Beneath the hype: Is Iran close to nukes?

(The Real News Network | 7 October 2007) - In this five-part series, retired CIA analyst Ray McGovern and Iraq whistle-blower Greg Thielmann discuss respectively the role of faith-based intelligence in disinformation (Part 1) and under what conditions Iran would restart its suspended weapons program (Part 2).  In the question and answer session, McGovern and Thielman discuss the implication of US silence on Israel’s nuclear weapons (Part 3); the disconnect between the intelligence community, government and the public (Part 4); and the potential causes of armed conflict in Iran (Part 5).

Part 1:  Disinformation and Faith-based Intelligence

(Ray McGovern | The Real News Network | 7 October 2009) - Retired CIA analyst Ray McGovern speaks on disinformation, Iran, and “faith-based intelligence” Read the rest of this entry »

Changing the World with the Next Word?

Part 1:  Freedom Sounds Like Hafez

(Hogan, Karimi-Hakak, Wolak | Live from the Heartland | 25 July 2009) - Katie Hogan of “Live from the Heartland” sits down with Mahmood Karimi-Hakak and Bill Wolak co-translators and co-editors of the book of poems “Your Lover’s Beloved.” Bill and Mahmood talk about their work and share some poems from their book in this three part series of videos. Read the rest of this entry »

Debating Engagement: A Critical Dialogue Among Progressives on Iran and the Peace Movement

Featuring Robert Naiman, National Coordinator of Just Foreign Policy and Kaveh Ehsani, editorial committee member Middle East Report and Professor of International Studies, DePaul University.

The present moment is pivotal on two levels: In the aftermath of its June presidential election, Iran has seen the largest political upheaval in the three decades since the revolution. And, just last week, the US and Iran engaged in breakthrough discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.

Are these two historic developments related?

How should the peace movement make sense of them?

This dialogue will explore these questions and many more, shedding much-needed light on the critical issues at stake.

Event Details: Friday, October 16 at 7 PM – School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbus Auditorium, 280 S. Columbus Dr., Chicago

IRAN: Khatami says protesters won’t back down

(Jeffrey Fleishman – Babylon & Beyond | Los Angeles Times | 11 October 2009) – Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has posted a strong declaration on his website that the protest movement in Iran will not die despite violent crackdowns by the military and police. Read the rest of this entry »

Iranian blogosphere reacts to Obama’s Peace Prize

(Dispatch | Tehran Bureau | 11 October 2009) - Outside of the United States, the news that U.S. President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize resonated perhaps most strongly with Iranians. Read the rest of this entry »

Tehran Plans to Execute 3 Protesters of Election

(Michael Slackman | New York Times | 10 October 2009) — Iranian officials have sentenced to death three protesters who participated in demonstrations following the nation’s disputed presidential election in June, according to ISNA, Iran’s semiofficial news agency. Read the rest of this entry »

The Mixed Blessings of the Nobel Peace Prize

President Barack Obama was named this year’s winner of the Nobel Peace Prize Friday for his diplomatic efforts. The unexpected choice made him the third U.S. president to be so honored while still in office.

There have been mixed, even critical reviews of President Obama winning this honor. In our coverage we wanted to share the reactions, examine the implications, and reflect on the purpose, at times more political than laudatory, of the Nobel Peace prize. Read the rest of this entry »

Obama Begins Meaningful Engagement With Iran

(Robert Naiman | Truthout | 8 October 2009) - The relationship between the United States and Iran with respect to Iran’s nuclear file is playing out at two levels. One level revolves around formal obligations and agreements and diplomacy. The second level is the long-running contest between the United States and its allies and Iran and its allies for power and influence in the region. The contest at the formal-obligations level on the nuclear program is a proxy for the contest for power and influence, and accommodation on the nuclear program likely implies some acceptance of Iran’s power and influence in the region. Read the rest of this entry »

Iran, America, Israel: the nuclear gamble

Iran Gives Nod to Inspections, More Nuclear Talks

(Online NewsHour | 1 October 2009) – Iran has agreed to a second round of discussions over its disputed nuclear program following a meeting in Geneva on Thursday with diplomats from the U.S. and other world powers.