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