This morning’s key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com.

U.S. slaps sanctions on three Syrian officials

The United States slapped sanctions on Syria’s intelligence agency and two relatives of President Bashar al-Assad on Friday. The sanctions include asset freezes and bans on U.S. business dealings. Reuters

European Union member states, meeting in Brussels, gave preliminary approval to European sanctions on Libya. When formalized, these would apply an arms embargo and a ban on equipment used for repression such as body armour, explosives or vehicles that carry weapons. Reuters

Iran’s president Ahmadinejad in dispute with supreme leader

A senior cleric in Iran is warning President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad not to overestimate his power. “The president should know that the majority vote for him was not absolute but conditional on his obedience towards the orders by the supreme leadership.” Like America in the 1960s and 1970s, Iran is in a generational Awakening era that triggered massive student-led riots beginning in 1969. Just as this “generation gap” split apart America’s government at that time, finally leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon, Iran’s government appears to be experiencing the same kind of turmoil. Haaretz

Iran seeks to renew diplomatic relations with Egypt

Iran’s foreign minister has announced its desire to renew diplomatic relations with Egypt, and is now waiting for the Egyptians to take a similar decisions. However, some officials in Egypt are hesitant, for fear that renewing relations with Iran might isolate Egypt from the other Arab countries; undermine its leading position in the region; compromise its sovereignty, as a result of Iranian interference; lead to “Shi’itization” and thus to sectarian schism; and compromise Egypt’s interests in the Gulf. With the last concern in mind, Egyptian officials hurried to assure the Gulf states that Cairo had no intention of forming a strategic alliance with Tehran. Memri

Israel threatens ‘arsenal of measures’ in retaliation for Hamas-Fatah pact

Israel has threatened to use an “arsenal of measures” against the Palestinian territories, in retaliation for the plans for Fatah and Hamas to reconcile and form a unity government. Measures include withholding $800 million in taxes, and lifting the VIP status of Palestinian leaders, thus subjecting them to humiliating border checks. Telegraph

Major Taliban attacks expected in Afghanistan

Senior Nato military officials in Afghanistan said that they are expecting Taliban-led insurgents to launch a series of major attacks across the country over the next week. This surge in attacks occurs every year around May 1. Reuters

Pakistan tests a nuclear-capable missile

Pakistan’s military announced that it successful tested a nuclear-capable cruise missle with a range of over 200 miles. Times of India

Russia bans petroleum exports

As Russia grapples with fuel shortages in several regions, the government banned exports of refined petroleum products on Thursday. Moscow Times