Monthly Archives: February 2009

In Today’s Iran, Anything Else Is “Blasphemy”

Posted on February 28, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi

“In Islamic law, there is a principle of respect for the human being and his or her life and property, irrespective of his or her religion, confession, race, and sex..” This is a quote from no less an authority than … Continue reading →

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Dozens Arrested At University in Tehran

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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On February 23, protests by students of Tehran’s Amir Kabir University led to attacks by security forces. 70 students were reportedly arrested. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, concerned about the fate and health of the detainees, called on … Continue reading →

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Iranian Writers Protest Repression

Posted on February 25, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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The Iranian Writers’ Association has issued a statement protesting repression and persecution against “different groups of the Iranian society” in the recent months. The report, dated February 23, notes that “in the last few months, along with the deterioration of … Continue reading →

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World Concerned About Iranian Baha’i Leaders’ Fate

Posted on February 21, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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In separate statements, German Chansellor Angela Merkel and European Union expressed deep concern about the fate of seven Baha’i leaders who were arrested months ago, facing charges of “acting against Iran’s national security” and “spying for Israel.” Merkel’s spokesman Ulrich … Continue reading →

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Turkey: An Important Regional Player

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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On February 16, U.S. President Barack Obama called his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to affirm the new U.S. administration’s support for Turkey’s “leading role” in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus. Iraq … Continue reading →

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Iranian Sufi Worship House Destroyed

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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On February 18, Iranian authorities destroyed a house of worship of Gonabadi dervishes. The house was attached to the tomb of the mystic philosopher and poet Nasser Ali at the historical Takht-e Foulad cemetry near Isfahan. The tomb itself, reportedly a … Continue reading →

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Afghanistan: A Failed State, But Maybe Not Completely Hopeless

Posted on February 15, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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At the recent Munich Security Conference, Afghan President Hamid Karzai demonstrated optimism about Afghanistan. Things are improving, he said, and the West should provide more support to crack down Al-Qa’eda and other terrorist groups.  He categorically rejected the view that Afghanistan is … Continue reading →

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How the World May Look Like in 15 Years…

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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The US will lose its single super power role, but remain the most powerful nation, though less dominant.  A global multipolar system will emerge with the rise of China, India, and others. The power and influence of Russia, Brazil, but also … Continue reading →

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They Could Be Executed Next Week

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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Yesterday, deputy Tehran prosecutor Hassan Haddad was quoted by semi-official news agency Isna, saying that Iran’s seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders (see photo) will be going on trial next week on charges of  ”acting against the Islamic Republic” and “espionage for Israel,” … Continue reading →

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Ahmadinejad vs. Khatami

Posted on February 10, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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With former President Mohammad Khatami running for presidency on June 12, Iranians will have the choice between him and the incumbent president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Do we really need to argue why Ahmadinejad’s reelection would be a continuing catastrophe for both … Continue reading →

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Balatarin Will Be Back

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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The US-based Persian website Balatarin.com has been under attack since February 3. Balatarin (in Persian: the highest) has been under cyber attacks in the past, too. This time, though, it’s not about a kids’ game. Not only the site’s server … Continue reading →

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30 Years of Islamic Revolution

Posted on February 5, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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Iran’s Islamic Revolution didn’t exactly start 30 years ago on February 1 when the Shah left Iran and exiled Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini returned home from Paris. Nor exactly on February 10, Bahman 22, when the Shah regime was declared overthrown … Continue reading →

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Distributing Iran’s Oil Wealth?

Posted on February 4, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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In 2005, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected Iran’s president on the promise to distribute the country’s oil wealth among the poor. After his election, he approved grants and subsidies, disregarded advice by state budget office, and ordered the central bank to print more … Continue reading →

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“We Are Ashamed!”

Posted on February 4, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi

A group of Iranian writers, academics, artists, journalists, and activists from around the world signed an open letter to the Baha’i community, apologizing for the persecution of the Baha’i faithful in Iran in the last century and half. Here is part … Continue reading →

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Iraq More Democratic Than Iran

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Abbas Djavadi
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Whatever one may think about the U.S. motivation behind the overthrow of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003 and the post-invasion violence, destruction, and chaos, at least in terms of free and fair elections, Iraq today is far more democratic … Continue reading →

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