Bringing back the “old order” in Egypt

by Jasmin Ramsey It’s hard to imagine anyone outside of Egypt watching this footage of Cairo burning last night (Mosa’ab El Shamy’s photographs are also stunning) without saying WTF in one way or another. For those who have been following… Continue Reading

Rouhani Faces Tests at Home and Abroad

by Jasmin Ramsey via IPS News The successful campaign of Iran’s President-elect Hassan Rouhani may have been built on the persistence of hope among Iranian voters for a better future. It remains to be seen how effectively the moderate cleric… Continue Reading

Change with Rouhani? Mousavian Speaks with IPS

by Jasmin Ramsey The Jun. 14 election of Hassan Rouhani, nicknamed the “diplomatic sheik” during his service as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2003-2005, to Iran’s presidency was met with hopeful celebrations within the country. But reactions from key world… Continue Reading

No Justice for Tortured Bahraini Journalist

by Jasmin Ramsey via IPS News In May 2011, almost a year and half after a Tunisian street vendor’s self-immolation sparked waves of revolution still rocking the Middle East, Bahraini journalist Nazeeha Saeed was tortured during her 13-hour detention before… Continue Reading

Cultural Engagement Key to Improving US-Iran Relations – Report

by Jasmin Ramsey via IPS News Increasing U.S.-Iran cultural exchanges could lay the groundwork for better relations between the two countries, believes a prominent think tank here, despite the prevalence of stereotypical memes of the United States as the “Great… Continue Reading