Washington and Tehran’s Vicious Spin Cycle

The crux of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran is that, at some point, in order to succeed, each side will have to take a deep breath and shake hands on a deal. But thirty years of mutual demonization and fear mongering, means it takes serious political courage to come to the table, and even […]

“Capability” ultimatum misses the point, threatens diplomatic opportunity

We’re at a rare moment in which both the United States and Iran have unclenched their fists and appear ready for real talks. Obama, thankfully, has taken the pro-war crowd to task.  The P5+1 are finally setting new negotiations for April.  And Khamenei took the rare step of publicly welcoming new talks. These are very […]

The real story on the Iran “democracy fund”

The BBC has taken a fresh look at a story the Boston Globe first ran a couple weeks ago about the demise of the Iran “Democracy Fund,” a program started under the Bush administration to support regime change in Iran. The story provoked an outcry. Individuals such as Senator Joseph Lieberman and the neoconservative activist […]

Senate Adopts Measure to Counter Censorship in Iran

Cross Posted from niacouncil.org Washington DC – Last night, the Senate voted unanimously to adopt legislation that aims to aid the ability of the Iranian people to access news and information by overcoming the electronic censorship and monitoring efforts of the Iranian government. The Victims of Iranian Censorship (VOICE) Act was introduced by Senators John […]

Lieberman: “We are now approaching a Defining Moment in US-Iran History” (Updated)

“[It] is clear that we are now approaching a defining moment in [US-Iran] history and in the relationship between the international community, including especially the United States, and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran—a defining moment in which both sides must make big decisions, whose consequences will carry far into the future,” Senator […]

J Street: Petition and video against FM Lieberman’s inflammatory platform and rhetoric

Check out J Street’s scathing video against Israeli Foreign Minister-designate Avigdor Lieberman. Then sign their petition calling for Jewish leaders to speak out against the politics of division and in favor of a two-state solution. [vodpod id=Groupvideo.2306048&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26] Update: Lieberman gives belligerent speech on first day as FM, says “those who want peace should prepare for […]