By Heshmat Alavi As we close in to the Iran presidential election -- read "selection" -- a more precise look at the policymaking mechanisms at work in this very peculiar theocratic system is necessary. The regime in Iran, with Hassan Rouhani as its president, has been eager to portray an image of … [Read more...] about What Is Iran’s Policy-Making Mechanism?
Appeasement policy
What to learn from Iran’s unconventional naval tactics
Tehran took advantage of Obama’s appeasement to increase its Middle East influence. An alternative is available, and it’s not war. Once again Iran resorted to its desperate and unprofessional tactic of dispatching fast-attack boats in the Persian Gulf to harass U.S. Navy ships, this time leading … [Read more...] about What to learn from Iran’s unconventional naval tactics
Astana Talks: Why Iran and Russia differ on Syria?
By Heshmat Alavi Monday, 23 January 2017 With a new administration under Donald Trump taking the helm in Washington, Iran has shown its concerns by opposing any participation by the United States in upcoming Syrian peace talks scheduled for today in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. “We have … [Read more...] about Astana Talks: Why Iran and Russia differ on Syria?
The Iran opportunity before Donald Trump
By Heshmat Alavi Friday, 20 January 2017 After eight years of US President Barack Obama teaching seemingly unending lessons of Iran Appeasement 101, a new administration in Washington has the opportunity to right the many wrongs of this failed policy. Obama’s doctrine has allowed Iran to launch … [Read more...] about The Iran opportunity before Donald Trump
Iran: Why “moderate” Rouhani can’t tolerate 2 motorcycling women
By Heshmat Alavi Two young women were arrested last week in Dezful, southwest Iran, for riding a motorcycle, according to a report wired by state-run IRNA news agency. As images went viral a social-media backlash was sparked against the ultra-conservative establishment ruling the country. But … [Read more...] about Iran: Why “moderate” Rouhani can’t tolerate 2 motorcycling women
Time to end the Iran “reformist-moderate” hoax
By Heshmat Alavi Eight years of Barack Obama’s tenure has come to an end. We are also winding down on the first, and maybe last, term of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. This should mark the long overdue end of the U.S.-Iran appeasement doctrine, based on a mirage of “reformists” and/or … [Read more...] about Time to end the Iran “reformist-moderate” hoax
Why Trump should work with the Iranian opposition
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
How Iran Got Stuck in the Syria Quagmire
By Heshmat Alavi Iran, known for its unbridled sectarian meddling in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon, is currently facing an unwanted quagmire and dead-end in the Levant. We cannot limit Iran’s role and its meddling across the Middle East to 2016 alone. There is an ongoing war in the region, … [Read more...] about How Iran Got Stuck in the Syria Quagmire
Iran political prisoners suffering from global silence
The case of a political prisoner on a hunger strike in Iran has recently gained widespread global attention as a campaign for his release went viral, with the hashtag #saveArash trending worldwide. Iranian authorities are under pressure to release Arash Sadeghi as his conditions grow dire after … [Read more...] about Iran political prisoners suffering from global silence
The Need For A New Approach On Iran
As the world recently marked International Human Rights Day, it should be known that the regime in Iran considers its deplorable human rights dossier as its main weakness. For years the international community has been forced to believe in the existence of “moderates” and “hardliners” in Iran. … [Read more...] about The Need For A New Approach On Iran