The History Book Club discussion

Since I have become so engrossed in Iran over the past few weeks; it just seems to me that possibly we should open up a thread to discuss this.

I will move over the postings regarding Iran on the current events - today in the news thread to this one. It also might be nice to hear from all of you as to what your take on the current situation is. There is so much history that was before my time and all I have really known about this country is the fact that it is isolated and what we have been told about its fundamentalist regime. After watching the BBC presentation on the relationship that Iran and Britain have had through the years; I guess I have been introduced to the long history which for the most part has been buried and/or ignored in other parts of the world.

My heart does go out to the young people who now make up 2/3rds of the Iranian population because they obviously based upon their demonstrations want to be taken seriously and have their votes count. Who can blame them.

I am not sure what else they want for themselves but since there were also a lot of young women among the protestors; I have to say that I assume that the young women want to be treated as equals and not chattel. I cannot imagine being a young woman in any country and going up against armed men with guns, tear gas, iron pipes, etc. I think it has been their bravery which has been so inspiring for their cause.

It is interesting to me that the current Ayatollah has indicated that the UK and others have shown their stripes and true agenda; I guess he has not been looking into the mirror lately because his speech and his actions are truly showing his and his regime. It is unbelievable that the Iranians chose to go with their religious clerics truly wanting somebody and or something that they could trust and who would respect their values; and then this is what they have actually accomplished with their 1979 revolution.

I am sure that they do not know who or what to believe any more. I just hope they remain safe.

Bentley

THERE MAY BE 150 KILLED AFTER TODAY'S ACTIVITIES: (CNN REPORTS)

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/0...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/... (they are shooting them in the street - an unbelievable situation)

OBAMA - US urges Iran to end 'violence'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

Huge rally defies Ayatollah

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

Interview with Mousavi on June 11th prior to election:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlYK2b...

Al-Jazeera got an exclusive interview with Mir Hossein Mousavi right before the Iranian elections last week.

a) His nuclear policy may not be any different
b) Wanted to open dialogue with US
c) Wanted to allow the personal lives of Iranians not to be interfered with (for example dress code)
d) Seems to object to the phrase of wiping Israel off the map
e) His campaign was focusing on the economy

MOVED:

IRAN IN THE NEWS:

What do folks think about the upcoming Iranian elections?

www.abcnews.go.com/International/stor...

It may indicate a change in regime. will it be Mousavi or Ahmadinejad?

Do you think that even if there were a change that it would be indicative of a change in policy? From what I have read, Mousavi is similar to Ahmadinejad in terms of its nuclear program.

The following are some books recommended in The New York Review of Books and on Amazon.










The following book received a very good review in Foreign Affairs:


[image error]

Another book which is on Iran's Nuclear program which may be insightful:


Iran's Nuclear Ambitions



What other books have the group members read on Iran that you might want to recommend?

Bentley

MOVED:

Bentley wrote: "IRAN IN THE NEWS:

What do folks think about the upcoming Iranian elections?

www.abcnews.go.com/International/stor...

It may indicate a change in regime. will it be Mousavi or ..."

THINGS ARE NOT GOING WELL IN IRAN:

It appears that the military regime of Iran is in the process of becoming the enforcer; the election and its results appear to be hotly contested and there are reports of violence, obstructionism by officials towards worldwide reporting organizations; and house arrest of the opposition to the current ruler. I hope that the young Iranians are safe and will be heard; if it was an honest election; I wonder why observers were not allowed to view the process and concur. Things seem very chaotic and the pictures that have been reported are painting a grim view. The fact that worldwide reporting organizations are having their cameras confiscated and certain communication networks are being blocked tells another story than what is coming from the regime. Where the truth lies at this point is not known.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31357829/...

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpun...

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpun...

http://abcnews.go.com/International/w...

Bentley

MORE ON IRAN

It appears from news reports from around the world that their was massive election fraud and that the leading cleric had to know about it. Very sad if this is the case. There seem to be massive demonstrations going on.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31365097/...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/...

THE RESULTS CAME IN BEFORE THE VOTES WERE COUNTED:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31368331/...

MOVED:

MORE ON IRAN:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/midd...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

http://abcnews.go.com/International/s...

I am sure that this election will not go away quietly. It reminds me somewhat of a phrase that Thomas Paine wrote no less:

Oppression is often the consequence , but seldom or never the means of riches; and though avarice will preserve a man from being necessitouslu poor, it generally makes him too timorous to be wealthy.

Source: Common Sense by Thomas Paine

MOVED:

Bentley wrote: "THINGS SEEM TO BE GETTING WORSE (IRAN):

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,5...
"

Tonight's report from the opposition (June 16th):

Iran Opposition Seeks Fatwa Against Ahmadinejad


http://abcnews.go.com/International/S...

For those of you out there in the group who are Muslim; how do fatwas work and what could this mean? Some out there think that things will be futile with the dictatorship in power. Is there any hope?

MOVED:

SEVEN ARE KILLED IN IRAN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/0...

MOVED:

Footage seems unbelievable:

The following url gives you access to a lot of info streaming in from Iran from the protestors themselves in many instances (BBC put together the resources):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-272130

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-272221

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_7GPB...

I have this to say to the Iranians; please keep safe and I consider you to be the bravest of the brave. I absolutely am astounded at what you are going through right now and my heart is with you. Some of the footage is shocking.

Added June 16:
An opposing viewpoint:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...



Bentley

MOVED:

For those of you interested; I found the following book(s) which had some good reviews on Amazon:


Warrant for Terror The Fatwas of Radical Islam, and the Duty of Jihad

Amazon site with reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0742...

The following book also looks interesting: (seems to have favorable reviews on Amazon)

http://www.amazon.com/Islamic-Imperia...


Islamic Imperialism A History

I noticed that some of our group members may have read these already. Does anyone have any input on the two books above in terms of their merits?

MOVED:

I think Iran is still the story:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/0...

MOVED:

MEDIA GRIP TIGHTENS IN IRAN:

CNN has reported that journalists are now told that Iran will not guarantee them safety and that they are retricting the journalists even further; including targeting web sites; i.e., such as facebook, twitter, etc.

I think their actions have certainly proved what a sham these election results really were. It is a shame for these people who hoped for a change in a different direction. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

These religious clerics will not give up their power easily for sure and it appears their Revolutionary Guards and the other hard liners are continuing their threats and violence against the unharmed citizens.

The journalists have indicated that when you have these many ballots all by hand; there is no way you can announce the result a few hours after the polls closed. There is also a substantial amount of ballots that went missing that were not used allegedly.

I really do feel bad for the folks of Iran and really worry about their safety. Even a CNN producer had been attacked by the guards and beaten. He seemed to be alright now and reported the incident live. Not good.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/0...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

Reports from youtube is that the Iranian government has some kind of block on traffic; down 90%.

An IT director in San Francisco (Austin Heap - 25 years old) has published a how to kit for Iranians to be able to set up proxy servers so that they can still communicate with the world. His website tells you how and he has received over 100,000 hits from around the world. He compiled a list of available proxy server addresses over the weekend.

Here is the article which discusses the blocks, twitter, and Mr. Heap's effort on behalf of the Iranians.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology...

MR. HEAP'S SITE:

http://blog.austinheap.com/2009/06/15...

http://blog.austinheap.com/

IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTRY A BUSY PLACE TODAY:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31409684/...

MOVED:

DOCUMENTARY REGARDING IRAN:

Documentary in which writer and journalist Christopher de Bellaigue explores the fraught but often surprisingly intimate history of Britain's relations with Iran, and asks why Iranians think that if something goes wrong in Iran then Britain must have something to do with it.

De Bellaigue has lived in Tehran, speaks fluent Persian and knows well the phenomenon of 'Uncle Napoleonism', the notion that the cunning British are 'out to get you' that has been a common attitude in Iranian society for 100 years.

He looks at some key events in the relationship, notably Britain's role in the overthrow of several Iranian governments, its control of Iran's oil and the on-off support for Iran's democrats.

Meeting prominent Iranians, including Uncle Napoleon's inventor and others with direct knowledge of these events, he examines the foundations and justification for these Iranian suspicions and asks if they are still there after 30 years of isolation.

This explains a lot. I watched it in its entirety.

Here is the url where you can watch all six segments:

http://www.theroadtothehorizon.org/20...

Christopher de Bellaigue's books:






[image error]

And a comical book which may explain a great deal (in a humorous way) about the relationship between the British and Iran:




Iraj Pezeshkzad

TODAY - JUNE 20TH IN IRAN:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

A pretty nasty bunch is in charge in Iran:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_po...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31457916/...

OBAMA SPEAKS OUT:

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/taylor-...

MOVED:

IRAQ:

There seems to be a great deal in the news regarding IRAQ - I will add it as I have time this evening alongwith other commentary.

First, this is a blog from the New York Times which has some unbelievable footage; with translations of Mousavi's speeches and actually an excerpt from a debate with the current Iranian president - absolutely chilling.

Here it is: The New York Time Lede

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/...

Khamenei puts the ball in Mousavi's court

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfr...

Ayatollah on 'evil' UK government

This looks like the old Iran we are formerly used to: they were chanting during the Ayatollah's speech - Death to Britain, Death to the US, Death to Israel - The Ayatollah of course stated that the most evil were the British. That to me was most astounding; it has to be because the BBC has set up BBC Persia with media coverage in that area. The Ayatollah also claimed that this was a fair and honest election. Of course, I am not sure who believes that claim but I am sure somebody does (smile).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

"The competition was transparent" (Ayatollah statement)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei supports Ahmadinejad (obviously his guy) and stated that he calls for calm while at the same time threatens the opposition with a crackdown:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

The World is Watching (Obama)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

WOMEN IN IRAN MARCH AGAINST DISCRIMINATION:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/0...

IRAN BRACED FOR CRUCIAL DAY (SATURDAY):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

MOVED:

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL FEARS FOR DETAINEES: (IRAN) - 170 - 200 TAKEN

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

MOVED:

"The Iranian government raised the stakes in the Internet battle on Wednesday by spreading the word that online users could face prosecution and even execution for "incitement."

This is a dangerous situation for many.

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archiv...

MOVED:

I am not so sure of that Kristen. I am not so sure that is what they want to overthrow; I think they somehow feel that they can have a blend of democracy and theocracy; our founding fathers certainly knew that this would not work. Eisenhower was a meddler; the US did not support the Shah (when he had some troubles and was overthrown - although the Shah was seen as extravagant). The Shah's father Reza Shah was pushed out and made to resign by British and Soviet forces; I guess there was in the past a lot of maneuvering by outside forces; but I can honestly say that the Iranians should have been careful of what they asked for; because now that they have it; it most certainly is not what a lot of them had in mind.

I think this tyrannical government has a stranglehold on them and I am worried about the brave students. There would be unbelievable bloodshed if they chose to separate themselves from this current lot and I am not sure where they would be able to go for help. After the Iraq war, most countries do not have an appetite for helping out in that part of the world; possibly the UN can do something but I have not heard a peep from them. We will have to wait and see; I hope that there is an end to the violence.

Iran was on the brink of modernization by the Shah and there were quite a few advancements for the young and for women; with his demise, Iran was sent back to the ice age with the clerics although I was pleasantly surprised to see the modern dress of a lot of the young students. They have had a tough time of it for sure. I also hope that the two faced diplomatic maneuvers become a thing of the past; it would be nice for the Iranians to know who to trust. If you cannot even trust your clerics to do the honorable thing; who can you trust.

Bentley

MOVED:

Hi Kristen,

Interesting conclusion; one pretty much stated by Obama (there is not that much difference between the two) since the clerics in charge remain the same.

However what matters is that this country had a revolution 30 years ago to get rid of what they surmised was a dictatorship and they really believed that their vote would count (very naive maybe) and that they had an opportunity to select their choice. They are disillusioned and maybe do not see much of a future for themselves especially if they are young, women, intellectuals and understand the differences. What kind of life can they ever have in their country if elections are treated so brazenly. It is particularly troubling to them; especially for those who had placed the Ayatollah on a higher ethical and moral plane; and then to now find out that he will stop at nothing to retain absolute power and control. It is a shame for the young people who believed or wanted to dream that things would be different for them and for their future children. I feel very sad for them; I honestly do.

I think it is easier for us on the outside to be cynical and feel that things will never change in Iran; I honestly felt we misjudged a large segment of the Iranian population in terms of what their hopes and dreams were and I think I totally misjudged their bravery. How many of us would march down the street if there were iron pipes and machine guns facing us or police in plain clothes rounding us up and taking us off in the night. Such a scary situation.

One thing that I am not cynical about at all any longer is the bravery of the Iranian people; simply amazing. I have to admit it is some display of courage that I don't think I would have.

Bentley

Bentley wrote: "It is unbelievable that the Iranians chose to go with their religious clerics truly wanting somebody and or something that they could trust and who would respect their values; and then this is what they have actually accomplished with their 1979 revolution.
..."]

At the time there was more than one faction involved in the revolution, including some very liberal secular groups, unfortunately it was the religious fundamentalist that won the fight for control afterward. I don't think many Iranian knew what was to come later.

I meant to reply earlier but forgot, when I mentioned western intervention I was thinking of Britain but it is a proven fact that the CIA did stage the coup to overthrow democratically elected Mosaddeq in the 50's and I often hear this named as the cause of tension between the US and Iran and the root cause of the Iranian revolution.

Here's a book I read last year on the subject:
All the Shah's Men An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror

Kristen wrote: "Bentley wrote: "It is unbelievable that the Iranians chose to go with their religious clerics truly wanting somebody and or something that they could trust and who would respect their values; and t..."

Hello Kristen,

I posted the link to the BBC production (6 parts) on the relationship between Iran and Britain and it was very informative. The British had their hand in much of what occurred there; they removed the elder Shah's predecessor, they installed the elder Shah, they removed him, they installed his very young son, they removed Mossadegh by trying to make him appear to be a Communist, went to the United States with this trumped up theory and due to the Communist hysteria at that time in America (McCarthyism); somehow convinced Eisenhower to back the overthrow of Mossadegh (which he did).

The coup was paid for by dollars I am afraid from us and Britain. A stupid, stupid move on Ike's part; but he in part had also been misled by the British and believed Mossadegh to be a Communist (no excuse I am afraid but that is what happened).

The British understood the paranoia in the United States regarding communism (in fact here in the US) many folks were falsely accused themselves); so the British played on that fear and wanted to get the US to go along with a coup.

The plan was ultimately to get the Shah to sack Mossadegh and install a General Zahedi in his place; the group plundered the house of Mossadegh who had done nothing aside from take the oil resources for Iran; and because of this he was sacked, his house destroyed and all of his possessions stolen.

To make it worse, this was a mercenary mob, it had no ideology. According to Richard Cottam of the CIA who was interviewed (1953); the amount of money paid must have been huge.

Mossadegh's grandson was interviewed. And he stated that there were maybe only a thousand folks who caused Mossadegh to be ousted; all of the rest of the people were in their homes and were distraught at the events; but they were not in touch with each other and there was no escaping a coup d'etat on that day.

The program also interviewed General Fazlollah Zahedi's son (Ardeshir Zahedi). He stated that for the British they solely wanted the oil and for the Americans they did not want Iran to turn towards Communism; so these were the only important things at the time.

He said the history of that fateful day was only written by two people: He said Woodhouse or Poodhouse (English) and Kim Roosevelt (American - CIA).

1953 was the turning point in British and Iranian influence. The coup divided the oil between the American and British companies with a 50% share of the profits going to Iran.

As the Shah grew up, he slowly took power for himself and the oil production dramatically expanded Iran's economy. However, the Shah decided to double the price of oil in 1973 (big problem for the British and I guess ultimately a big problem for himself) and some felt that the BBC created the tensions that brought down the Shah himself (sounds like the same situation as before); oil.

I have to say that given the British history in the Middle East, a great many problems have their root there. I thought that the BBC production was excellent and quite forthright and they did not gloss over the story that unfolded. Frankly, I was surprised that the production was so honest; I guess one can only imagine what was not said.

Bentley

Laljit wrote: "Kristen: I think you hit it on the head. The 50's coup is the root cause of numerous US v. Iranian issues. In fact, when this revolt first started, my initial paranoid reaction was that the US had ..."

Laljit, I think that the Obama administration (for now) is playing things just right. Correct indignation over the violence in the street; but staying out of the situation as to who should govern.

Gee, I never thought of any issues like you mentioned. I think Khamenie rigged the election to stay in power and did not like Mousavi's movement in the direction of becoming more modern etc. Mousavi also asked what happened to a sizeable amount of oil money which should have gone to the Iranian people. So much for the moral high plane of the clerics. I think we have seen clearly in the streets what that is all about.

I agree with you that the US should stay out of it. It is a very sad situation but given our foray in Iraq and Afghanistan we have our hands full; not that I agree that we should have been in Iraq at all; Afghanistan I understand.

Bentley

Arrests of Rafsanjani kin show Iran clerics split

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_iran_el...

Reporters Without Borders said 23 journalists were arrested over the past week. The British Broadcasting Corp. said Sunday that its Tehran-based correspondent, Jon Leyne, had been asked to leave the country. The BBC said its office remained open. The U.S.-based newsmagazine Newsweek said its journalist Maziar Bahari was arrested Sunday morning and had not been heard from.

MORE ON BAHIRI FROM NEWSWEEK:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/203036/page/1

DEPTH OF FIELD: IRAN ELECTIONS

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/sp...

Excellent photography

MEET THE PRESS - ON US POLICY AND STANCE FROM ADMIN

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/...

Their conclusion: Restraint that has been shown so far has been the right course (regarding Admin policy)

WHO'S WHO IN IRAN (BBC)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

Hello Laljit,

As things unfold, this is the thread opened for that discussion for anyone interested. Thought that it would be a good idea to keep it separate. Unfortunately, there is a certain graphicness which is not for the sensitive in some of these videos. Obviously, the raw accuracy of what some Iranians are going through is beyond what our comprehension is here. You are welcome.

One thing for sure, I knew relatively little about Iran before the election.

Bentley

BBC ARTICLE: Freedom craving 'fuelling Iran unrest'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

Good article; hard to believe that over 60% of the Iranian population is under 30.

One man stated: "What so many Iranians want now is very simple. It's freedom.
A man in a crowd supporting the main reformist candidate in the election, Mir Hossein Mousavi, said: "We want the freedom to talk, and the freedom to think. We want freedom for our spirit, ok? That's not very much to ask."

Link to Harvard's Tehran Bureau:

http://tehranbureau.com/

The Supreme Leader:

An excellent article discussing the background of how Khamenei got to be the Supreme Leader:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/203010/page/1

UK expels two Iranian diplomats

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/81...

"looks like a tit for tat"

Paul Adams
Diplomatic correspondent, BBC News

"One casualty of Iran's deepening political crisis has been Britain's already delicate diplomatic relationship with the Islamic Republic.

"Iran's decision to expel two British diplomats follows days of anti-British rhetoric from the leadership in Tehran, including strong words last Friday from Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei - who described Britain as the 'most treacherous' of Iran's enemies.

"Until recently, the United States was singled out as the Islamic Revolution's principal opponent. This has changed.

"By offering an 'open hand' to Iran since taking over as president, Barack Obama has challenged Iran's traditional view of the 'Great Satan'.
"Britain, almost by default, has emerged as the target of Iranian ire. "

A Response from Obama:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8...

Iran views: 'Police everywhere'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

Analysis: Iran splits widen

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

IRAN HAS BEEN SILENCED:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

IRAN WATCH:

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/...

(more peaceful protests which have met with the same resistance from government)

This is pretty unbelievable:

NEDA'S FAMILY HAS NOW BEEN TAKEN FROM THEIR HOME:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/...

Satrapi and Makhmalbaf testify on election fraud in Iran, EU Parliament Brussels (06-17-09)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfrRA5...

THE LEDE (NEW YORK TIMES):

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2009...

70 PROFESSORS DETAINED AFTER MEETING WITH MOUSAVI: (THE JAKARTA POST)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/20...

IRAN CLERIC BACKS PROTESTER EXECUTIONS:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31564910/...

The situation gets even more bizarre.

IRAN ARRESTS UK EMBASSY STAFF

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

G-8 DEPLORES IRAN POLL VIOLENCE:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/811...

GUILT BY CALCULATION:

http://www.slate.com/id/2220608/

Interesting View back in March 09

What Obama's message to Iran means

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7...

I am fairly surprised how any current news of what is happening in Iran has literally fallen off the newspages and news urls. I really feel for the Iranians who were hoping for something different.

It is like the death of Michael Jackson just turned the attention away from the serious issues to others which are of course unsettling for those folks who were Jackson followers; but certainly are not in the same league as news from Iran and/or other trouble spots.

I am amazed at what the news media believes is important and why.

Bentley wrote: "I am amazed at what the news media believes is important and why...."

I couldn't agree more!

Yes, Kristen...it is almost as if an entire country has been permanently silenced and cut off; and the media just shifts gears without missing a beat. Sorry for the delay in responding to you; but I have been on vacation and away.

One article which I did come across emphasizes the important leadership role women are taking in the Green Movement (very much a lipstick revolution).

http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/200...

I haven't forgotten about Iran at all; but news from that country seemed to go dark.

This news report is just in about a prayer meeting that Rafsanjani spoke at (also attended by Mousavi) where Rafsanjani implored that the protestors be released.

This peaceful prayer meeting was met with tear gas from the police while they were praying.

What can I say except to sympathize with them regarding their plight. The situation seems to continue.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090717/a...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

Iran inmates 'tortured to death'

It is a shame what is happening in this country.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_eas...

REGARDING HIKERS:

The three confused hikers are also somewhere in Iran. This was the last confirmed report.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/0...

Here is another book recommended by the Council on Foreign Relations:

GUARDIANS OF THE REVOLUTION

http://www.cfr.org/publication/19282/

[image error]

HERE ARE SOME OTHER BOOKS ABOUT IRAN BY RAY TAKEYH:





HERE ARE SOME OTHER INTERESTING LOOKING BOOKS ABOUT OTHER MIDDLE EASTERN TOPICS:





Here is a conference call that may be of interest:

Media Conference Call: Vali R. Nasr and Ray Takeyh on Iran (Audio)
Speakers:

Vali R. Nasr, Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations

Ray Takeyh, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations

Presider: Michael Moran, Executive Editor, CFR.org
December 5, 2007 - about 18 months ago

http://www.cfr.org/publication/14989/...

EVENTS IN IRAN POLARIZING NATION FURTHER:


http://www.cfr.org/publication/19948/...

WHO IS RAY TAKEYH?:

WITH CHARLIE ROSE:

http://www.charlierose.com/guest/view/10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Takeyh

WHO IS VALI NASR?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vali_Nasr

OTHER BOOKS BY VALI NASR:

WHO IS MICHAEL MORAN:

Michael Moran is Foreign Affairs columnist for GlobalPost, covering global economics, politics and U.S. foreign policy from New York. A writer, broadcaster, and digital media pioneer on foreign...

Michael Moran is Foreign Affairs columnist for GlobalPost, covering global economics, politics and U.S. foreign policy from New York. A writer, broadcaster, and digital media pioneer on foreign and national security affairs, Moran is a former correspondent for the BBC, MSNBC.com, and Radio Free Europe, and a former staff writer for the Associated Press and several newspapers. Moran’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Newsweek, the Economist, the Spectator (UK), the Guardian, the New Leader, on National Public Radio and in many other outlets. Moran ran CFR.org, the website of the Council on Foreign Relations, from 2005-2009, and now serves as executive editor of RGE Monitor, the macroeconomic site of economist Nouriel Roubini.