Controversy over Tehran Symphony performance in Rotterdam
Iran has sent Tehran Symphony Orchestra to Europe to perform the "Peace Symphony" by Majid Entezami. The performance has stricken up a wave of controversy as domestic musicians questioned the artistic merits of the composition and Persians in exile question the Islamic Republic's intentions in funding a performance abroad under the name of "peace" while it is engaged in executing dissidents in Iran. -Pejman Akbarzadeh - 1/30/10
Interview with Professor Johan Galtung, the father of Peace resear
Johan Galtung, distinguished professor of Sociology, Peace and conflict research and world renowned founder of the academic discipline of peace research and founder of PRIO, is currently director of TRANSCEND, a global peace and development network. -Interview by Behdad Bordbar - 1/27/10
Iran to take controversial symphony to Europe despite objections
The Tehran Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will perform the Peace and Friendship Symphony in five European countries despite objections by a number of prominent Iranian musicians. A number of Iranian musicians including Melal Orchestra conductor Peyman Soltani and TSO Council member Mostafa-Kamal Purtorab are opposed to the composition selected for the concerts. - 1/18/10
Iran: War Erupts Over Peace Symphony
Top Iranian musicians are opposing Iran's plan for them to perform the Peace and Friendship Symphony in Europe in the near future. Tehran Symphony Orchestra (TSO) conductor Manuchehr Sahbaii said last week that the orchestra will perform the symphony in Europe from January 22 to February 4. However, no country was mentioned for the location of the concerts. - 1/8/10
Letter of Support from Venezuela's University Students Federation for Iranian Students
Iranian students: This New Year will be the year of the young liberators, openers of a new cycle of life in the world for the welfare of all citizens, and the routing of our way of doing politics in our spaces. - 1/8/10
Chinese Cyber-Activists Lend Support to Democracy Activists in Iran
Cyber activists in China are throwing their support behind opposition protesters in Iran. The issue is a sensitive one, however, as those supporting protesters in Iran fear they could run afoul of Chinese authorities. -VOA - 1/7/10
Iranian Reformists Insist on Keeping Protests Peaceful
While rallying behind MirHosein Mousavi's 17th announcement which lists transparency in elections, freedom of assembly and the media as well as release of all political prisoners amongst the solutions for leading the country out of its current crisis, Iranian reformist groups emphasize the importance of maintaining the protests peaceful and free of violence. -Zamaneh - 1/5/10
New Political Phenomena?!
With every coup d'etat one should expect arrests, torture and persecution, power show, violent suppression, intimidation and of course martial law. The coup d'etat was carried out by rigging the result of election six months ago. Ever since then, the whole world has been watching the violent crackdown of demonstrations, arrests, rape and torture, forced confessions, intimidation acted on this land once called Persia and now Iran, and from this afternoon (the New Year's Eve), the martial law is in force. -Roya Monajem, Tehran - 1/1/10
New Year's Resolution for Congress: Get Smart About Iran
Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are busy sending signals that they are ready to ramp up the wrangling with Iran. But their ill-thought and ill-timed sanctions initiatives -- which have raised concerns inside the Obama White House and across the international community -- are unlikely to further the legitimate cause of disarmament and could end up strengthening the hand of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. -Nation - 12/27/09
No Military Solution To Conflicts
The nature of the current wars in the wider western Asian area reveals a disturbing trend: next to sources of conflict between states there are an increasing number of conflicts within them. In Yemen, the civil war has had a ripple effect throughout the Persian Gulf region provoking the military intervention of Saudi Arabia and a humanitarian crisis that has remained largely unreported. -Arshin Adib-Moghaddam - 12/22/09
Iran's Independence and the Nuclear Dispute
The nuclear dispute between Iran and the United States is heating up. Iran made its proposal on December 12, having been in negotiation with the US and other powers since October 1. Iran proposed exchanging 400 kilograms of its 3.5 percent enriched uranium for an equivalent amount of 20 percent enriched uranium to be used in its medical reactor in Tehran. -R.K. Ramazani - 12/21/09
Kristol Clear: The Source of America's Wars
Americans feeling let down by Barack Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan should take careful note of those who welcomed yet another "surge." It might help them to identify the source of their seemingly endless wars. -Maidhc O Cathail - 12/19/09
The Morning of Monday 7th December in Tehran
Last night the weather turned very dark and cold and it was raining for many hours. We had to turn the heating up as we were all feeling the cold. I was wondering what tomorrow will be like. This morning my heart lit up as I opened the curtains and saw the sun shining and it was a new beginning. -A Citizen Journalist - 12/7/09
Iran Ranks 99 out of 140 in Global Peace Index 2009
"Positive Peace" is to identify which structures and institutions create and maintain peace. The GPI is a first step in this direction; the index is calculated on the basis of 23 indicators measuring conflicts, societal security and militarization. 2009 GPI was calculated before Iran's election, and Iran ranks as 99 out of 140 countries. - 12/2/09
Why we should still talk with Iran
Since I was released from Tehran's notorious Evin Prison last month, the questions have come again and again: Can we still talk to these people? Should the Obama administration engage in dialogue with Iran? What should the West do in nuclear negotiations? -Maziar Bahari, Washington Post - 11/28/09
Interview with Gary Sick: Israel is not Going to Attack Iran
Gary Sick was on the staff of the National Security Council under President Jimmy Carter and a White House aide during the Iranian Revolution and the hostage crisis. Currently, he is an adjunct professor at Columbia University and the director of Gulf/2000. He is also on the board of Human Rights Watch. He is the author of All Fall Down: America's Tragic Encounter with Iran. He recently spoke at a symposium at the University of Maryland titled "Iran after the 2009 Elections." -Fariba Amini - 11/20/09
Iranian father-son musical perform for peace
It's a seemingly simple approach to one of the modern world's most complicated political problems: By marrying the dainty lutes of the East with thrumming violas of the West, composer Hafez Nazeri says he wants to create harmony between the U.S. and his native Iran. -NPR - 11/15/09
War With Iran? America's Titanic Rushes The Iceberg
A very strange thing must have happened to Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), on his way to his recent talk at Washington's National Press Club. He oddly asserted that Iran was indeed an "existential threat" to Israel (nice of the Israelis to have provided that sound bite), that he was open to a US attack on Iran (which is no threat whatsoever to the US) to forestall that supposed danger to Israel, and that the attack "would also be incredibly destabilizing." -Alan Sabrosky - 11/12/09
Iran, Powers Get Draft Nuclear Deal For Approval
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Muhammad el-Baradei says Iran and world powers have agreed to consider a draft accord drawn up to help end the dispute over Iran's nuclear program. - 10/21/09
Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
U.S. President Barack Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize: "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples" - Norwegian Nobel Committee - 10/9/09
Will Tel Aviv Take the U.S. to War – Again?
The same old Israeli duplicity is back but with a new twist. And, importantly, ably aided by a new commander-in-chief. As with the deception that induced the invasion of Iraq, war in Iran also requires weaving a web of consensus beliefs from threads of deceit. -Jeff Gates - 10/9/09
The Lying Game
Something similar is happening over Iran: the same syncopation of government and media “revelations”, the same manufacture of a sense of crisis. “Showdown looms with Iran over secret nuclear plant”, declared the Guardian on 26 September. “Showdown” is the theme. High noon. The clock ticking. Good versus evil. -John Pilger - 10/4/09
Hollywood to host Iranian delegation
After the Hollywood delegation's trip to Iran, now it's Iran's turn! An Iranian delegation comprised of the House of Cinema officials and several cineastes is scheduled to attend a Hollywood program. - 10/2/09
Top Things you Think You Know about Iran that are not True
Belief: Iran is aggressive and has threatened to attack Israel, its neighbors or the US. -- Reality: Iran has not launched an aggressive war modern history (unlike the US or Israel), and its leaders have a doctrine of "no first strike." This is true of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as of Revolutionary Guards commanders. -Juan Cole - 10/2/09
Iran Again: Is Everyone Bluffing?
From Iran’s point of view, there are three nearby nuclear powers — India, Pakistan and Israel — who not only have never signed the nonproliferation treaty but actually have nuclear weapons, many nuclear weapons. They are not, however, being accused of violating the norms of the “international community.” -Immanuel Wallerstein, NY Times - 10/2/09
Fmr. UN Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter Warns Against “Politically Motivated Hype” on Iran Nuke Program
Former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter joins us to discuss what he calls “politically motivated hype” over Iran’s nuclear program. The Obama administration has warned of sanctions unless Iran allows inspections of a newly disclosed nuclear site. -Democracy Now - 9/30/09
Nuclear Non-Proliferation: The Missing Words
President Obama declared, "Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follow." That's not a true statement. It's missing five words. The truth required him to say all nations "with the exception of Israel." -Alan Hart - 9/28/09
Czech Opponents Of U.S. Radar Base Celebrate Their Victory
"We can only speculate about the Obama administration's actual motives in canceling these missile 'defense' plans," said Joanne Landy, Co-Director of the Campaign for Peace and Democracy. - 9/24/09
Former Hostage Urges Negotiations with Iran
John Limbert has wrestled with the ghosts of his past. He says it’s time to move on. Limbert has just published a book in which he urges the United States change its approach toward the government of Iran after 30 years of confrontation. His proposal carries the weight of experience and personal re-evaluation. - 9/23/09
Iranian President Ahmadinejad to Speak at UN Amid Row over Iranian Nuclear Program
Last month, a controversy erupted when the Associated Press reported the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, had concluded Iran possesses the capability for a nuclear bomb and had worked on a missile system to carry an atomic warhead. The IAEA has denied the report and says it has no evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program. -Democracy Now - 9/23/09
Will Israel Fall in Five Years?
Online reports of a study by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency cast doubt over the survival of Israel beyond the next two decades. Regardless of the validity of the report, with what is now known about the costs in blood and treasure that the U.S.-Israeli relationship has imposed on the U.S., its key ally, Israel could fall within five years. -Jeff Gates - 9/23/09
Our War-Loving Foreign Policy Community Hasn't Gone Anywhere
The Bipartisan Policy Center Report never takes note of the irony that it "justifies" a threat of attack against Iran by pointing to that country's violations of U.N. Resolutions, even as Article 2 of the U.N. Charter explicitly provides that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state" -- a prohibition they demand the U.S. violate over and over. -Common Dreams - 9/22/09
Iranian-American Break Dancer Releases Documentary "Warring Factions" For Free
"Warring Factions" is 24-year-old Mashouf's first feature-length documentary. Filming began in April 2007, capturing his experiences as a multi-ethnic Iranian-American exploring his Muslim identity in a post-9/11 world. In the wake of rising international tensions, he is cornered into answering the question, "Where is your loyalty, America or Iran?" - 9/15/09
President Obama's Nuclear Opportunity: Dialogue with Iran and Blow Israel's Ambiguity
President Obama's opportunity for dialogue and diplomacy with Iran must include blowing Israel's ineffective nuclear ambiguity! -Eileen Fleming - 9/15/09
Iran War Drums Begin Beating in Washington
As nuclear negotiations between Iran and the West continue to move slowly, U.S. President Barack Obama is coming under growing pressure from what appears to be a concerted lobbying and media campaign urging him to act more aggressively to stop Iran's nuclear program. -IPS - 9/15/09
Rumi Symphony Project Presents 'Iranian Sounds of Peace' in U.S.
Featuring the legendary Shahram Nazeri and an all-star ensemble of nine musicians from around the world, the Rumi Symphony Project is an ongoing work in Hafez Nazeri's search to integrate classical Iranian and Western musical traditions into a new genre. - 9/6/09
Thousands Gather Worldwide In Solidarity With Iranians
From New York to Seoul, Madrid, or Sydney, thousands of people are taking to the streets on July 25 in a worldwide show of support for Iranians. Demonstrators in more than 110 cities are demanding that Iran's government end its clampdown on the opposition and free scores of activists detained during peaceful postelection protests. - 7/25/09
Death of Neda "the Angel of Iran" inspires celebrated American sculptor
A finely detailed portrait bust of Neda will be presented at a massive rally in front of San Francisco City Hall on July 25th. San Francisco City Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi and Mayor Gavin Newsom will host the event--20,000 expected to attend. - 7/22/09
Desmond Tutu and other Nobel Peace Laureates, Iranian Poets and Artists Support July 25th Global Day of Action
"We deplore the violence and crackdown on peaceful protesters, the increasing restrictions on civil liberties, and the imprisonment of a growing number of civil leaders in Iran." Archbishop Destmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate, 1984 - 7/21/09
Over 50 Cities Worldwide to take part in Global Day of Action For Human Rights In Iran
Around the world, people will gather on July 25 in solidarity with the Iranian people following over a month of intensified state repression against citizens peacefully demonstrating for their rights. Many have been murdered in the streets, many hundreds have been beaten and injured, and at least 2,000 are thought to have been detained. - 7/18/09
Iranians Worldwide Roll Out A Green Scroll Against Ahmadinejad
Despite the challenges, she helped create the website austinforiran.org, and this past weekend joined thousands of Iranians around the world who bravely signed one of many Green Scroll petitions proclaiming Ahmadinejad is not Iran's president. -Huffington Post - 7/14/09
Bay Area Writers To Raise Voices, Funds for People of Iran
The Association of Iranian American Writers (AIAW) will host a literary reading and musical performance on Sunday, July 26 to express solidarity with the people of Iran, whose protest over the June elections has captured the hearts and imagination of the world. - 7/9/09
Photos: Norwegian bikers in Qom, Iran
Following photos are from a group of bikers from Norway touring the city of Qom in Iran. The bikers are visiting Qom as part of a "cultural dialogue" tour. -Photos by Mohammad Akhlaghi, ISNA - 7/7/09
We are all Iranians
Iran's endogenous civil-rights movement needs international solidarity, not political meddling. Academics, universities and non-governmental organizations can help. -Nature - 7/6/09
July 25, A Global Day of Solidarity: Stand with the Iranian People
On Saturday July 25, people around the world have the opportunity to support the people of Iran in their struggle for democracy, freedom and basic human rights by attending rallies in dozens of cities around the world. - 7/5/09
Literatures of Resistance: An Afternoon in Solidarity with the People of Iran
Saturday June 11 at Bowery Poetry Club in New york: Join us as these and other artists of conscience bear witness, in poetry and music, to the struggle for democracy in Iran. Readings and performances by: Rana Farhan, Eleanor Wilner, Luis Francia, D. Nurske, Said Sayrafiezadeh, The Tehran-Dakar Brothers, Roger Sedarat, Amir Parsa, Dalia Sofer, Niloufar Talebi and more! - 7/4/09
Human Chain in Toronto and other rallies in Canada in solidarity with the people in Iran
Iranian-Canadians have proven that they will not sit still and will continue supporting their brothers and sisters in Iran in their fight for democracy. People in different Canadian cities came out last week again to let the world hear the cry of Iranians for freedom and equality in Iran. From prior to the recent uprisings, June 26th had already been declared as a day of international solidarity with workers in Iran. -Salam Toronto - 7/1/09
The Walk
Today I saw hundreds of my brothers and sisters with wills made of steel who were visibly showing the V sign of victory; in groups large and small or individually they had taken to the streets and will do so again and again this week and next week and next month until we, the youth of the land of Iran, of the Iranzamin, will shake off all the tyrants of power and demand our right to peaceful demonstrations, the annulment of this charade of an election and move towards more transparency and democratic government and an equal rule of law for a better Iran for all. -Kamand Saba, Tehran - 6/30/09
Photo: Mother and Child in Los Angeles declaring Solidarity with the People in Iran
I am not Persian, or a political activist-- I'm just a photojournalist-- But when the leadership of any country starts clubbing down it's people in the streets, (As I saw it happen here in the United States as child), I know whose side I'm standing on... -Jim Stevenson - 6/30/09
Subsidies for Israel, Sanctions for Iran
President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2010 budget request for $2.775 billion in military aid to Israel is proceeding smoothly through the Congress. -Antiwar.com - 6/29/09
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