Well, enjoy yourself while you can because, if some anonymous and long-deceased Mayan calendar-maker is to be believed, it’s the last new year you’ll ever get.

That’s right: The official countdown to the biggest blowout Ma Earth has ever seen has begun.

Unless, of course, it hasn’t.

Wishy-washy? Sure. And for that, blame a calendar created by the Mayans a few thousand years ago that, some believe, portends all sorts of apocalyptic ugliness happening on or around Dec. 21, 2012.

Sure, sure. You’re not buying any of that mystical hooey. But admit it.

It’s still kind of fun to think about, right?

No need to be embarrassed. We humans always have been suckers for a good apocalypse story. And be it a rogue asteroid heading our way, a pandemic that turns us into characters in a Stephen King novel or armies of the dead arising to turn us into not-so-happy meals, nothing gives us a tingle in that part of our brain that loves scary stuff more than thinking about how it all might end.

This most recent version of Our Coming Inescapable Doom involves what’s known as the Mayan long-count calendar. While it’s not the only calendar the Mayans used and it’s a pretty complicated piece of work — expressing a date in Mayan apparently involves smushing a half-dozen “Star Trek” star dates together — the long-count calendar is notable for one reason: On or around Dec. 21, 2012, it wraps up a 5,000-years-and-change-long cycle.

And that means … what exactly?

For some, the end of the cycle — and some, by the way, have disputed the calculations used to arrive at that date — means the beginning of a new era of peace and progress.

For others, it means The End of Life As We Know It.

For that latter view, blame, at least partly, doomsday scenarists who have attached to this reset of the Mayan calendar all sorts of dire apocalyptic events.

“It got tied in, first of all, to the conclusion that, OK, the end of the cycle means the end of the world,” said Ronald A. Lindsay, president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

However, Lindsay added, “actually, there’s nothing in Mayan religion or culture that indicates that you can’t have another cycle. So many experts are kind of dumbfounded by this.”

Then, Lindsay said, the calendar somehow became linked with such supposed havoc-causing, even apocalyptic events as the impending arrival of a mysterious — and, NASA says, nonexistent — planet into a near-Earth orbit, the alignment of the sun with the center of the Milky Way galaxy and, even, some sort of reversal of the Earth’s magnetic poles, any of which apparently means very bad things for Earth and its inhabitants.

“There is this kernel of truth, that the long-count calendar will end a cycle on or about Dec. 21, 2012,” Lindsay said. “But there’s no indication in Mayan culture that supports the signaling of some sort of catastrophe, let alone the end of the world. Quite contrarily, the Mayans use the end of the cycle as an occasion for celebration and beginning a new cycle.”

Count Michelene K. Bell among those who think that, while there is significance to the ending of the Mayan calendar’s cycle, there’s no reason to think the worst.

Bell, founder and publisher of In Light Times, a Las Vegas-based metaphysics journal, said the Mayan calendar and 2012 have been popular topics of discussion among readers during the past year or so. But, she added, “many of the people, unfortunately, are buying into the doomsayers.”

“It’s never been the end of the world,” Bell said, even if some “have taken it and made it into a fear-based event, and that was not what the Mayans intended.”

On the cosmic upside, “in the metaphysical world, people are noticing a higher vibration or frequency out there,” Bell noted. That’s good, because it means the beginning of an era of planetary change that, while painful, ultimately will prove beneficial.

“Most of what I hear is optimism,” said Lori Steele, general manager of The Psychic Eye Book Shop, 5835 S. Eastern Ave. “(People) think it’s more of a beginning than an end. I get a couple of doom-and-gloom people in here, but not many.”

So why all the apocalyptic talk? Because apocalypses — apocalyii? — are so fun to ponder.

People always have held “a sort of fascination” with morbid doomsday tales, said Clayton Schmit, professor of preaching and academic director of the Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.

Stories of death, tragedy and disaster, whether they’re in film, books or real life, always have piqued our interest. “If the death of an individual is interesting, how much more interesting is the death of humanity?” Schmit said.

Our fascination with hearing about how It All Will End also “may be just kind of an existential thing,” said Felicia Campbell, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas English professor who teaches courses in the always doomsday-friendly genre of science fiction.

“In terms of existentialism, you live for the day, and the fact that death is imminent makes living more intense,” Campbell said.

A good doomsday tale also may offer a vehicle for taking a huge, nebulous, free-floating fear — nuclear war, a terrorist attack, global climate change — and turning it into a more easily focused-upon fear.

“We feel kind of helpless in the face of all these events, so maybe by watching them … it becomes more familiar,” Campbell said.

A good doomsday prediction also feeds our simple love of fantasy.

Fantasy “captures a person’s imagination and kind of takes them out of the humdrum, day-to-day mundane existence,” Lindsay said. “And even though you’re talking about a doomsday scenario, still, that’s pretty exciting, isn’t it?

“For a lot of people, it’s just a question of fantasy is better. A Dan Brown novel sells better than some dry book about the Mayan culture itself.”

A good doomsday tale also can bestow on those who buy into it “a sense of privilege,” Schmit said. “They’re the ones who seem to be on the inside, they’re the ones in the know who’ve been given a revelation about such things.”

Take, for instance, California radio evangelist Harold Camping who twice in 2011 swung and missed with his predictions that the Rapture, an event that some Christians believe will kick off the end times, would occur. (However, Schmit noted that several Bible passages say the date cannot be predicted.)

While Schmit said he “wouldn’t say that’s what motivated” Camping, “it certainly gave him his moment in the spotlight.”

So, now, a quiz: What does every doomsday prediction in recorded human history have in common?

Answer: Every single one was wrong, because … well, just look around.

Yet, a failed doomsday prediction seldom deters a truly determined believer. Even when doomsayers strike out, “they get a huge amount of publicity out of it … and really no penalty for it,” Lindsay said.

That’s because studies have shown that “our beliefs are formed through a prism of emotions,” Lindsay said. “And, yes, we reason about things, but our reasons are heavily influenced by our emotional commitment. If you are really emotionally committed to something, it becomes a critical part of your life. You’re not going to give up that belief, at least not easily.”

It’s one of the reasons conspiracy theories are so popular and so indestructible.

“Lots of times, people get angry when you give them the history or the science,” Lindsay said. “If your belief is central to your worldview, you’ll cling to it and come up with some other explanation: ‘Oh, they’re not telling you this because they don’t want people to know’ because they might panic or something.’ “

But most of the time, and for most people, savoring the potential End Of It All a mere 348 days from now represents nothing more dangerous than a reality-based thrill.

“You may be half-serious about it,” Lindsay said, “but if you aren’t true believers, you aren’t going to sell the house or anything like that.”

Besides, the really interesting thing about apocalypses is that they’ll probably always arrive when you’re not looking for them. “I have this personal belief that people have been predicting the end of the world since the beginning,” Steele said.

“I do think the world is changing, but I don’t think it’s ending.”

Still, do us a favor: If Dec. 21 does turn out to be a really bad day, just pretend you never read this story, OK? By John Przybys, Las Vegas Review Journal

Most people find the 2012 prophecies laughable, but that’s only because the earth, tenacious planet that it is, has managed to survive many doomsdays in the past decade.

People may think of it as an unfulfilled prophecy, but it is actually an incredible feat of survival on the earth’s part. Why, just last year, we’ve survived the apocalypse twice when Harold Camping made his two magnificently mistaken rapture predictions.

Of course, the skepticism is understandable, but you’d do well to suspend your disbelief. This year will really be the year it all ends if you go by the Mayan calendar, an ancient relic made by a long-dead civilization may be a credible source to some.

If that’s not enough to convince you that the world will end this year, well, just look around. Temperatures are rising and dropping by extremes. Polar bears are disappearing. Justin Bieber is said to have fathered a child. The signs are everywhere.

You’d best take heed and take a page from the preppers, a group of people who’ve read the signs, seen the truth, and started preparing for the catastrophic event that will alter life as we know it.

We may not know how it’s going to happen yet. It could be a stock market crash, nuclear warfare, alien invasion, coronal mass ejection, zombie apocalypse, or the coming of Bieberspawn. Whatever it is, here are preparations you and your family can do for the apocalypse that’s sure to come eventually.

Tip #1: Create a self-sustaining food farm in your backyard pool

One admirable prepper featured on a National Geographic documentary came up with the ingenious idea of turning his pool into an aquaponic farm. The most brilliant feature by far is the farm’s design, which makes sure that his tilapia colony can feed on the chicken droppings that fall from the coop—because we all love the taste of chicken-crap-fed-fish.

According to the prepper, he created this farm to lessen his dependence on electricity, which is crucial to survival in the case of a coronal mass ejection that will destroy the earth’s electric grid.

In that context, it really makes sense. But for those who don’t have backyard pools or cannot abide the taste of tilapia, another option would be to live with the Amish, or to experience a Filipino-style brownout. Either two are equally effective ways to learn how to live without power.

Tip #2: Stock up on canned goods, cup noodles, and MREs

Canned goods, cup noodles and MREs (meals-ready-to-eat, food eaten by American soldiers on the field) are the holy trinity of no-cook food.

They don’t taste half bad either. Remember not to overstock, though. Just about one cellar’s worth will be enough.

Do not forget to stock up on can openers and hot water keepers too, although when you’re on the move from looters or zombies, you might have to stick to your trusty Skyflakes, which, come to think of it, should also be on your prepper shopping list.

Tip #3: Purchase a luxury underground shelter

In most doomsday scenarios, this is really the only way you’ll survive. Food and water won’t matter when a collision with Planet X/Nibiru causes a torrent of fire to rain down from the heavens.

Lucky for us, there are a number of doomsday shelters already on the market. Those who want a no-nonsense roof over their heads can choose among some safehouses:

All these promise to provide safe and secure accommodations underneath cement-thick foundations and climate-proof ceilings.

But those who want to rough out the rapture with a touch of style might want to check out Vivos, a luxury underground safehouse placed in secure locations in the American desert.

For a co-ownership fee of only $9,950 per person you will receive a sure supply of food, fuel, materials, and a space in the Vivos community for 6 months.

Sure, it may sound like a steep price to some, but the kind people at Vivos do have a financial aid plan that allows the poorlings to pay the full amount in installments over a number of years. Because of course, even in the post-apocalyptic world, currencies, the economy, credit cards, and checks will continue to work in the same way as they do now.

Then again, for us here in the Third World, this third tip is barely an option. Doomsday shelters here are virtually non-existent, so in the case of a collision with Planet X, or any other earth-shattering catastrophe, well, to be perfectly frank, we’re good as gone, so let’s hope that the apocalypse comes in the form of something we know how to handle like EDSA traffic jams.

Sarcasm aside, for all we know, the preppers could be spot on in their beliefs, in which case, the apocalypse would be the biggest “I-told-you-so” in the post-history of mankind.

But until then, let’s focus on not letting paranoia get the better of us, and starting the New Year with optimism. By Amanda T. Lago, GMA News

Sadly, mankind’s use (abuse?) of dogs did not change during the Age of Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution. In fact, some thinkers viewed dogs much like machines. Many dogs were killed as they were trained to run along the front lines so as to draw enemy fire and to reveal the gun positions of opposing forces. Wars in the 20th century witnessed military dog training centers and specialized breeding to produce the ultimate canine warrior. They were gassed, used to blow up tanks (known as suicide dogs) and to detect land mines or booby traps. Dogs also flushed-out enemy snipers and uncovered terrorist bomb materials.

In a world ruled by man, you would never know that tens of thousands of dogs (and many other types of animals like horses, mules, pigeons, elephants, etc…) have died in wars. The history of warfare is, of course, usually written from a male dominated and victors perspective. Histories have always emphasized how fortunate canines were to be the chosen ones, and how loving and tender their masters were, including the bonds they developed. Regarding the dog that was used to help assassinate Osama bin Laden, news reports emphasize superior technologies at the expense of the debate over animal rights.

Evidently, the canine’s teeth had been extracted and replaced with titanium “choppers.” The one drawback, states the article, is that many of the dental sets fall out when the dog is chomping on the enemy. Not only do these war dogs have a metallic smile consisting of fearful fangs, but they are equipped with infrared/night vision wireless cameras. This technology helps them see 1000 yards away and through concrete walls. American canine warriors, just like troops, are sent into battle wearing body armor. The Navy Seals waterproof “Canine Tactical Assault Suits” even comes in an array of colors. The bargain price is only $86,000.

The word “betryal” comes to mind in thinking about how mankind has conscripted dogs for the purpose of their dirty little wars. When dogs are drafted against their already somewhat domesticated wills, they have to go through innumerable endurance tests, some that include electrical shock. Those who are considered “fit” are made into canine warriors to be sacrificed in battle or in times of war. These wars were not of their choosing nor of their doing. And just like Adolf Hitler who poisoned his beloved German Shepherds the night before he committed suicide, training war dogs to die in battle must also be the ultimate betrayal. In other words, mans best friend is really dogs worst enemy.

In “Straw Dogs: Thoughts On Humans And Other Animals,” John Gray writes: “…the Taoists looked to other animals as their guides to the good life. Animals in the wild know how to live; they do not need to think or choose. It is only when they are fettered by humans that they cease to live naturally. If humans differ from other animals, it is partly in the conflicts of their own instincts. They crave security, but they are easily bored; they are peace-loving animals, but they have an itch for violence; they are drawn to thinking, but at the same time they hate and fear the unsettlement thinking brings.”

Perhaps the fatal flaw in mankind, the original sin, is the cult of domestication. Man has always tried to domesticate nature, children, women, animals and even each other through war and killing. Ironically, it is in war that man himself is also remade in an unnatural image and reduced to the status of a domesticated animal, one that must always obey his/her master. Man might view dogs as his best friend, but if only dogs could speak and be unfettered to think and act in their original state of nature, they just might view man as their worst enemy. By WorldNews.com Correspondent Dallas Darling.

Modesty aside, had these BPCI organizers really been doing their job honestly and religiously then all these things now could have been possibly prevented. Granting that all their allegations against this very talented and beautiful lady from Camarines Sur are all true and authentic, but the mere fact that the organizers know about it after a series of constant interviews and queries made by them, and aside probably from the organizers initiative in conducting a background and thorough check towards all its contenders, then it is presumed that they had fully admitted the fact because if not, then she should no longer be permitted to vie for that title and stand before the eyes of million Filipino people only to be humiliated later on publicly.

Nevertheless, how disheartening really the organizers decision because it was not the fault of Ms Raj, hence, they are putting the shame upon her for the blunder they’ve made. Thus, with all of the foregoing, I do not see any reason why she should have been strip of her title just because of the organizer’s ineptitude. Well, the recent interview made by ABS-CBN TV host Boy Abunda in one of their show, Ms Raj reveals that they’ll be filing a case against the pageant’s organizer which to our mind is the best thing for her to do. Anyway, you have all our support Ms Raj whose only fault is winning that title.

Bountiful banquets offered to the gods and eaten by Egyptian priests and their families were laden with saturated fat and bursting with calories – from the highly-popular goose to fortified bread, eggs and rich milk.

Researchers at Manchester University in northern Britain have found that hieroglyphic inscriptions on temple walls and the priests’ mummified remains bear the unmistakable signs of damaged arteries and heart disease.

Their findings, published in the medical magazine The Lancet Friday, said salt intake was also high and alcohol consumption would have exceeded modern recommendations.

Sumptuous meals of beef, wild fowl, bread, fruit, vegetables, cake, wine and beer were offered to the gods at the temple up to the three times a day, and often the priests would take the leftovers home to their families.

‘There couldn’t be a more evocative message: live like a god and you will pay with your health,’ said Professor Rosalie David, who led the study.

The findings also showed that blocked arteries caused by rich diets are not just a modern malaise, she said.

The findings are based on a new translation of hieroglyphs in Egyptian temples to reveal the offerings menu, much of which was rich in saturated fat and would be classified as ‘junk food’ now.

Goose, which was commonly consumed, provided 63 per cent of its energy from fat, of which 20 per cent was saturated, said the study.

In addition, the priests ate a type of bread fortified with fat, milk and eggs, while cakes were typically made with animal fat or oil.

Salt intake was also likely to have been high, since it was often used as a preservative.

Mummified remains of the priests showed high levels of calcified hardened deposits on the walls of arteries – clear signs of atherosclerosis, the narrowing of diseased blood vessels.

‘There is unequivocal evidence to show that atherosclerosis is a disease of ancient times, induced by diet, and that the epidemic of atherosclerosis which began in the 20th century is nothing more than history revisiting us,’ said co-author Professor Tony Heagerty, a heart expert.

The Manchester team looked at computed tomography (CT) X-ray scans of 22 mummies of high social status Egyptians. In 16 of these where hearts or arteries could be identified, nine mummies showed evidence of calcification.

The state of the priests’ arteries and hearts may explain why even the ancient Egyptian elite had low life expectancies of 40 to 50 years, the study said.

It pointed out that the rich fare was markedly different from the frugal, mostly vegetarian diet of ordinary Egyptians. M & C

In a 78-page resolution, the DOJ eight-man panel of investigation prosecutors led by Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera said “the confluence of events before and immediately after” the massacre took place led them to conclude that Ampatuan Sr., his son Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov.  Datu Zaldy “Puti” U. Ampatuan, Datu Akmad “Tato” Ampatuan, Sr., Datu Norodin Ampatuan, and Datu Jimmy Ampatuan connived with the actual perpetrators.

The panel said evidence on record showed that the respondents instigated the plan to ambush members of the Mangudadatu clan on their way to the office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Cotabato City to file the certificate of candidacy of Esmael Mangudadatu for the gubernatorial post in Maguindanao.

It said witnesses identified respondents Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan, Jr., Datu Kanor Ampatuan, Datu Bahnarin A. Ampatuan, Datu Mama Ampatuan, Datu Sajid Islam U. Ampatuan, Datu Anwar Ampatuan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Jr., Datu Ulo Ampatuan, Datu Ipi Ampatuan, Datu Harris Ampatuan, Datu Moning Ampatuan, Mogira Hadji Anggulat, Parido Zangkala Gogo, Jun Pendatun, Kagi Faizal and Sukarno Badal as having directly participated in the massacre.

“These respondents were plainly pinpointed as among those who fired their high-powered firearms which consequently ended the lives of their intended victims. Positive identification of a person being implicated in a crime, when categorical, resounding, consistent, and without any ill motive on the part of the eyewitnesses testifying on the matter, is given credence. Considering such positive identification of these respondents as direct participants in the commission of the crime of murder, they should be indicted,” the DOJ said.

The DOJ panel said there is viable evidence to prove that some members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “dipped their fingers in the preparation and subsequent consummation of the despicable killing of the victims.”

“There is direct evidence that these respondents agreed to commit the crime.  Their acts and the attendant circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime unveil a common aim that would make all of them co-principals in the crime committed.  We can deduce from their communal conduct a common design, concerted action and concurrence of sentiments… All the conspirators are answerable as co-principals regardless of the extent or degree of their participation,” the resolution said.

Aside from the murder charges, Ampatuan Sr. and the 196 accused are also facing rebellion charges for allegedly mobilizing supporters to resist, defy and undermine security forces who were investigating the massacre last November.

Judge Vivencio Baclig of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77 is currently conducting the hearing on the rebellion charges in Camp Crame. He is expected to rule on the defense lawyers’ motion to stop the transfer of the suspects from Cotabato City to Manila.

Prosecutors asked the court to transfer the Ampatuans after the Supreme Court granted a petition seeking the transfer of the rebellion case from Cotabato City Regional Trial Court to Quezon City due to the Ampatuans’ strong influence in the ARMM.

Andal Sr. is currently detained at the Camp Panacan Hospital in Davao City. Other Ampatuan clan members linked to the massacre were also arrested and confined in military camps. Yahoo Daily News

Nevertheless being the Founder, Co-Managing Member and Chief Investment Officer of Arrow Capital Management, LLC, Alexander von Furstenberg serving as a Partner & Director led the restructuring of Diane von Furstenberg Studio, LP, a global luxury lifestyle brand, taking it from $1 million in annual revenue to more than $200 million. He has acted as Chief Investment Officer of Arrow Investments, Inc. since 2001, the private investment office which serves his family. In addition to the philanthropic work accomplished through his position as a Director of The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation which is a private family foundation that provides philanthropic support to various non-profit organizations. The Foundation is guided by the shared values, concerns and passions of the Diller – von Furstenberg family.

The US military “could have captured or killed Osama bin Laden in 2001 if it had launched a concerted attack on his hideout in Afghanistan,” according to a damning Congressional report that comes on the eve of unveiling of a new Af-Pak policy by the Barack Obama Administration.

The 49-page report “Tora Bora Revisited: How we failed to get Bin Laden and Why it Matters Today”, prepared by the staff of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and released today, points finger at then Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his top military commander Tommy Franks for turning down requests for reinforcements to pursue Laden.

Laden, trapped in the rugged mountainous area in eastern Afghanistan, expected to die and had even written a will, said the report, commissioned by Committee Chairman John Kerry.

“On or around December 16, two days after writing his will, bin Laden and an entourage of bodyguards walked unmolested out of Tora Bora and disappeared into Pakistan’s unregulated tribal area. Most analysts say he is still there today,” the report said.

“Fewer than 100 American commandos were on the scene with their Afghan allies and calls for reinforcements to launch an assault were rejected. Requests were also turned down for US troops to block the mountain paths leading to sanctuary a few miles away in Pakistan,” it said. The Times Of India

Police said the convoy of more than 40 people, including 12 journalists, were accompanying Ginalyn Mangudadatu, the wife of Buluan vice mayor Ismael Mangudadatu, to file his certificate of candidacy to run for provincial governor when they were stopped by some 100 heavily armed men and taken hostage on a remote highway in Barangay Salman near the town of Ampatuan.

A few kilometers off the main highway, on a remote hilltop covered with waist-high grass, bodies lay with twisted hands reaching in the air. They had been shot point-blank.

Nearby, bodies were being laid out under banana leaves as police – whose faces covered against the stench – unearthed a mass grave containing the victims from Monday’s ambush (November 23) on an election caravan.

The discovery now brought the death toll to 57 -an unprecedented act of violence at the outset of the country’s election season.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao and a neighboring southern province, sending extra troops and police to try to impose the rule of law. “No effort will be spared to bring justice to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable to the full limit of the law,” she said.

Arroyo’s peace adviser Jesus Dureza said he met Tuesday with Andal Ampatuan, the family’s patriarch, and received assurances that his family would cooperate in the investigation. However, it was not clear how far Arroyo’s administration would go in trying to force the provincial warlords to give up their weapons and private armies.

Julkipli Wadi, a professor of Islamic studies at the University of the Philippines, said he doubted the national government’s resolve in trimming the powers of political dynasties like the Ampatuans because they deliver votes during elections.

“Because of the absence of viable political institutions, powerful men are taking over,” he said. “Big political forces and personalities in the national government are sustaining the warlords, especially during election time, because they rely on big families for their votes.”

Nevertheless, among the journalists reportedly slain were Ian Subang (Dadiangas Times),  Leah Dalmacio (Forum), Gina dela Cruz (Today), Marites Cablitas (Today),  Joy Duhay (UNTV), Henry Araneta (DZRH),  Andy Teodoro (Mindanao Inquirer),  Neneng Montaño (formerly of RGMA),  Bong Reblando, (Manila Bulletin), Victor Nuñez (UNTV),  Macmac Ariola (UNTV), Jimmy Cabillo (UNTV), Bart Maravilla (Bombo Radyo, Koronadal) and lawyers  Cynthia Oquendo and Connie Brizuela, according to a statement from University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC), citing reports.

“This incident not only erases all doubts about the Philippines being the most dangerous country for journalists in the world, outside of Iraq, it could very well place the country on the map as a candidate for a failed democracy,” the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines said in a statement.

Brig. Gen. Ahmad Mighani also suggested Iran could itself produce an advanced missile defense system which Russia has so far failed to deliver to the Islamic Republic and which Washington and Israel do not want Tehran to have.

Iran believes Russia’s delay in supplying high-grade S-300 missiles was due to pressure by Israel, not technical problems as cited by Moscow, Mighani said.

“We are hopeful the Russians will ignore the pressure of the Zionist lobby,” Fars news agency quoted him as saying on Saturday. Iran refers to Israel as the “Zionist regime.” The military maneuvers will last for five days and involve both the elite Revolutionary Guards and the regular armed forces against a hypothetical enemy, Iranian media reported.

The United States and Israel have not ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the row over Iran’s nuclear program.

Iran, which says its nuclear program is solely to generate electricity, has threatened to hit back at Israel and US if it is attacked. “This week’s air defense maneuvers will be held with the intention of protecting the country’s nuclear facilities,” Mighani said, Fars reported. State television said the defense drills would “ensure better protection” for these facilities. Arab News