by Staff writer, SF
The Iraqi parliamentary elections are scheduled for May 12th. Their outcome may end the trajectory seen under the current leadership. Some worry that these elections will institutionalize Lebanon’s Hezbollah model in Iraq.
Iraqi Election Feared as Means to Institutionalize Lebanon’s Hezbollah Model
Iranian Regime Concerned over Telegram’s ICO Sale and New Blockchain-based Service
by Navid Felker
Anti-regime movements in Iran rely on technology. In 2017 it was reported that there are 48 million smartphones in Iran, and this number is increasing each day. These devices are equipped with high quality cameras and internet access, making video and images of the repression that Iranians experience, such as live streams of protestors battling paramilitary forces, easily available to social media.
Telegram Causes more Trouble for Iran’s Regime with ICO Sale and New Blockchain-based Service
by Staff writer, SF
Technology has been a major part of many anti-regime movements in Iran. Mobile phones with their high quality cameras and easy internet access to social media has led to the wide distribution of video and images of the repression that Iranians experience, such as live streams of protestors battling paramilitary forces. Women now have the ability to display their protests of morality laws to the rest of the world by posting pictures of themselves on Instagram, waving their hijabs from atop cars and rooftops.
Iran is supplying Houthis with advanced weaponry
by Azita Carlson
The Saudi-led Arab coalition to defeat the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen and restore the internationally recognized government has said that Iran is violating the UN arms embargo on the Houthis by attempting to supply them with advanced Iranian-built surface-to-air missile systems.
They say this could increase the air-defence threat to US allies in the region and weaken the chances for a peaceful resolution to the Yemeni crisis.
Iranian arrested by US authorities for sanctions evasion scheme
by Atousa Pilger
Ali Sadr Hashemi Nejad, a thirty-eight-year-old Iranian who is the chairman of Pilatus Bank – a bank that is registered in Malta, was arrested on US charges regarding his involvement in a scheme that was set up to evade US-imposed sanctions.
It has been alleged that the scheme involved over $115 million being funnelled through the United States’ financial system for a Venezuelan construction contract.
Iran: Protests Continue in Ahvaz
by Saeed
In southwest Iran lies the city of Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, which contains the majority of Iran’s natural resources — the area has 90 percent of Iran’s oil and gas reserves. As well, Iran’s only navigable river, Karun, runs through the city.
During the past year, there were hundreds of protests against the policy of diverting rivers. Iranian President Hasan Rouhani promised to reconsider the projects transferring water outside of Ahvaz.
EU leaders hesitant to sanction Iran
by Navid Felker
It has been reported that Members of the European Union are hesitant to sanction Iran in relation to its ballistic missile program.
Germany, France and the United Kingdom recently proposed penalties that would address Iran’s ongoing work on its ballistic missile program and its involvement in the Syrian civil war, including the extensive support it has been providing President Bashar al Assad. The sanctions would involve the freezing of assets and travel bans on more than a dozen individuals and entities that have aided Iran in its ballistic missile program and its participation in the conflict in Syria.
Telegram App Ban Sparks Sharp Criticism in Iran
by Staff writer, SF
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the Chairman for the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security Committee of Iran, announced that later this month, the Telegram app will be banned in the country. His announcement sparked debate among lawmakers and political circles.
The app is due to be blocked on April 20th for security reasons, according to Boroujerdi, who blamed the application for fueling the anti-regime protests that have been taking place in Iran in recent months.
Iran Regime panic over Bolton’s Appointment
by Azita Carlson
The Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council labeled John Bolton’s appointment as America’s National Security Advisor “a matter of shame.” It is clear, from Tehran’s rhetoric that Bolton’s appointment is of great concern to the regime.
shifting from U.S. policy of appeasement with Iran regime a step in right direction
by Atousa Pilger
It was recently announced that John Bolton will assume the position of National Security Advisor. Bolton is a fierce critic of authoritarian regimes, and this move is believed to be further indication that the White House is embracing a more assertive U.S. posture toward the Islamic Republic of Iran.
