An Iran in Flux Marks 35th Anniversary of Revolution

by Jasmin Ramsey via IPS News Thirty-five years ago today, millions of Iranians embraced a religious leader promising freedom from a corrupt monarchy and national independence. Now many want a better standard of living and improved civil rights. “Living standards… 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 →

Recapping Iran Sanctions Logic Ahead of Talks

by Jasmin Ramsey The following quote from this Washington Post article on last week’s nuclear talks with Iran stood out despite it being a regurgitation of past statements: “I don’t want to overpromise, but we’re encouraged,” said the official, speaking to reporters… Continue Reading →

US-led Iran sanctions can harm/alienate upper and middle-income Iranians

Virginia tech economist and Lobe Log contributor Djavad Salehi-Isfahani adds to the growing list of reasons why the Obama administration’s Iran sanctions policy is counterproductive in Foreign Policy Magazine: Despite everything, Iran seems to be weathering the storm better than advertised. Sanctions… Continue Reading →

More on the Falling Rial from Djavad Salehi-Isfahani

Virginia Tech economist Djavad Salehi-Isfahani’s recent explanation of the rial situation in Iran generated a lot of attention, and much in the way of non-expert criticism, likely because it deviates considerably from the prevailing narrative on Iran’s economy: it’s about… Continue Reading →