Helping Iranians to Lead Normal Lives

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj “The Iranians have to suffer.” This is the message U.S. officials have relayed to their European counterparts as negotiations stall over Iran sanctions. Despite all the assurances that U.S. sanctions do not target the Iranian people, despite… Continue Reading

Can Europe Defend Itself and Iran from U.S. Sanctions?

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj In an op-ed published last week in the German newspaper Handelsblatt, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas declared that the “the US and Europe have been drifting apart for years.” Nowhere is this clearer than in the disagreement… Continue Reading

The Bear, The Dragon, and The Persian Cat

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj  “Today, Russia and China effectively shelter Iran from complete isolation and provide it with political support, defence assistance, and economic ties it cannot receive elsewhere.” That is the primary contention of a new book by Dina Esfandiary,… Continue Reading

Pompeo, Religion, and Regime Change in Iran

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj In his brief stint as CIA director, Mike Pompeo brought God to Langley. At least that’s how it felt it to many in the intelligence community. According to Foreign Policy, Pompeo attended “weekly Bible studies held in… Continue Reading