Al Jazeera: US-Iran Deal: Compromise is Key
As a new phase of nuclear talks begins between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1) in Vienna on February 18, one thing is clear: From here onwards, diplomacy depends primarily on the ability of the presidents of Iran and the US to absorb and sell compromise.
Dear President Obama: Thank You for Breaking 34 Years of Silence with Iran
President Obama broke 34 years of silence between U.S. and Iranian Presidents by calling President Rouhani on Friday. This was a historic moment, and the White House should know they have strong support from the American people for bold diplomacy with Iran. Tell President Obama he has your full support for diplomatic engagement with Iran […]
Iran News Roundup: August 2, 2012
Congress Sends New Sanctions Bill to President A day after President Obama increased sanctions on Iran via executive order, Congress is sending a new sanctions bill to the President’s desk, which attempts to bankrupt Iran and cause hyperinflation by preventing Iran from repatriating any revenue from its energy. NIAC criticized the sanctions, saying “The bill imposes […]
Iran News Roundup: July 19, 2012
Confusion Surrounds Identity of Suicide Bomber in Bulgaria Swedish and Israeli officials are denying Bulgarian reports that the suicide bomber who carried out an attack on a bus full of Israeli tourists Thursday, killing five Israelis, was Swedish citizen connected to al Qaeda (The Atlantic 7/19). In an interview with MSNBC, Israeli Ambassador to the […]
Congress Playing Dangerous Game on Iran Sanctions
Are Congress and the White House on a collision course over Iran? That’s looking increasingly likely, as Congressional proponents of the “nuclear option” of sanctions — sanctioning the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) — try to force President Obama to pull the trigger. But the White House has reportedly decided against the nuclear option, saying […]
Obama’s Pursuit of Sanctions Came at Expense of Human Rights
When the United States’ efforts to pass new Iran sanctions finally came to fruition just days before the June 12 anniversary of Iran’s dubious presidential elections, some observers concluded that the new sanctions must have been a result of the Iranian government’s atrocious human rights violations. The Obama Administration encouraged this impression, even though the […]
Senators Take on Obama over Iran Sanctions
The Cable reports that a bipartisan group of Senators have sent a letter to the Chairmen of the Iran sanctions conference, laying down the gauntlet regarding changes sought by the Obama Administration for the final bill, as well as multilateral efforts being pursued by the Administration. The letter highlights the infamous Gates memo, in which Defense […]
What you need to know about Congress’ Iran sanctions
This morning, the House will vote to begin Conference with the Senate to finalize an Iran sanctions bill to be sent to the President. Many questions remain about what happens from here–will concerns raised by the White House and other Members of Congress be fixed in conference? Will Congress coordinate passage with the White House’s […]
Tell President Obama to Fix the Single-Entry Visa Policy for Iranian Students in the US
So many Iranian Americans began their journey in the U.S. as students, but now that path is becoming increasingly closed. Not only is it more difficult for Iranians to obtain visas to study in the U.S., but Iranian students are only eligible for single-entry visas. This means that Iranians studying in the U.S. cannot visit […]
President Obama’s Norooz Message
Today, I want to extend my best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz in the United States and around the world. On this New Year’s celebration, friends and family have a unique opportunity to reflect on the year gone by; to celebrate their time together; and to share in their hopes for the future. […]
Tehran dismisses another US sanction
Last Thursday the US senate passed a broad, indiscriminate sanctions bill that would restrict Iran’s importation of petroleum; predictably this move was promptly dismissed by authorities in Tehran. It is reported, (via www.presstv.com) that Ramin Mehman-Parast, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that the US will not persuade Iran to […]
The Latest Tool for Iran’s Opposition: iPhone Apps
Cross-posted from the Huffington Post Iranians will soon have a new tool at their disposal to broadcast their protests and their government’s repression to the outside world. Voice of America announced last week that it will unveil a new application for iPhone and Android mobile devices that will enable Iranians to upload videos, photos and […]