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
Middle East
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?
Iran’s strategic defeat in Syria before Astana talks
By Heshmat Alavi The war in Syria has reached a major turning point. The Iran-Russia honeymoon is over, and Moscow is warming relations with Ankara. Reports indicate the two coordinated airstrikes targeting Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) and other terrorist groups. Such a turn of events has even been described … [Read more...] about Iran’s strategic defeat in Syria before Astana talks
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’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
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 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
The Future Of Iran Following Rafsanjani’s Death
Originally published in Forbes By Heshmat Alavi The regime in Iran suffered a major setback after former president and figurehead Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani died of a heart attack on Sunday. He was 82. Following the 1979 revolution, Rafsanjani played an influential role in structuring the … [Read more...] about The Future Of Iran Following Rafsanjani’s Death
Iran in 2016: Exploiting Obama’s appeasement policy
By Shahriar Kia As we wind down the highly turbulent year of 2016, a look back at Iran’s record in these 12 months is quite necessary. And rest assured there is nothing to brag about. The approach Iran adopted domestically and abroad, especially following the nuclear deal, provides the necessary … [Read more...] about Iran in 2016: Exploiting Obama’s appeasement policy
How Iran aides the Afghan Taliban under America’s nose
By Amir Basiri Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) has been active amongst Taliban terrorists opposing the Afghan government, Radio France International website reported on Tuesday citing Farah Province officials in western Afghanistan. Farah Provincial Council Chair Jamile Amini has accused Iran of … [Read more...] about How Iran aides the Afghan Taliban under America’s nose