Iran’s Moderation Project and Lessons of the Reform Era

by Mohammad Ali Kadivar It took only a few months after president Hassan Rouhani’s inauguration for the broad but fragile alliance behind him to face challenges after the shutdown of a reformist newspaper as well as the harassment of the… Continue Reading  

Iranians Vote for Hope and a Change of Course

by Farideh Farhi via IPS News Iran’s June 14 presidential election results, announced the day after, was nothing less than a political earthquake. The centrist Hassan Rowhani’s win was ruled out when Iran’s vetting body, the Guardian Council, qualified him… Continue Reading  

The Daily Talking Points

News and views on U.S.-Iran relations for March 1-2: The Wall Street Journal: The WSJ’s editorial board catalogs newspaper and blog commentary on “The ‘Israel First’ Myth: Obsessed with the Jewish state, Mideast ‘experts’ got the region all wrong.” The… Continue Reading  

The Daily Talking Points

News and views on U.S.-Iran relations for February 10: The Washington Post: Former Israeli ambassador Sallai Meridor opines on “What Israel fears in Egypt.” He observes, “Within every revolution are some who hope to use democratic processes to establish oppressive… Continue Reading  

Clinton Issues Statement on Ashtiani Death Sentence

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concern today over reports that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, an Iranian woman accused of murder and adultery, will still face execution. Her statement may signal a greater focus on humanitarian conditions in Iran from the… Continue Reading