At War With God? Iran Accuses 5 Protestors of Warring Against God
Nazila Fathi reports that at least five of the protesters arrested during the Ashura protests last week are being tried for the crime of “warring against God,” a crime that can ultimately lead to a death sentence. The severity and charge of the crime coming so soon after the protesters’ arrest demonstrates that the Islamic […]
Breaking: Obama to appoint special envoy to Iran
from the Washington Times: EXCLUSIVE: Obama to create Iran outreach post Eli Lake, THE WASHINGTON TIMES Friday, December 19, 2008 The incoming Obama administration plans to create a new position to coordinate outreach to Iran and is considering a number of senior career diplomats, State Department officials and Iran specialists say. President-elect Barack Obama promised […]
Constitution bars Hillary from serving as Secretary of State?
According to Article 1, Section 6 of the US Constitution, “No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time.” That means that […]
Leaders on Iran in the 111th Congress: the Progressive Caucus
As 2009 rapidly approaches, look for the Congressional Progressive Caucus to become a more central player in the 111th Congress, particularly on Iran legislation. The Progressive Caucus’ (CPC) position on Iran policy places a very high premium on shifting towards dialogue, rather than confrontation with Tehran. Arguing for the establishment of “a diplomatic dialogue with […]
When Opposites Attract…
While the newly elected President Obama has been bombarded with letters, messages and advice, a message from Al Qaeda’s second-in-command, Ayman al- Zawahiri has struck an unlikely harmony between the terrorist organization and neoconservatives in the US. The terrorist leader’s statement included discriminatory remarks toward President-Elect Obama as well as a charge of America’s military […]
Rice: Interests section plan put on hold
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Secretary of State Rice announced that the plan to open a US diplomatic interests section in Iran has been shelved. According to her statement, the option for a diplomatic outpost is still available, but that the decision should be made by the next administration. Secretary Rice listed the short amount of […]
Obama administration to engage Iran on Afghanistan
The Washington Post reported yesterday that the Obama administration will look to Iran for assistance in Afghanistan. Obama strategists have said that the idea is to have Iran as an interlocutor rather than another element which impedes progress. Iran’s record in Afghanistan can be seen as a both a positive force for change– aiding US […]
Reverse-engineering an Obama deal with Iran
If all the hype about the incoming Obama administration is to be believed, prospects for a deal between the US and Iran on the nuclear issue have never been brighter. So imagine for a moment that we’re already a year into an Obama presidency, and the White House has just recently issued a proud statement that […]
Israel, Iran and Obama: the region reacts to U.S. election
The Iranian reaction to the election of Barack Obama as the next President of the United States seems to be overall positive so far, with MP’s such as Hamid Reza Haji Babai welcoming the victory “as an opportunity and test, with Iran now waiting for that change”. Government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, […]
Iranian Americans play active role in 2008 election
America.gov, a US State Department publication for international audiences, published this report on the unprecedented level of Iranian-American involvement in the current election, including interviews with NIAC, PAAIA, IABA, and others. From America.gov’s Beverly O’Neal: Los Angeles — Iranian Americans are well-integrated into their communities and are eager to have their voices heard in the 2008 […]
Something wicked this way comes…
Last week the Washington Post ran an OpEd by two former Senators, Chuck Robb (D-VA) and Dan Coats (R-ID). In it, they endorsed sustained aggressive action in future U.S. dealings with Iran, saying that Iran must be prevented, using any means necessary, from not only obtaining nuclear weapons, but even “the ability to quickly assemble a […]
Iranian-American Artists Urge You to Vote November 4!
[vodpod id=Groupvideo.1692763&w=425&h=350&fv=videoId%3D1866656866%26playerId%3D1745100234%26viewerSecureGatewayURL%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fconsole.brightcove.com%2Fservices%2Famfgateway%26servicesURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fservices.brightcove.com%2Fservices%26cdnURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fadmin.brightcove.com%26domain%3Dembed%26autoStart%3Dfalse%26] Remember: Election Day is November 4! Click here to find your polling location.