That use of the word "Myrtus" — which can be read as an allusion to Esther — toname a file inside the code is one of several murky clues that haveemerged as computer experts try to trace the origin and purpose of therogue Stuxnet program, which seeks out a specific kind of command modulefor industrial equipment.
There are many competing explanations for myrtus, which could simply signify myrtle, a plant important to manycultures in the region. But some security experts see the reference asan allusion to the Hebrew word for Esther, and as a warning in amounting technological and psychological battle as Israel and its alliestry to breach Iran's nuclear project. Others doubt the Israelis wereinvolved and say the word could have been inserted as deliberatemisinformation to implicate Israel.
Carol Newsom, an Old Testament scholar at Emory University, confirmed the linguistic connection,noting that Queen Esther's original name in Hebrew was Hadassah, whichis similar to the Hebrew word for myrtle. Perhaps, she said, "someonewas making a learned cross-linguistic wordplay."
"The Iranians are already paranoid about the fact that some of their scientists havedefected and several of their secret nuclear sites have been revealed,"one former intelligence official who still works on Iran issues saidrecently. "Whatever the origin and purpose of Stuxnet, it ramps up thepsychological pressure."
New U.S. sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration stepped up pressure against Iran's governmentWednesday, slapping financial and travel sanctions on eight Iranianofficials and accusing them of taking part in rampant human rightsabuses.
Under an executive order signed this week by President Barack Obama, the State and Treasury departments jointly announced thesanctions that target Iranians who "share responsibility for thesustained and severe violation of human rights in Iran," notably afterlast year's disputed presidential elections.
The move bars the eight Iranians from entering the United States, blocks any of their U.S.assets and prohibits Americans from doing business with them..
Additional material from The Associated Press.
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