Demonstrations

Prof. Galtung is one of the most important dissident intellectuals of our time; 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. He has served at so many universities that [...]

I had the opportunity recently to read the Manifesto of the Green Movement in Iran. It’s quite an impressive document; very reminiscent, in many ways, of American democracy, as spelled out in such historic documents as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Thomas Jefferson would have approved. The trouble is, however, as the [...]

United4Iran is a nonprofit startup whose mission is to “promote fundamental human and civil rights in Iran.” In this podcast, I speak with the organization’s founder, Firuzeh Mahmoudi, and 2 of the organization’s volunteers, Tori Egherman and Kamran Ashtary. We first talk generally about United4Iran as an initiative, and then move on to how they’re [...]

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… continuation from Part 1
In the June Presidential elections in Iran we saw ex-president Rafsanjani maneuver the political scene carefully. At first there were rumors of him deciding to run against Ahmadinejad for the second time. Rafsanjani is not traditionally a Reformist. Nor are Pragmatist policies close to the Reformist Camp-especially pre June 2009. [...]

On July 25 over 70 rallies were held around the world in support of the Iranian people. Several of the rallies were attended by thousands of people. The rallies, coordinated by United4Iran were supported by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, 42 Arab Human Rights organizations, and other human rights groups.
Here are some [...]

This past week, Iraqis gathered on the streets of Baghdad donning green flags and ribbons, to show their solidarity with the protesters in Iran. This display of support is especially amazing given the history of official animosity between Iran and Iraq, which culminated in a protracted and bloody war between the countries (1980-1988). Those Iraqis [...]

President Obama finds himself in a bit of a bind when it comes to Iran. And the dilemma he faces is not unlike that faced by many policy makers when it comes to the Middle East. Who do you support, the government, or the people?
When he ran for the Presidency, Obama vowed to negotiate with [...]

People around the world are not all the same. They don’t all want the same exact things. But at the end of the day, my guess would be that most people the world over do want some similar things, and that freedom would probably top the list of what most people need and want. Iranians [...]

To the Peoples of the Arab Nation,
Today crimes are being committed in Iran by a leadership that opposes the will of its people. Innocent lives are being taken by Khamenei and his servant Ahmadinejad and many of you sit on the sidelines and watch.
I know Khamenei and Ahmadinejad are very popular in your nations. [...]

Protests of Mousavi supporters broke out again today in Tehran (and reportedly in Shiraz, Mashad, Isfahan and Avhaz as well). Following the stern warning in Ayatollah Khamenai’s speech this Friday, that the leaders of the protesters (Mousavi/Karroubi) will be responsible for the bloodshed, riot-police and Baseej forces spread out across Tehran.
Starting at 16:00 violent clashes [...]