Say No to Iranian Deportation Bill – Deadline Tomorrow
As you know, Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC) announced last week that he plans to introduce shameful legislation (the STEP Act) instituting the mass deportation of Iranians and blocking Iranians from visiting the US. This bill would tear apart families and force all Iranians who have visas for work or school to be expelled from the […]
Khodahafez America?
This week Congressman Greshman Barrett announced that he would like to reintroduce the Stop Terrorists Entry Program (STEP) Act, originally introduced in 2003. STEP is an attempt to “step up” national security policies by amending our nation’s current immigration policies. Basically, the STEP ACT would prohibit the admission of aliens from countries deemed to be […]
Letter from a Tehran Jail
In the New York Times today, Flynt and Hillary Mann Leverett–both of whom I deeply respect–argue that the protesters in Iran make up a small, demographically isolated minority of Iranian society, and their activities therefore have very little chance of enacting real, substantive change in Iran’s political system. For evidence of the protest movement’s weakness, […]
Chinese Death-Mobiles
A colleague forwarded these photos of Chinese-made vehicles that appear to be designed for crowd-control, possibly to be used against protesters in Iran. I think it’s interesting how a lot of the anger at the government’s repression against the protesters is now being directed toward the Chinese for supporting the regime. China has long maintained […]
NIAC calls for Disarmament of Basij Paramilitary to Ensure Security for Iranian Citizens
Contact: Phil Elwood 917.379.3787 For Immediate Release Washington, DC – The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) strongly condemns the campaign of intimidation being carried out by the Iranian government against its citizens through the Basij paramilitary. NIAC calls on the Iranian government to disarm the Basij immediately and to end the violent repression of the […]
NIAC Applauds Shift Toward Targeted Sanctions
Contact: Phil Elwood 917.379.3787 For Immediate Release Washington, DC – The National Iranian American Council welcomes the Obama administration’s decision to pursue targeted sanctions on Iran’s leaders rather than indiscriminate sanctions that would contribute to the suffering of the Iranian people. “As the Iranian people continue to bravely stand up for their rights, NIAC has […]
Obama’s Statement on Iran
From President Obama’s press statement today: Before I leave, let me also briefly address the events that have taken place over the last few days in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States joins with the international community in strongly condemning the violent and unjust suppression of innocent Iranian citizens, which has apparently resulted […]
NYT is at it again
Apparently because the backlash against Alan Kuperman’s op-ed last week wasn’t harsh enough, the NYT has doubled down with this piece, by Selig Harrison, about US support for ethnic separatist groups in Iran. The biggest threat to the ruling ayatollahs and generals in multi-ethnic Iran does not come from the embattled democratic opposition movement struggling […]
Trita Parsi on CNN: Why the US should care
Trita went on CNN yesterday to discuss why Americans should care about the roiling demonstrations in Iran. He was also asked about the IRGC’s role in an increasingly militarized Iran, and what that might mean for the days and weeks to come. [vodpod id=Groupvideo.4301404&w=425&h=350&fv=] more about “Trita Parsi on CNN: Why the US should…“, posted […]
NIAC Efforts to Reform Sanctions on Internet Tools for Iranians Successful
For Immediate Release Contact: Phil Elwood 212.486.7091 Washington, DC – The National Iranian American Council welcomes the decision by the Obama Administration to waive provisions of US sanctions that have kept important tools for online communication out of the hands of the Iranian people. NIAC has worked extensively with members of Congress and Executive Branch […]
The Case of Salar (Updated)
A little before 11am today, we received great news: Salar had a second interview at the US Consulate in Dubai and his request for a visa was approved. Salar’s mother had with her a letter from Stanford Children’s Hospital indicating that almost all of the money required for the operation and post-op care has been […]
Tell Congress to Stand With the Iranian People!
For decades, Iranians have lived under the double burden of repression by their government and unintended hardship caused by US sanctions. Even now, Congress is rushing to pass the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (IRPSA), which will only contribute to the Iranian people’s suffering by seeking to restrict Iran’s supply of heating oil and gasoline. […]