Malcolm: Sen. Frum stands tall against Iran's apologists

A handout photo provided by the office of Iranian President Hassan shows him (C) during a visit to the earthquake-hit area of Sarpol-e Zahab in Irans western province of Kermanshah.

By Candice Malcolm

Toronto Sun, November 15, 2017 - The Islamic Republic of Iran is, without a doubt, a malign regime. If you think that’s a controversial statement, consider the following facts.

Iran is the number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world, directly funding jihadist organizations, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Taliban.

Iran has had its hand in deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, including the bombing of a Jewish community centre in Argentina in 1994, that killed 86 people.  

Iran doesn’t just support terrorist organizations, it sends its own military to fight alongside Shi’ite armies to undermine peace in neighbouring countries.

Iran is leading combat efforts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, causing chaos and bloodshed, and having a destabilizing impact in the region.

MARYAM RAJAVI’S URGENT APPEAL TO THE RESIDENTS AND YOUTHS OF WESTERN IRAN TO SAVE VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE

With deepest sympathies to my fellow compatriots stricken by earthquake in western Iran, particularly in Qasr-e Shirin and Sar-e Pol-e Zahab, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones.

In these difficult moments when all the people of Iran are anxious and concerned about the lives of those stuck under the rubbles, what adds to the public’s distress is the clerical regime’s criminal record in such natural disasters of dragging its feet and dodging its responsibility in saving the lives of people. 
This is all the more reason for our compatriots, particularly the courageous youths, who reside in western Iran to rush to the aid of people in the quake-stricken areas and help those trapped under the wreckage. 
Just as opposed to the practices of the clerical regime, now is the time to show solidarity. Assisting and saving the victims of the earthquake is a sacred national duty. 
Our prayers are for the rescue of the quake victims and the recovery of those injured and wounded.

Iran: At least 450 died, 7,000 were injured and 70,000 left homeless by the powerful quake

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake that shook western Iran late Sunday night, November 12, 2017, has left at least 450 people dead, 7100 injured and over 70,000 people homeless in Kermanshah Province including in Qasr-e Shirin, Islamabad, Sarpol-e , Salas Babajani and . More than 500 villages have suffered damages in the earthquake which has been described as the world’s deadliest so far this year.

Water and power are out and hospitals do not have enough resources and facilities.

Some 240 of the dead are from Sarpol-e Zahab. The town has only one hospital which has been demolished with all patients and hospital staff buried under the rubble.

Eyewitnesses have described the situation as “disorganized.” There is not enough food, nor fuel and electricity is cut off. Many families have not been sheltered and there is fear that freezing cold could take more lives.

In fear of public fury and outrage, the clerical regime has been trying to conceal the true dimensions of damages and casualties.

Video: Powerful earthquake hits Iraq and Iran, killing more than 300

A man sits outside a damaged belonging following an earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab county in Kermanshah, Iran Nov 13, 2017

BAGHDAD/ANKARA, Reuters, November 13, 2017 - At least 332 people were killed in Iran and Iraq when a magnitude 7.3 earthquake jolted the region on Sunday, state media in the two countries said, and rescuers were searching for dozens trapped under rubble in the mountainous area.

State television said more than 328 people were killed in Iran and at least 2,500 were injured. Local officials said the death toll would rise as search and rescue teams reached remote areas of Iran.

  Iran-Iraq Earthquake 7.3 Magnitude Concrete Structures Had Collapsed

The earthquake was felt in several western provinces of Iran but the hardest hit province was Kermanshah, which announced three days of mourning. More than 236 of the victims were in Sarpol-e Zahab county in Kermanshah province, about 15 km (10 miles) from the Iraq border.

by Jubin Katiraie

An earthquake, 7.3 magnitude near the Iraq-Iran border has killed more than 400 people and sent residents escaping their homes into the night, authorities said.

Iran’s western province bore the impact of the quake on Sunday night, with authorities saying the quake killed more than 407 people in the country and injured 6,700 up to know.

The quake was centred 19 miles (31km) outside the eastern Iraqi city of Halabja, according to the most recent measurements from the US Geological Survey.

Graphic locates epicentre of 7.3-magnitude earthquake on the border of Iran and Iraq

It struck at 9.48pm Iran time, just as people began retiring for the night.

It could be felt on the Mediterranean coast, some 660 miles (1,000km) away.

The earthquake struck 23.2km (14.4 miles) below the surface, a shallow depth that can amplify damage.

Iranian social media and news agencies showed images and videos of people fleeing their homes. More than 100 aftershocks followed.

The quake’s worst damage appeared to be in the town of Sarpol-e-Zahab in Kermanshah province, which sits in the Zagros Mountains that divide Iran and Iraq.

Kokab Fard, a 49-year-old housewife in Sarpol-e-Zahab, said she fled empty-handed when her apartment complex collapsed.

“Immediately after I managed to get out, the building collapsed,” she said. “I have no access to my belongings.”

Sarpol-e-Zahab residents said the power and water were out and telephone and mobile phone lines were spotty.