After Iran Tech Sanctions Fix, are Medicine Shortages Next?
Last week, a senior State Department official acknowledged something the U.S. government had previously chalked up as simply Iranian propaganda: that sanctions are contributing to medicine shortages in Iran. Acknowledging that there is a problem is a crucial step that raises expectations that the administration might finally address the problem.
NIAC Applauds General License for Earthquake Assistance
NIAC strongly applauds the White House for issuing a temporary general license authorizing charitable organizations to provide direct humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to the victims of the earthquakes in northwest Iran.
Apple, Iran Sanctions and You: What You Need to Know
Media reports about Apple stores refusing to sell iPhones and iPads to Iranian Americans and Iranian visa holders have been causing quite a stir. But how sanctions on Iran can affect Iranian Americans are less understood.
No Hope for Moscow Talks Without Reciprocity
The United States and Europe have two options: they can simultaneously reduce the odds of war and of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons; buy time for diplomacy; help the global economy by relieving pressure on oil prices; and maintain leverage for future negotiations. Or they can further put the screws to Iran, and face the uncertain consequences of an escalating crisis that could end in a devastating war. Their choice will soon be clear.
California Democratic Party Votes to Oppose War against Iran
The California Democratic Party has taken a stand against war with Iran, voting unanimously to “oppose initiating war against Iran” as part of its platform, which was published today.
U.S. Engagement Delivers Concrete Action to Support the Iranian People
The international community took its strongest action to-date in support of human rights in Iran today, in a major victory for President Obama’s policy of engagement at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). Yet, this accomplishment did not come without controversy.
Independent UN Experts Call for Moratorium on Death Penalty in Iran
Two independent UN experts called for Iran to halt executions on Wednesday, warning that there had been a dramatic surge in death sentences carried out in the absence of internationally recognized safeguards for fair trails.
In New Iran Sanctions Bill, Congressman Targets Iranian Passenger Planes
Congressman Brad Sherman is planning to introduce new sanctions aimed at Iranian civilian flights, which could exacerbate Iran’s already abysmal flight safety record. Hundreds of civilian passengers on Iranian flights have been killed in plane crashes in the past decade.
Senators Call for UN Human Rights Monitor on Iran
A bipartisan group of Senators are urging the Obama Administration to undertake serious efforts to address Iran’s human rights crisis at the United Nations this fall. The group, led by Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging the Obama Administration to work to pass a resolution at the United Nations establishing a human rights monitor for Iran.
Analysis: Obama’s Pursuit of Sanctions Came at Expense of Human Rights
The Huffington Post – The Obama Administration made a conscious decision to forgo a major push on human rights in Iran so as to not distract from the all-important UN sanctions push, according to multiple officials who’ve worked with the Administration on Iran’s human rights crisis.
U.S. Decides to Punish Iranian Regime, Not People
Cross-posted from the Huffington Post Last week countless protesters across Iran made yet another brave stand against their government, in an event that had political reverberations across the world. The continued demonstration of strength by the Iranian opposition has not only showed the increasing isolation of Iran’s ruling elite, but also helped cement a dramatic […]