Rouhani’s Unlikely Supporters

by Sussan Tahmasebi According to the polls, incumbent Hassan Rouhani is the frontrunner in Iran’s upcoming presidential elections, which will be held on May 19. However observers acknowledge that the win is still not guaranteed and that Rouhani faces a tough… Continue Reading

To Veil or Not to Veil—That is a Complex Question

by Sussan Tahmasebi Over the last two years, countless trade and diplomatic delegations have traveled to Iran to kick off economic cooperation in diverse sectors from the auto industry and the gas and oil sector to agriculture. In fact, Iran… Continue Reading

Human Rights Double Standard: Iran and Saudi Arabia

by Shireen T. Hunter   The question of how to help promote human rights globally has always had a political dimension. States often press these issues in the case of those countries of which they disapprove and ignore or downplay… Continue Reading

Women in Iran’s Parliament: Opportunities and Challenges

by Sussan Tahmasebi Iran’s tenth parliament will begin its term in June boasting many firsts, including the highest number of female parliamentarians. In Iran’s first round of parliamentary elections, 14 female MPs were elected, and, according to the results of… Continue Reading

For Saudi Women, A Weighty Development

by Thomas W. Lippman Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—On Palestine Street, in the heart of this steamy port city, the Baskin Robbins store and Dunkin’ Donuts have a new neighbor, Gold’s Gym. Inside, the gym is presumably similar to others in the… Continue Reading