MKO remain on EU terror list, Rajavi not detained in Jordan

Iran is hailing the recent decision by the EU to keep the Mojahedin-e Khalq on its list of banned terrorist organizations. Iranian media have already released several pieces on the decision and are using it to downplay the significance of last month's ruling by a British court to remove the MKO from that country's list of proscribed groups.

The British court's decision came at an awkward time for Iran's relationship with the West. Iranian leaders considered Britain's move a slap in the face--hardening their position in the already go-nowhere nuclear talks--but the EU's decision may partially make up for it.

Iranian leaders and civilians alike consider the Mojahedin traitors for the group's participation with Saddam Hussein during the bloody eight-year Iran-Iraq war. The MKO are also responsible for numerous terrorist attacks against Iranian politicians, including a bombing that maimed current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has benefited from the Iraqi government's recent proclamations against the Mojahedin and the organization's presence in Iraq. However, despite its influence in that country, Iran has either been unable or unwilling to target the MKO directly. Recent reports of the arrest of the MKO's leader Masud Rajavi in Jordan a few days ago also appear to be unfounded.

Iran's current leadership have made the MKO (and prosecution of its leaders) a top national priority. For now, it seems that the US, EU, and Britain, will use the issue as both a carrot and a stick.

[Image: Saddam Hussein with MKO leader Masud Rajavi]