resolution as a partial victory for Noboa, while Brazil and Colombia suggested allowing the politician to travel to Mexico as a solution. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that Mexico would file a suit against Ecuador before the World Court in The Hague. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the recent raid on the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador and the arrest of former Vice President Jorge Glas. The raid and arrest were clear violations of the Vienna Convention and have been condemned by many countries. The author explores possible reasons for Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa's actions, including personal tensions with Mexico and the unpopularity of Glas, who is facing corruption charges. The article argues that while the arrest may be popular domestically, it could have negative consequences for Noboa's political agenda and diplomatic relations. The author also highlights the importance of diplomatic asylum in protecting individuals from oppressive governments. [Extracted from the article]

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa violated international rules by sending police to storm the Mexican embassy in order to arrest a former vice president convicted of corruption who had been granted asylum. While Mexico and many other countries condemned Ecuador's actions, there is more support than disapproval for the raid within Ecuador. The move is seen as a gamble by President Noboa, who is battling drug violence and seeking reelection. Mexico's options for retaliation are limited, and the US is unlikely to risk destabilizing Ecuador by cutting aid. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico plans to file a complaint against Ecuador with the United Nations after Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito and arrested former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought asylum. Mexico accuses Ecuador of violating the Vienna Convention, which prohibits unauthorized entry into a diplomatic space. In response, Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador, recalled its diplomatic staff, and halted trade conversations. Several other Latin American countries have condemned the embassy raid, while the US State Department has called on both countries to resolve their differences. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that U.S. embassies are now prohibited from flying LGBTQ pride flags due to a provision in a recently signed spending package. The provision states that funds from the package cannot be used to fly flags, except for those on an approved list. The issue of pride flags on embassy buildings has been a source of conflict between the State Department, Republicans, and some foreign governments. The White House has expressed its intention to repeal the provision, which is one of many anti-LGBTQ policy riders that Republicans attempted to include in the spending bill. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico has broken off diplomatic relations with Ecuador after police stormed the Mexican embassy in Quito and arrested former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been seeking shelter there. The embassy's Mexican personnel were injured during the raid. The arrest of Glas and the subsequent accusations of breaching diplomatic protocol have heightened tensions between the two countries. This incident raises questions about the adherence to diplomatic standards outlined in the Vienna Convention. Mexico plans to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police stormed the Mexican embassy in Quito and detained former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been seeking shelter there. Mexico's Foreign Minister cited a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations as the reason for the break in relations. The raid occurred shortly after Mexico granted political asylum to Glas, who had been in the embassy since December. The incident raises questions about diplomatic standards and will be brought before the International Court of Justice. [Extracted from the article]

Former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been seeking shelter in Mexico's embassy in Quito, was detained by Ecuadorian police after they broke into the embassy. This occurred shortly after Mexico granted political asylum to Glas, who had been in the embassy since December to avoid an arrest warrant from Ecuadorian authorities. Mexico plans to suspend diplomatic relations with Ecuador in response to the incident. Glas had sought refuge in the embassy after allegations of corruption and bribery surfaced against him. [Extracted from the article]

Iran has vowed revenge on Israel after accusing it of carrying out an air strike on its embassy in Syria. The attack, which destroyed the consulate building and killed at least 13 people, including Iranian military personnel, marks the first time Israel has directly targeted an Iranian diplomatic building. Iran has also pointed a finger at the US, claiming that it bears responsibility for the attack due to its support for Israel. The US has denied any involvement and has communicated to Iran that it was unaware of the strike. [Extracted from the article]

Iran has vowed to seek revenge on Israel after accusing it of carrying out a deadly air strike on its embassy in Syria. The attack, which killed at least 13 people, including seven Iranian military personnel, marks the first time that Israel has directly targeted an Iranian diplomatic facility. While Israel has frequently targeted Iran-linked sites in Syria, its air strikes have increased since the outbreak of the war with Gaza-based Hamas. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that Israel "will be punished" and that they will "regret their crime." [Extracted from the article]

According to Iranian and Syrian state media, an Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy compound in Syria resulted in the death of a top military commander, Mohammadreza Zahedi, who was linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The reports also mentioned the destruction of an Iranian consular building. Iran's Foreign Minister expressed the belief that Israel should be held accountable for the attack, while Israel has not yet confirmed its involvement. This incident may signify a significant escalation in the conflict between the two countries. [Extracted from the article]

The Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels recently organized a webinar titled "Opportunities in the Textile Sector of Pakistan" for companies in Belgium and Luxembourg. The event was well-received and attracted participants interested in exploring collaborations and investments in Pakistan's textile industry. Ambassador Amna Baloch provided an overview of Pakistan's textile sector, highlighting the government's business-friendly policies and the range of trade and investment opportunities available. The webinar received praise for its efforts to engage the business community and promote investment in Pakistan's thriving textile sector, demonstrating the Embassy's commitment to fostering economic ties between Pakistan and Belgium/Luxembourg. [Extracted from the article]

Brazilian police will investigate former President Jair Bolsonaro's stay at the Hungarian embassy in Brasilia, following the seizure of his passport as part of an investigation into allegations of a coup attempt. Bolsonaro, who considers himself an ally of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, may have spent two days at the embassy in February. Bolsonaro's lawyers confirmed the visit but denied any connection to the investigation. The Brazilian foreign ministry has summoned Hungary's ambassador to explain the visit, while Bolsonaro is facing multiple probes and criminal charges. [Extracted from the article]

Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro may have sought refuge at the Hungarian embassy for two days after his passport was seized as part of a criminal investigation, according to the New York Times. Surveillance footage showed Bolsonaro entering and exiting the embassy shortly after police began investigating whether he and his allies had attempted to overturn the 2022 election result. Bolsonaro's lawyers confirmed his visit to the embassy but denied any connection to the investigation, stating that he had discussed political scenarios with Hungarian authorities. Bolsonaro is currently facing multiple probes, including criminal charges related to forged Covid-19 vaccine records and allegations of smuggling jewelry into the country. [Extracted from the article]

One of the provisions included in the recently passed government funding bill banned the pride flag from being displayed at U.S embassies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

President Joe Biden has agreed to ban US embassies from flying the LGBTQ pride flag as part of a $1.2 trillion spending deal to keep most US government agencies open through September 30. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has promoted the flag prohibition as a victory for his party. The display of the pride flag has been controversial, with some conservatives criticizing it as politically divisive. The ban on unapproved flags, including the pride flag and the Black Lives Matter flag, will only last until September 30. [Extracted from the article]

The State Department authorized pride flags to be flown at U.S. embassies in 2021, reversing a Trump-era ban. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algeria and Morocco are experiencing heightened tensions over Morocco's plan to annex the site of Algeria's former embassy. Algeria has accused Morocco of "robbery" and escalating provocative actions, and has vowed to retaliate and protect its interests, including potentially involving the United Nations. The strained relationship between the two countries worsened in 2021 when Algeria cut off diplomatic relations and gas exports to Morocco due to a territorial dispute over Western Sahara. The former Algerian embassy in Rabat has been vacant for several years, with diplomats now operating from a new embassy that only provides consular services. Morocco has not commented on the situation. [Extracted from the article]

The US military has evacuated non-essential staff from the US embassy in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, due to violent political unrest in the country. Gangs have set government buildings on fire and attacked police stations, with the aim of toppling the government. The evacuation was carried out at the request of the State Department and is intended to ensure the safety of embassy personnel and allow mission operations to continue. The US embassy remains focused on promoting a peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections. [Extracted from the article]

The embassy made the decision due to escalating gang violence near their compound and at Haiti's primary international airport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the controversy stirred by a U.S. chemistry professor's suggestion of adding salt to tea for a better taste, prompting a humorous response from the U.S. embassy in London reassuring that it's not official policy and humorously suggesting microwaving tea instead.

Former President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil is under investigation by the Federal Police (PF) for spending two nights at Hungary's Embassy in Brasilia. The investigation aims to determine if Bolsonaro violated any restrictions imposed on him by the Federal Supreme Court (STF). The New York Times reported that Bolsonaro may have been trying to evade justice, as he cannot be arrested in a foreign embassy. Bolsonaro's defense team stated that he stayed at the embassy to maintain contacts with Hungarian authorities. Bolsonaro's passport was seized by the Federal Police in February, and he has been accused of being a fugitive. [Extracted from the article]

The UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Auld, expressed the British Embassy's willingness to support a new era of cyber cooperation with Azerbaijan during the 'UK Cyber Security Exhibition in Azerbaijan' event. He emphasized the global impact of cybercrime and the need to remain vigilant against emerging threats such as deepfakes and the spread of misleading information. The UK is a leader in cyber intelligence and threat analysis through organizations like GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Center. The ambassador highlighted the thriving cybersecurity industry in London and the UK's commitment to cybersecurity education and the development of innovative rules and policies. The British Embassy is ready to support the new relationship and hopes to begin a new chapter in UK-Azerbaijan cyber engagement. [Extracted from the article]