A Daily Analysis
By Marc Schulman

November 15, 2007 Iran and IAE

Today the International Atomic Energy Commission issued its report on the Iranian Nuclear program.  The report stated that Iran has made additional reports on their nuclear activities.  It stated however that there are many areas in which the UN is no longer receiving any information.   The head of the Commission, Mohamed El Barade, stated that there was no need for additional sanctions against Iran since it would not accomplish anything.  The report drew immediate comment from the US, who stated that this was further proof that Iran is not cooperating.  On the other hand, those who are opposed to sanctions are expected to use the report to continue opposing the sanctions.
 
 
The New York Times had an article today on the passage on the first reading of a law that would require 80 members of the Knesset to approve any division of any part of Jerusalem.  The importance of the vote was actually not this vote itself, but rather, this was one of three votes that passed in the Knesset that the coalition opposes.  This raises the question, "is there a coalition?"  If the government cannot stop bills from passing that it opposes, its ability to keep governing will be severely limited.  The Israeli system provides no means for the Prime Minister to veto any bill, since the system assumes that only bills supported by the government will pass.
 
The middle school and high school teachers’ strike in Israel goes on and on.  It has now been more than a month, and there is no sign of an end.  The strike, which has closed Israel’s schools is not the only educational strike in Israel, a second strike has been taking place that has received even less publicity, that of University Professors. So if you were a student in Israel, whether in high school or college, you have not had school for a month and you would have no idea of when you might be returning to the classroom and lecture halls.