Understanding Rouhani’s UNGA Speech

by Jasmin Ramsey Yesterday Princeton’s Kevan Harris explained to me that Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani tried to “expand to the international sphere his domestic election rhetoric about hope and moderation versus fear and extremism” with his speech at this years United Nations General… Continue Reading

Humanizing Enemies: Iran’s Post-Religious Intellectual Discourse

by Jahandad Memarian In Iran, intellectual discourse is moving in a new direction. Mostafa Malekian, one of the highest-celebrated intellectuals in the country, is slowly gaining a following tantamount to Abdol Karim Soroush, often described as the “Martin Luther of… Continue Reading

The Politics of AIPAC’s Anti-Iran-Diplomacy Letters

by Marsha B. Cohen Mitch McConnell did it, Harry Reid didn’t. Elizabeth Warren did it, Bernie Sanders didn’t. Al Franken did it, Tom Coburn didn’t. I’m referring to the signing of the latest letter, crafted by the American Israel Public… Continue Reading

Rouhani’s Cabinet Picks

by Farideh Farhi After more than a month of intense speculation in Iran, Hassan Rouhani’s nominees for 18 cabinet posts were announced on the day of the new president’s inauguration. By law, Iran’s presidents have two weeks after taking office… Continue Reading

Will Iran’s Opposition Leaders Be Released?

by Alireza Nader via IPS News Hassan Rouhani’s election as Iran’s new president has garnered much international attention. In particular, Rouhani’s ascendance has raised hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough on the Iranian nuclear crisis. It would not be surprising for… Continue Reading