By AMIR BASIRI As President-elect Trump gets ready for office, he will be inheriting several foreign policy challenges from the outgoing Obama administration. One of the most complicated problems is Iran, a rogue state that is the leading state sponsor of terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism, a … [Read more...] about Why Trump should work with the Iranian opposition
Iran’s Middle East ambitions more dangerous than nuclear threat
By Shahriar Kia The Syrian people’s six-year uprising for freedom from decades of dictatorship in their country, now evolving into a regional war and global crisis, is proof of two undeniable facts: First, proving the international community’s inaction and a failed Western policy in the face of … [Read more...] about Iran’s Middle East ambitions more dangerous than nuclear threat
What is behind Iran’s escalating domestic feuds?
By Heshmat Alavi With only four months to Iran’s next presidential “elections,” the political stage inside the country has been the scene of new and intense disputes, with both so-called “moderates” and “hardliners” pointing fingers. “Can a single individual steal $3 billion all by himself?” asked … [Read more...] about What is behind Iran’s escalating domestic feuds?
Iran Threatens the Syria Ceasefire Effort
By Heshmat Alavi Following nearly six years of bloody warfare and an atrocious takeover of Aleppo by the Russia-Iran-Assad axis, the world has finally reached a relatively reliable settlement in this war-ravaged country. Unfortunately, Iran continues to pose a serious threat to this yet shaky and … [Read more...] about Iran Threatens the Syria Ceasefire Effort
Iran: Women “Sold” Abroad
By Heshmat Alavi Reports of Iran’s executions across the country and involvement in horrific killings in Syria, parallel to billions in embezzlement and extortion, and senior officials stashing huge wealth, have every now and then covered the news headlines. However, an atrocious phenomenon has … [Read more...] about Iran: Women “Sold” Abroad
Iran: What to do?
By Heshmat Alavi When it comes to Iran, the transition from the Obama administration to the Trump administration is a hopeful one. There is high hope the incoming administration will challenge Iran’s domestic policies, expansionism and support of terrorism, and its controversial nuclear … [Read more...] about Iran: What to do?
Iran’s nonsensical ban on a best-selling mobile game
By Amir Basiri An Iranian government committee recently announced a ban on the famous mobile game "Clash of Clans," claiming the game encourages violence and tribal conflict while having a negative addictive effect on teenagers. If violence is a true concern for the Iranian regime, "Clash of … [Read more...] about Iran’s nonsensical ban on a best-selling mobile game
Iran after Rafsanjani
By Amir Basiri Dying at the age of 82 from a heart attack on Sunday, former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani had a long record of guiding the regime’s lethal measures domestically and abroad, including suicide bombings and eliminating exiled dissidents. Such an image is far from the … [Read more...] about Iran after Rafsanjani
IRAN SHIITE MILITIAS ENDANGERING FUTURE OF IRAQ
By Heshmat Alavi The regime continues on its path of death and destruction. A conglomerate of Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq, known as the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), or more commonly by the Arabic label al-Hashd al-Shaabi, pose a very dire threat for the future of Iraq. This sectarian … [Read more...] about IRAN SHIITE MILITIAS ENDANGERING FUTURE OF IRAQ
Will Rafsanjani’s death trigger Iran regime upheaval?
By Heshmat Alavi The Iranian regime was dealt a significant blow as former president and senior cleric Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani died of a heart attack on Sunday, January 8, at the age of 82. Known for his influential role in shaping the regime’s politics following the 1979 revolution, … [Read more...] about Will Rafsanjani’s death trigger Iran regime upheaval?