Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, known to lead a regime based on a mantra of “Death to America,” has been cautiously silent ever since US President Donald Trump took the helm in the White House. With a recent medium-range ballistic missile test launch backfiring severely, both politically and … [Read more...] about ANALYSIS: Iran feeling US policy shift after Obama
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BLACKLIST IRAN’S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS
The right signal to Tehran’s mullahs. It is a known historical fact that actions speak louder than words. Iran is beginning to understand this loud and clear with a new administration in Washington. U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, in his first public appearance, issued a stark … [Read more...] about BLACKLIST IRAN’S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS
Flogging and Eye-Gouging Are Among Iran’s Medieval Punishments for ‘Morality’ Violations
Despite the many flaws in the nuclear deal with Iran, Tehran’s nuclear program has been curbed. Yet at what cost? As the new Trump administration realizes, the Islamic Republic is still a major violator of the human rights of its people. The regime’s continued practice of “cruel and inhuman … [Read more...] about Flogging and Eye-Gouging Are Among Iran’s Medieval Punishments for ‘Morality’ Violations
Analysis: The Iranian regime and evolution of ISIS
By Heshmat Alavi Special to Al Arabiya English Tuesday, 31 January 2017 Support for international terrorism received a major boost the moment the mullahs hijacked Iran’s 1979 revolution. After a very short-lived period of a so-called open political atmosphere, their thugs organized in the … [Read more...] about Analysis: The Iranian regime and evolution of ISIS
Iran’s Trepidation Over Entering Uncharted Trump Territory
By Heshmat Alavi US President Donald Trump posted a statement only minutes after his inauguration indicating the administration’s intention to launch a “state-of-the-art” missile-defense system to help protect allies against possible attacks from Iran and North Korea. This only adds to the … [Read more...] about Iran’s Trepidation Over Entering Uncharted Trump Territory
What Is Iran’s Policy-Making Mechanism?
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?
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
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