UN Considers More Sanctions Post #11

Click here to read the BBC News article "'Strong' new Iran sanctions UN resolution being tabled"
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said that the five permanent members of the UN Security Council had reached agreed on a strong draft resolution, which would deal with cargo inspections and banking controls. The proposed sanctions come in the wake of Iran's announcement of its agreement to a plan involving Turkey and Brazil, in which Iran would send enriched uranium to Turkey in return for enriched fuel for research reactors. But the deal fails to confront the issue of enriching uranium, which the UN has banned, which is the major catalyst in creating this fourth round of sanctions against Iran.
Russia and China, who have remained cool towards previous sanctions, have said that they wish the sanctions to not harm innocent Iranian civilians or trade, but rather to bring Iran to the negotiating table. Proposals by Western countries were said to have been watered down by Russia and China. The two countries had previously been opposed to new sanctions against Iran, so their willingness to be involved in talks might have played a part in Iran's announcement about the Turkey/Brazil plan.
Turkey and Brazil, both current members on the Security Council, have refused to involve themselves in talks regarding new sanctions due to their plan. But the Turkish Prime Minister has stated that if Iran does not send its uranium within a month, it will be on its own.

Iran Spy Chief Says 3 Jailed Americans are Spies #11

To read the full New York Times article click here. Ten months ago, three Americans who claim to have been hiking in Iraq's peaceful, northern, mountainous Kurdish region were arrested for crossing the border in Iran on accident. Last week their mothers were allowed to visit them in prison in Tehran, the mothers were hoping to come home with their children but that part of the visit was not successful. The Iranian Intelligence Minister, Haidar Moslehi, said on Sunday that the three Americans' "status as spies is a clear and obvious case". However, he did say that a prisoner swap with the U.S. would be considered if the U.S. would respond with a gesture of human rights similar to the one Iran extended to the mothers of the three imprisoned Americans. Although Moslehi has said this, P.J. Crowley, the U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Thursday that the U.S. is "not contemplating any kind of a prisoner swap". This article relates to comparative government because Iran is at least in this one area, trying to reach an agreement with the U.S. which in a way, helps the legitimacy of their government because they're not throwing out insults and criticizing the U.S. like they have been. It also makes them seem stronger in their international relations because although the U.S. has not had a favorable response, other countries might view Iran's actions more favorably.

**Thanks to Nazanin Afshin-Jam of Flickr for the picture

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Not just any deal will do #11

Click here to read the Economist article, "No just any deal will do". This article is an overview of Iran and everything nuclear to do with the country and the international community. There is a new deal to give Turkey Iran's stockpile

Post # 11: America Moves the Goalposts

Click here to read The New York Times article dated May 20th, 2010. John Limbert, an American previously held hostage in Iran, describes American-Iranian relations. He claims that Americans view Iranians as "devious, mendacious, fanatical, violent and incomprehensible," and that Iranians view Americans as "belligerent, sanctimonious, Godless and immoral, materialistic, and calculating." Limbert has spent his life attempting to build bridges between Iran and America, as he believes that the current enemies might be able to agree if cordial relations were established. The current state of mistrust was recently reinforced by the Brazilian-Turkish deal and the reaction of the United States. Cohen, the author of the article, claims that the U.S. has declined in its ability to solve global issues. Following last October's Geneva Conference and the failure to remove LEU from Iran, the Obama administration has remained infuriated. Obama's response to the recent deal between Brazil and Turkey is to merely impose more sanctions. Currently Ahmet Davutoglu, the Turkish foreign minister, is angered by the U.S. goading for the deal. Right now, the author seems to view Obama as a sort of hypocrite: he called for shared responsibility, yet snubbed Turkey and Brazil upon action. This relates to comparative government because it has to do with foreign relations between countries in the international society.



Click here to view a picture of John Limbert thanks to US Mission Geneva.





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Headgear in Muslim lands #10

Click here to read this Economist article, "Headgear in Muslim lands". This article talks about burqas being worn throughout the Middle East and their social, political, and religious implications. In Iran, it is required to wear one and if a woman is thought to be dressed inappropriately, she will be taken to a police office to sign a statement saying she will dress more modestly. Throughout the world, burqas are becoming more and more a fashion statement and are not always worn just because it is required. Fashion and more westernized dress in Iran go against the strict conservative values of the Islamic regime. This article is important because it discusses the social cleavages within Iran and particularly among women, who attend college at high rates. Domestic issues like this may be important in future elections and politics that could lead to policy changes, both foreign and domestic. Grade this post.

Iran's Opposition Leader Criticizes Ruling Clerics Blog #9

To read the New York Times article click here. This week the opposition leader in Iran has said that the opposition movement will remain committed to a nonviolent path and has condemned the ruling clerics for abuses against anti-government detainees. Mir Hossein Mousavi has been quoted saying that the detained political activists are innocent. Iran granted the mothers of three Americans visas to visit their children in the Tehran prison where they are being held. Mousavi is pleased by this choice but wants the same rights to be extended to Iranian women and criticizes the government of being a "dictatorial 'cult' and a corrupt power structure." The opposition in Iran continues to claim that the elections in June were fraudulent and Mousavi should have actually won. Iran's government has shut down dozens of pro-reform newspapers and blocked hundreds of reformist websites. Mousavi says that these crackdowns just further provide proof that the government is afraid of what the Iranian people actually want. This article relates to Comparative Government because the government is denying civil rights and civil liberties and this brings their legitimacy into question.

**Thank you to Exotica Intoxica of Flickr for the picture

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Current Event #10: Taiwanese Businessman Pleads Guilty To Shipping Missile Parts

Click here to read the BBC News article "Businessman pleads guilty to banned US exports to Iran", written on May 14th.


Taiwanese businessman Yi-Lan Chen was arrested in Guam for attempting to ship thousands of missile components for both military and civilian use to Iran. Under a United States embargo, such exports are illegal. Mr. Chen had organized at least 30 such illegal shipments in the past three years according to the Department of Commerce.

Mr. Chen was caught in February attempting to take possession of 8,500 pounds of glass-to-metal seals and 120 connectors in order to ship them to Iran.

Mr. Chen told prosecutors the supplies were bound for Hong Kong and Taiwan. He faces up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing in July, and both Chen and the company he works for, Landstar Tech Company, both face a fine of up to 1 million dollars.

This article relates to the goings-on of Comparative Government because it deals with foreign policy between the United States and Iran. Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, but the US and other countries refute its claims, saying that Iran hopes to build a nuclear weapon.

Current Event #10: Kurds Stage Strike in Iran to Protest Executions of Activists

Click here to read The New York Times article from May 13th, 2010 by Nazila Fathi. The largest strike in Kurdish areas since 2005 recently took place as Iranian Kurds closed shops in Eastern Iran to protest the executions of Kurdish activists. The government claimed that these activists were charged with deadly bomb attacks. Iran has long feared the possibility of the creation of a Kurdish nation, composed of Sunni individuals from Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. With a rise in protests following the fradulent election, sensitivity regarding the Kurds and other ethnic groups has grown. According to an anonymous source in Sanandaj, “The city is deserted. People have stayed home and the entire bazaar is closed.” Protests have also taken place in Stockholm and Paris where oppositionists to the executions claim that authorities should have been focusing on other cases with more solid evidence. As of now, the authorities are not planning on returning the bodies of those who were recently executed. This article is important because it deals with the ethnic and religious cleavages in Iran, as well as how the Iranians view their government.

Thanks to rawa raza for the image!

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Current Event #9: Iran Agrees To Brazil Mediation On Nuclear Fuel 'On Principle'

Click here to read the BBC News article Iran 'accepts Brazil mediation on nuclear fuel deal' written on May 5th.


Earlier this year, a deal proposed by the UN Security Council and Germany regarding Iran's nuclear fuel fell through after Iran refused to accept the terms. Under the deal, Iran was to send uranium to Russia and France, where it would be converted into isotopes to aid in cancer research in return for medical supplies, but Iran demanded a simultaneous switch of uranium and supplies in Iranian territory.

It appears though that a deal may be back in action, as the foreign minister of Brazil is reported to have said that Brazil is interested in in playing a role in settling the nuclear fuel dispute, though it is unknown if any formal proposals have been made. Fars, an Iranian news agency, reported that President Ahmadinejad agreed to Brazilian mediation "in principle".

President Ahmadinejad is currently in the US attending a conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He told ABC news that Iran would continue developing its nuclear program in spite of the possibility of military action by Israel. He also accused states that have already acquired nuclear arms of threatening countries wanting to develop peacefully nuclear technology, which prompted delegates at the conference to leave.

This article is important because it involves Iran's foreign policy. Iran has continued to ignore the threat of increased sanctions from the US, but if a deal between Iran and Brazil is made, Iran's legitimacy may be increased in the eyes of the world.

Intimidation in Iran Keeps Protestors From Rally Current Even #8

To read the full New York Times Article "Intimidation in Iran Keeps Protesters From Rally" click here. On Saturday, May 1st a planned protest that would join workers and reformists in an anti government protest failed to happen because of extensive police presence and widespread intimidation. Some are saying however, that the protest did not fail solely because of the intimidation and police presence, but also because of the possibility that the reformists have not been able to win over the workers and teachers. The intersections that had been filled with protesters this previous summer were filled with police officers in riot gear and helicopters hovered over Azadi Square and Azadi Street, which is the location of the Ministry of Workers. Protesters might have also been scared off by the government's recent execution of two political dissidents. Workers and teachers often demonstrate separate from the reformists and the workers still plan to protest on Saturday while teachers will protest on Teacher's Day on Sunday. Authorities have said that they will put down any protests and even the Supreme Leader has cautioned workers not to become "political leverage for the enemy". This article relates to Comparative Government because the crackdowns on protests by the government shows a lack of civil rights and civil liberties and in turn, brings the legitimacy of the government into question.
**Thank you to the New York times for the picture

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Current Event #9: Head of Atomic Agency Asserts Right to Scrutinize Iran

Click here to read The New York Times article, "Head of Atomic Agency Asserts Right to Scrutinize Iran," dated May 6th, 2010. This past Thursday, Yukiya Amano, the Japanese diplomat in charge of the International Atomic Energy Agency, rejected Iran's assertion that international inspectors should not be able to question Iran reguarding its nuclear research. Compared to his predecessor, Mohamed ElBaradei, Mr. Amano has taken a firmer stance when it comes to Iran and its nuclear program. According to Mr. Amano, "if we don’t have a good understanding [of Iran's nuclear developments], we cannot say if all the activities, or all the activities and material, are for peaceful purposes. Credible confidence is needed.” Recently President Ahmadinejad has ramped up his criticism against the I.A.E.A., claiming that Iran's "friendly relations with the agency are over.” Amano has retaliated with the argument that it is the job of the I.A.E.A. to scrutinize design work and military gear that could suggest the development of nuclear weapons. Israel has been a recent target for Mr. Amano, who hopes to convince them to join the nonproliferation treaty. This issue will be heavily discussed at the nonproliferation conference. Last year, the I.A.E.A. passed a resolution urging Israel, as well as India and Pakistan, to give up all of its nuclear facilities to the agency. Israel has refused to accept the treaty. Many argue that this treaty was discriminatory against Israel because the resolution did not mention either India or Pakistan. This post relates to comparative government because it deals with international relations and supernational organizations.

Click here to view a picture of Mr. Amano by IAEA Imagebank of flickr!!!

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Iran's UN diplomacy: A president trots the globe

Click here to read this Economist article, "Iran's UN diplomacy: A president trots the globe". This article talks about how the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad recently (May 3) spoke at the UN conference for the Non Nuclear Poliferation treaty. He said western countries shouldn't keep their weapons while not allowing other countries to get them. He has been talking to non permanent members of the UN Security Council trying to convince them to oppose sanctions against Iran and offering oil deals to various countries. The picture is of when Ahmadinejad visitted Zimbabwe to talk with their president Robert Mugabe. This article is important because it talks about International relationships and supernational organizations like the UN. Western foreign policy is also discussed. Economic sanctions and Iran not wanting their economy to get any worse are all big factors. Grade this post.

Current Event #8: Challenging Iran, with Youtube Videos

Click here to read The New York Times article, from April 9th, 2010. Mohsen Sazegara acknowledges that many Iranians are apathetic in regards to nonviolent protest, especially considering Iran's history. But, Mr. Sazegara, an architect of the Revolutionary Guards, believes that many are disenchanted with the Islamic Republic and harbor a mystic background that could be focused into nonviolent protest. In an attempt to promote mysticism, Mr. Sazegara has been producing 10 minute YouTube videos that he sends into Iran nightly. In summary, Mr. Sazegara is trying to destroy the very system that he created. Thirty-two years ago, he was hired as a press aide for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini while studying physics in the United States. From there, he took on a series of various jobs, including a position drafting the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. It was finally this past decade that Mr. Sazegara began to oppose the government and its structure. He claims that "the problems are not accidental; they are essential. It doesn’t make any difference who are the people. It is the structure.” It is here, in his faux colonial town house in the United States, that Mr. Sazegara records and updates nightly videos opposing the government that he once supported. He developed this idea following the government's barring of his encouragement of post-election protests on the Voice of America show. According to Mr. Sazegara, his "strategy is nonviolence, so we should learn how to protest but not to be killed,” he said. “We should learn to oppose the regime, how to paralyze them, how to wear them out, but not to be killed, not to be arrested.” While Mr. Sazegara isn't trying to lead a protest movement, he is rather trying to amplify the feelings of many. Some, however, have grown frustrated with his actions as they believe he truly is trying to create protest and is giving the government fuel to portray the opposition as a foreign plot. As of now, Mr. Sazegara remains hopeful for the future. In reference to the Green Movement, he says that "when the balance switches depends on too many factors, and nobody can see an exact date." This article is important because it discusses the civil right of freedom of speech and censorship of the media. It also talks about the growing Green Movement, as well as the legitimacy of the government.

Thanks to The New York Times for the image!

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Current Event #7: Agencies Suspect Iran Is Planning Atomic Sites

Click here to read The New York Times article dated March 27th, 2010. Following the discovery of a secret nuclear enrichment site in Iran, both Western agencies and international inspectors believe that Iran may be preparing to continue to deny the demands of the UN Security Council. UN inspectors are currently investigating the possibility of two sites following alarming comments by Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA). Since Obama's public announcement of the Iranian site at Qum last year, the United States has fought an uphill battle in trying to persuade China and Russia to go along with its sanctions. American officials currently share suspicion with the I.A.E.A. and are looking to satellite evidence to discover new Iranian sites. Several months ago, Iran claimed that it would attempt to build 10 new sites in the near future. This seems unlikely, however, given the time and complexity involved with building new plants. The most worrisome evidence includes the indicators that Iran is secretly producing enrichment equipment, such as centrifuges, for later use. The 2007 National Intelligence Estimate on Iran is currently being prepared for President Obama to evaluate the present situation. Tehran leaders insist that the plant at Qum, as well as others, are in use for peaceful purposes. Many claim this is unlikely. In 2003, Iran came to an agreement with the I.A.E.A. to turn over information on any new plants. In 2007, Iran began to disregard this agreement. This article is important because it deals with international relations between both Iran and the world, as well as the US, Russia, and China in making and enforcing sanctions.

Click here to see the picture of I.A.E.A. Director General from flickr!

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Iraq's elections: Give everyone a voice

Click here to read the Economist article, "Iraq's elections: Give everyone a voice". This article talks about how the election is close, but so far successful. Depending on the actions of the losing candidate, it could be a very successful election and transition of power. The article talks about "coalitions" forming of different ethnic and religious groups within the country to unite under political candidates. The article also talks about how a sovereign Iraq and a large stable democracy in the Middle East can be a good thing for the entire region. This will certainly effect Iran who right now is moving away from a liberal democracy. It would be to Iran's overall benefit to help Iraq, although they might oppose Iran's quest for nuclear weapons against the UN's wishes for fear of military intervention from Israel. This article is important because it talks about the process of moving towards a democracy and the effect democracies have on their neighboring countries. Grade this post.

Post #7 Iran tightens gasoline rations, cuts subsidies

Click here to read the BBC News article "Iran tightens petrol rations as economic sanctions loom," written on Wednesday, March 17th.
The Iranian government has announced that it is to begun reducing petrol rations by 25% starting March 21, the beginning of the Iranian New Year. Prior to the cutbacks, Iranian citizens were allotted 80 liters of gasoline per month, at the cost of ten cents per liter, and 40 cents for every liter over the 80 liter limit. With the initiation of the rations, that petrol cap now becomes 60 liters per month.
The new rations are believed to be a result of concern in regards to the possibility of new economic sanctions as a result of the controversy over Iran's nuclear weapons program. Iran consumes 65 million liters of petrol per day, and imports a third of that amount. A variety of energies have already ceased trading with Iran after facing pressure from the United States. The government of Iran has pledged to increase its local petrol production by 13 million liters per day, as a safeguard to any further sanctions.
General Mohammad Rouyanian, the head of Iran's Transportation and Fuel management committee, has stated that the increased rations will last for only three months, but may be increased if needed.
Fuel is Iran's only worry; the country still faces inflation, and a lack of revenue. Iran heavily subsidizes its energy and food services. This has caused problems for the government, who recently decided to remove $200 billion dollars worth of subsidies. President Ahmadinejad was believed to have wanted a significantly larger sum removed, but Iranian MPs believe that it could triple the country's inflation, which only recently decreased to 11.3%.
This relates to comparative government because it deals with public policy and legitimacy. By increasing rations and requiring citizens to pay more for everday activities, it may adversely affect the way they view their government, which is already beset from all sides by controversy and challenges from Mousavi's opposition party. Also, by altering the way the country is run, Iran could be seen as not being as formidable and protected by the West as it claims to be, which might affect future negations.

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Photo courtesy of Tehran Times

"EU Pressures Iran to End Jamming" #7

To read the BBC article, "EU Pressures Iran to End Jamming" click here. Since the widespread protests against the Iranian government took place in France, Iran has been intentionally blocking satellite broadcasts from international channels. According to the EU foreign ministers they have demanded that Iran stop interfering with the broadcasts immediately. Some believe that the EU will impose trade sanctions that would stop Nokia Siemens, a mobile network company, from trading in Iran. The US has supported the possibility of the UN placing very burdensome sanctions on Iran since the beginning of the year but these sanctions have been stopped by China and Russia. However, these EU sanctions would be completely separate from any sanctions the US is pushing for. Alexander Stubb, Finland's foreign minister, has said that a resolutions remains the goal but that as time runs out they may have to place unilateral sanctions on Iran. This relates to what we have been learning in comparative government because any sanctions placed on Iran would hurt their economy which, in turn would hurt their government's legitimacy in the eyes of not only the people of Iran, but also of the rest of the world.



*Thank you to the BBC for the pictures
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Post #7: Iran’s Opposition Seeks More Help in Cyberwar With Government

Click here to read The New York Times article, "Iran's Opposition Seeks More Help in Cyberwar with Government," from March 18th, 2010. In Iran, democracy advocates have been celebrating the United States's recent decision to remove sanctions on online services. While these sanctions against online services were initially enforced to restrict the development of nuclear technology, they ended up being used by Tehran to further suppress opposition. Now, Iranian internet users will be able to download new software to defeat the government's blocking of certain websites. Opposition leaders claim that access to the web, social networking sites, and satellite TV are important in bringing people together and keeping them informed. As the Iranian government has finally realized the threat of these tools, they have began efforts to block websites such as Twitter, Yahoo, and Google, as well as news channels like Voice of American TV and BBC Persian. The government has arrested many "cyberexperts" recently, accusing many of "waging war against God" and has set aside a $500 million budget for cyberwarfare. Iran is currently dependent on foreign corporations for broadcasting, and many companies have been hesitant to make deals due to Iran's violation of international regulations. While the lifting of these sanctions improve the situation of activists, many still believe that more change needs to come in the future. According to Mr. Khonini, a visitor at Stanford, "this is about democracy and the fact that when people have access to information, they can make wise choices. No one, even the current leaders of the opposition, can hijack the movement like the way the Islamists did in the 1979 revolution if people can have access to free information." This article is important because it has to do with the legitimacy, transparency, and freedoms granted by the Iranian government, as well as its international standing.

Click here for the image from herzogbr of flickr!

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Renewed diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear activities

Click here to read the Economist article "The week ahead". This article talks about how the United States is continuing to solve political conflicts in the Middle East. The two big problems right now are Iran and their assumed pursuit of the nuclear bomb and the Israel and Palestinian problem. With Russia and China, two members of the UN Security Council both economically involved with Iran, passing Economic sanctions will prove to be a challenge. Hillary Clinton is working on UN sanctions against Iran while Joe Biden and George Mitchell, the President's envoy, work on Israeli issues. The announcement that the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be working in a few months has kept the pressure on trying to get sanctions against Iran. This article is important because it shows the continued efforts of world powers to use nonviolent actions to solve international problems. Economic relations are very important and the success of Iranian negations will reflect public opinion on politicians in the United States and abroad. Grade this post. .

Week #6; Iran's Ace (or Deuce) - Its Oil Reserves

To read the full New York Times article, click here. The article Iran's Ace (or Deuce) - Its Oil Reserves is about Iran believing that they are not going to be easily influenced by sanctions in Washington because they believe that they will have future ties to China, Russia, and France through their energy resources. Iran further tried to prove this point by occupying a disputed oil field on the Iraqi border, this was to serve as a reminder that Iran is not happy with Iraq getting foreign oil investments and to show Iran's ability to stop traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is currently Beijing's second biggest oil supplier behind Saudi Arabia and a year ago China National Petroleum Organization signed a 4.7 billion dollar contract to finish developing one huge Iranian gas field and an understanding that they would eventually develop and oil field. However, Iran's recent ability to make nuclear weapons has caused the European idea for investing to cool off and even Russia has been more in favor of sanctions. It seems as if Iran is counting on the Chinese to back them when it comes to the US and the Security Council creating international sanctions that could really hurt Iran, but so far, China has shown reluctance to go against the US particularly when it comes to the Persian Golf. As for the strength of Iran's energy sector, they have very few refineries, import 40% of their gasoline, and have to keep oil prices above $90 a barrel to keep their budget balanced, not to mention that there is no longer a shortage of oil and most of the excess is in Saudi Arabia. This article relates to what we have been studying because the Iranian government is trying to prove their legitimacy through international contracts and their economy, but the fact that some countries seem to be doubting whether or not it will work could hurt their Iranian government's legitimacy.



**Thanks to SisPau of Flickr for the image
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Post #6 Iranian Authorities Arrest Filmmaker Who Supported Opposition

Click here to read the New York Times article "Iran Arrests Filmmaker Who Backed Opposition", written on March 2nd.
Prominent Iranian filmmaker Jaffar Panahi, along with his wife, daughter and 15 other guests, were arrested last Tuesday.
Panahi has supported the opposition movement in Iran, as well as having had appeared at international film festivals outside of Iran wearing a green scarf, which is considered the trademark colour of the opposition party.
Prosecutor General Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi said that Panahi had been arrested for committing "certain offenses" that were not related to his "profession or politics" but did not elaborate on any more specifics.
Panahi's arrest is the latest in what appears to be a pattern of arrests by the government in which they arrest prominent figures who support the opposition movement. Last December, Shahram Nazeri, a famous singer was briefly detained, and in January, Mehraneh Atashi, a well-known photographer and her husband were arrested with no explanation given for their arrests.
Iran is reported to have released a dozen detainees last monday, in order to relieve some pressure from human rights activists. But it is also believed that a huge number of people are still held within the prison system for dissent again the government. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that five followers of the Bahai faith were sentenced to ten-months in prison for spreading "propaganda against the regime."
Also on Tuesday, one of the 20,000 people arrested in Tehran on February 11, when the government stopped an opposition rally, gave new insight into his capture. The prisoner said that he was held "with 50 others, in a 130-square-foot cell where he said his cellmates were ruthlessly beaten."
This relates to what we've been learning in Comparative Government largely in terms of legitimacy and citizen's rights. If the Iranian Government continues to arrest people for no reason, or simply for disagreeing with the government, the country's legitimacy is bound to falter, which will also occur if the citizens are beaten when they are arrested, as reported by one of the prisoners.

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Photo Courtest of Wikipedia

Post #6: U.S. Enriches Companies Defying Its Policy on Iran

Click here for a link to the March 6th, 2010, New York Times Article, "U.S. Enriches Companies Defying Its Policy on Iran." Despite Washington's efforts to discourage investment in Iran, the United States has awarded billions of dollars in grants, contract payments, and various benefits to American companies who have done business in Iran. This includes the $15 billion given to companies who ignored American law through investments bolstering the development of Iran's gas and oil reserves. With the current nuclear crisis, the Obama administration is currently trying to pass more United Nations sanctions against Iran. Its seems as if both the Bush and Obama administration sent conflicting messages when it comes to making economic deals with Iran, by rewarding companies whose monetary interests oppose American security goals. Most of these companies are in the oil or automobile industries, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Obama's focus in his proposed sanctions. The companies making business deals with Iran have reaped a variety of benefits, including close to $4.5 billion in loans from the Export-Import Bank, which underwrites the export of American service and goods, and over $500 million in grants for research. Recently, many companies have chosen to pull out of Iran due to pressures by the United States, anti-terrorism campaigns by shareholders, and the obstacles involved with doing business with the Iranian government. Some, however, including 49 of the 74 companies identified by The New York Times staff, continue to do business with Iran. The United States' most powerful tool in cracking down is the Iran Sanctions Act, which punishes foreign companies which invest over $20 million in a year to develop Iranian gas and oil fields. Due to fear of angering American allies, however, this law has never been enforced. In addition, nineteen states have rules preventing or discouraging pension funds from investing in companies which perform business in Iran. Representative Ron Klein, a democrat from Florida and a member of United Against Nuclear Iran, is trying to make legislation federal and claims that "we need to send a strong message to corporations that we’re not going to continue to allow them to economically enable the Iranian government to continue to do what they have been doing." The Iran Sanctions Act currently stands as the United State's "unused tool." This law enables the president to enact a series of punishments against offending companies, but is difficult to enforce. John R. Bolton, the secretary of state and United Nations ambassador during the Bush administration, claims that failing to enforce the law sent a "signal to the Iranians that we're not serious" and ruined the credibility of the government when it later threatened action. As of late, 50 lawmakers from both parties convinced Obama and the State Department to begin a preliminary investigation of a list of companies that had violated the law by making deals with Iran. Many competing interests seem to be at hand. For example, among the list of companies is the Brazilian energy conglomerate Petrobras, which received a Export-Import loan of $2 billion last year for the development of an oil reserve. Despite American requests, Petrobras had previously invested millions in the exploration of Iran's oil prospects. At the same time, the Export-Import Bank loan could promote American job creation and develop oil sources outside the Middle East. Last year, the Obama administration received correspondence from Petrobras confirming its end of work in Iran. Ten days later, however, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Brazil and created a partnership involving the share of technical expertise on energy projects. This visit upset American officials who claimed that it lent international legitimacy to the Iranian president and undercut efforts to pressure Iran in reguards to its nuclear program. Due to Brazil's rotating seat on the Security Council, the partnership has complicated the American actions at the United Nations. Last week, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil, confirmed his opposition to the sanctions proposal by warning that "it is not prudent to push Iran against a wall." Despite questions of national security, Iran presents opportunities for profits. Auto companies, such as Mazda, and aviation and aerospace companies have made billions through federal contracts in Iran through loopholes. As it stands, companies can invest in Iran through foreign subsidiaries controlled by non-Americans. Senator Bryon L. Dorgan, a democrat from North Dakota tried to close this loophole, but was unable to overcome business opposition. William A. Reinsch, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, strongly opposed Mr. Dorgan's bill to end this loophole. While Reinsch argues that ending trade with Iran will result in replacement by foreign competitors, and claims that "its those workers who will pay the price," Hans Sandlberg, vice president of Atlas Copco, a Swedish company says its sales of construction and mining equipment to Iran are stunted by American business, but would gladly choose amiable American relations over trade with Iran. This article is important because it involves the legitimacy of both Iran and its president and the balance between economic advancement and national security.

Click here to see the picture, thanks to riacale of flickr!


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Click here to read the Economist article "Sanctions on Iran: And the price of nuclear power?". This article discusses how Iran continues to defy the international community by further enriching uranium. The article talks about how it is becoming harder and harder for countries to say Iran simply wants to make fuel for nuclear power. That combined with Iran's suffering economy and mismanaged oil investing and development may cause Iran to have to start importing oil. Other countries in the region might replace Iran's oil production and make sanctions less painful for countries like China who get oil from Iran. Russia recently didn't sent a shipment of advanced anti-aircraft missiles to Iran, who it sells weapons to. The United States has been leading countries from not trading with or financing things in Iran, which is both hurting Iran and starting to transition them out of global trade. With Iran already falling out of the global economy, economic sanctions will be less painful for the international community and will also hurt an already struggling Iran. This will also affect Iran's domestic politics, causing more resentment towards the government and their president Ahmadinejad. In 2005 the United States Treasury Department banned a bank that was helping with North Korea, therefore causing foreign banks to stop dealing with North Korea. The same thing has been applied to Iran, making over 80 foreign banks stop working with Iran, causing all sorts of problems for Iran. This is important because it shows how much damage economic sanctions can do. Economic problems can affect government legitimacy, public policy, international trade, and global security. Public opinion in Iran will most likely change if their economy worsens. Money seems to be the determining factor in Iran's nuclear ambitions. Grade this post.

Post #5: Iranian Authorities Arrest Sunni Militant Leader

Click here to read the BBC News Article "Iran Jundullah leader claims US military support", written on February 26th.
Iranian Stave Television has released a videotaped statement of recently arrested Sunni militant leader Abdolmalek Rigi, in which Rigi claims that he recieved support for his actions from the United States Government. Rigi was the leader of Jundullah (translated as 'Soldiers of Allah'), a Sunni militant group founded in 2002 to defend the Baluchi minority in south-east Iran. The group has been linked to a variety of attacks throughout Iran, including one in October 2009 that killed 31 people, including six top Revolutionary Guard commanders.
Rigi was captured on February 23, while on a flight from Dubai to Kyrgyzstan.
In the video Rigi claims that contact with the US was made after the November 2008 election, and took place in Quetta, Pakistan. Rigi alleged that the US promised to aid Jundullah through cooperation, as well as providing weapons, equipment, and a base, as well as freeing prisoners.
It is unknown whether or not Rigi made the statements under duress, but the US has denied any accusations of assissting Jundullah.
Iran, which is predominately Shia, has linked Jundullah to al-Qaeda, which is predominately Sunni, as well as to Pakistan, Britain, and America.
This relates to what we have been learning in Comparative Government because it deals with how Iran treats its ethnic and religious minorities, as Jundullah is a Sunni militant group in a Majority Shi'a country, created in order to bring attention to the treatment of an Iranian minority group. There is also the question of whether or not Rigi was forced to make his statements under duress, which relates to the country's treatment of its prisoners. Lastly, it deals with Iranian foreign policy as Iran has accused Pakistan, America, and the United Kingdom of working with Jundullah.


Image courtest of BBC News
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Post #5: Another Puzzle After Iran Moves Nuclear Fuel

Click here to read The New York Times article, "Another Puzzle After Iran Moves Nuclear Fuel," dated February 26, 2010. When Iran was discovered building a nuclear enrichment plant last September, no one would have predicted that Iran would transfer its entire stock of fuel to an above-ground facility. Two weeks ago, however, Iran moved the entirety of its fuel above ground, resulting in much speculation and debate regarding the country's intentions. Current theories suggest that Iran was trying to goad the Israelis into an attack or looking to win greater concessions in negotiations with the West. The Obama administration is subscribing to the idea that Iran had simply run out of storage space below ground. Much confusion continues to surround the issue. Since October, unexpected events have occurred beginning with President Ahmadinejad's move away from a deal with the West and culminating with Iran's declaration that it will soon manufacture 10 new plants, a number far exceeding its capacity, and its refusal to respond to inspectors about potential weapon development. In addition to evaluating Iran's technical abilities, the United States is trying to understand Iran's political goals. This whole debate was sparked by a sentence in the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report claiming that Iran had transported 4,300 pound of uranium to a small storage plant above ground for enrichment to 20 percent. Americans continue to remain distant due to the issue's reliance on three uncertainties: the possibility of an Israeli attack leading to a Middle Eastern war, or an end to enrichment via sanctions and diplomacy, and the question as to who has control of Iran's nuclear program. One speculation that has had much consideration is the idea that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps is hoping for an attack to bring together the country after months of violence and protest by Iranian citizen's, culminating in the renouncement of the Nuclear Noproliferation Treaty. Others support the theory of brinkmanship and believe the Iranians are hoping to use threats to gain greater concessions from Western powers. Some claim that the move was just a mistake or that Iran had no other choice. Regardless of the cause, the Obama administration is set on preventing military action by the Israelis. This article is important because it deals with both international relations and diplomacy, as well as the legitimacy of the Iranian government.

Thanks to geographyphotos of flickr for the image!

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Week #5; Iran's Leader of Opposition Assails "Cult" of Rulers

To read the full New York Times Article click here. On February 11th the opposition party in Iran attempted to hold a protest but very few people showed up due to government crackdowns and the thousands of government forces that had been bused in. This has led an opposition leader, Mir Hussein Moussavi, to very critically and publicly say that Iran was being ruled by a dictatorial "cult" and the week before another opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi called for a gauge of the government's popularity through a national referendum which the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to by saying that there would be no compromise with any opposition. This article relates to what we have been learning about in Comparative Government because it demonstrates how the government is using any means necessary to gain legitimacy among the people.

**Thankyou to the New York Times for the picture.

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Article #4 Ayatollah Khamenei Denies Nuclear Weapons Development Claims

Click here to read the BBC News Article 'Iran's supreme leader denies nuclear report claims', from February 19th. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini has told Iranian media outlets that any consternation about the possibility of an Iranian nuclear weapon's program were unwarranted and "baseless", because Iranian beliefs "bar us [Iranians] from using such weapons".
The Ayatollah's statement comes a week after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced at a rally celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, that Iran had successfully made its first batch of 20% enriched uranium. The enriching of uranium to 20% is regarded as a major step in the creation of weapons grade uranium.
Iran's increased and continued insistence that it have its own nuclear program has alarmed the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as the P5+1 (US, UK, China, France, Russia, and Germany).
The P5+1 and the IAEA have threatened further sancions against Iran if the country continues to fail to comply with the United Nations over its nuclear energy program.
The Ayatollah's statement regarding Iran's weapon program coincides with the launch of Iran's first domestically produced destroyer, the Jamaran (named after Ayatollah Khomenei's hometown), the ship is equipped with a variety of weaponry and detection software.
The IAEA plans to discuss Iran's energy program from March 1-5, at a meeting between the agency's 35 members.
This article relates to what we are learning because Iran's continued disregard of warnings from both the UN and IAEA call its legitimacy into question. If Iran continues enriching uranium, more sanctions will likely be placed upon the country, decreasing its legitimacy in the eyes of other country's and well as possibly decreasing the likelihood of reaching an agreement in regards to Iran's energy program.

Iraq, Iran and the politics of oil

Click here to read the Economist article "Iraq, Iran and the politics of oil". This article discusses how Iraq is intending on upping their production four and a half fold over the next seven years. Iraq, a member of OPEC, has had their quota for oil production kept at par with Iran for a long time, but now they are asking to have their quota even higher than Saudi Arabia (the highest quota). This would be bad news for Iran, who has been kept afloat by crude oil proceeds and has avoided Chinese economic sanctions because of their deal on oil. If Iraq could replace their oil production, then Iran would be left venerable to tough sanctions and finally a UN Security Council maneuver to deter Iran from further enriching Uranium. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently was in the Middle East trying to get Gulf oil producing countries to reassure that they could make up for any drop in Iranian oil production. All the investment and politics are showing that Iraq would be able to replace Iran if there were sanctions prohibiting them to sell to the UN Security Council members (particularly China, who has been stopping any economic sanctions on Iran). This is important because it shows how important oil is in the global economy and international relations. This article also discusses domestic policy of Iraq, who's oil minister is seeking an easy reelection by promising more oil revenue. And more than anything, this article shows, it really is always about the money. China knows that even if Iran gets the bomb and one or two went missing, they would most likely be used against Israel or the United States, so they are more concerned about keeping the oil flowing. Grade this post.

Current Event #4; Iranians Protest Bill on Rights of Women

To read the full article, Iranians Protest Bill on Rights of Women, click here. Recently, 1,200 Iranians signed a statement against a bill that would further hinder the rights of women. The bill being protested was approved last month by Parliament's legal committee and allows men to marry additional wives without telling their current wives under certain conditions such as, if the wife is absent for more than six months for any reason including imprisonment, or if she has an incurable disease. The bill not only makes a woman's alimony subject to reassessment but has also made alimony taxable. Women have been a very major part of the protests and many have been jailed and several killed in government crackdowns on protests since the vote. Until last month many advocates, including Nobel Peace Prize Laurette Shirin Ebadim, thought they had won the battle but now they fear that conservatives are using the current social unrest to push more restrictions on women. This article relates to what we have been learning about in Comparative Government because the Civil Rights and Liberties of women in Iran are being called into question and this is hurting the legitimacy of Iran as a democracy.

**Thankyou to jsamuelson of Flickr for the image

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Current Event # 4: Clinton Issues Another Warning to Iran

Here is a link to the February 16th, 2010 article titled "Clinton Issues Another Warning to Iran" from The New York Times. According to this article, it seems that the confrontation between the Western powers and Iran regarding Iran's nuclear program is only getting worse. During her speech in Jidda, Saudi Arabia, Clinton listed recent Iranian actions contradicting its claim to peaceful intent and has threatened to take action if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon. While Iran claims to have begun enriching uranium purely to feed a medical reactor, Clinton claims the evidence proves otherwise. President Ahmadinejad says that Iran is willing to suspend uranium enrichment in exchange for a swap of processed fuel rods. The United States has refused to agree to this exchange. Ms. Clinton recently claimed that Iran was moving towards a military dictatorship ruled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Iran claimed that America was the country with a military dictatorship in the Iranian rebuttal by its foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki. Russia has recently come to the aid of the United States and France and signed a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency claiming that Iran's enrichment of uranium and lack of notification to the I.A.E.A. were "wholly unjustified." While Bejamin Netanyahu of Israel tried to convince Russian president Medvedev to take a greater role in the opposition of Iran, Russia refused and continues to support cooperation with Iran. In response to American criticism, Iran has negatively portrayed Washington via its English broadcaster, Press TV. Clinton is now urging Iranian political and religious leaders to take a stand against the Revolutionary Guards before a full military dictatorship has been instated. While France is fully behind the Obama administration and its recent actions and sanctions, Russia has taken a more ambivalent stance in regards to Iran. This article is significant because it involves international factors influencing policy making, regional clevages (hence Russia's lack of support), and threats to international security.

Thanks to US Mission Canada for the photo!

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Iran's missile and uranium salvoes

Click here to read the Economist article "Iran's missile and uranium salvoes". This article discusses Iran's recent launch of a rocket into space, claiming to be for civilian purposes. The actions of Iran are continually in direct opposition to the international community, but suddenly Iran seems to be changing its mind on a deal it dropped out of in the past. Iran might be willing to hand some of its uranium over to be turned into fuel rods for creating electricity after a course of months to a year. Although the three quarters of Iran's stockpile previously sought after might not be how much is put into the deal. Many people now wonder if Iran is just continuing to buy itself more time. Iran could easily conjure up some impossible deal and then use that as the grounds for claiming the international community is being unagreeable and just continuing its pursuit of enriching its uranium. Considering how quickly some nations aquired the nuclear bomb, one can only wonder how much longer it will take or if they already have one, if that is Iran's intent. There is also the possibility that Iran is simply distracting the international community from imposing economic sanctions that China disfavors. This applies to things like supernational organizations, public policy, economic policy, and a country's rights to nuclear weapons. Grade this post.

Post #3: Iran's President Moves Ahead on Uranium Processing

Click here to read The New York Times article, "Iran's President Moves Ahead on Uranium," dated February 7th, 2010. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the president of Iran, recently ordered the production of a form of uranium for use as a power source in one of Tehran's medical reactors. This move has led to intense lobbying on the part of the United States in hopes of convincing other nations to push sanctions prohibiting the production a potential fuel source for nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, a deal involving the exchange of fuel for uranium has fallen through due to the Iranian leadership. This exchange deal would have resulted in the lack of enough fuel to produce a nuclear weapon in Iran, temporarily appeasing Westerners. Although Iran is trying to enrich large quantities of fuel, progress has been slow due to the occurrence of both technical difficulties and opposition from the West. While Iran claims to be open to making a deal, it insists on certain preconditions which would enable Iran to keep much of its current resource stockpile. The Iranian government has portrayed the enrichment of uranium as a fuel source for medical research in hopes of confronting Western opposition and appeasing its citizens. The United States has given Iran until the end of the year to settle the issue. If Iran makes conciliatory gestures, the impact could be deadly due to the reluctance among many countries to take action, resulting in a potential split of the United Nations Security Council. As of now, things in Iran remain fragile, at best. This article is significant because Iran's potential to develop nuclear weapons could result in global implications. As a result, the enrichment of uranium has become a issue of global concern and the United States has taken steps to convince others of the present dangers. This article also deals with the legitimacy of the government and its accompanying linkage institutions as the government portrays the issue in a light favoring the administration and downplaying the seriousness of the matter via the media.

Thanks to Hamed Saber of flickr for the image of the Natanz Nuclear Facility in Iran.

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Post #3, Iran Wants To Step Up Nuclear Proliferation

Click here to read the BBC news article "Iran Makes New Uranium Enrichment Challenge" written on February 7th.

Two days after the Iranian foreign minister claimed that a deal on swapping enriched uranium for nuclear fuel was close, President Ahmadinejad told nuclear chief Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi to enrich the uranium to 20% on national television.
Civilian nuclear power requires uranium to be enriched to 3%, while weapons grade uranium has been enriched to 90%.
In January, Iran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that it did not accept the terms set in October of last year by the P5+1 (Germany), Iran and the IAEA.
Earlier this week the U.S., France and Britain circulated a discussion paper considering further sanctions against Iran, although China believes that the P5 must be patient and continue using diplomatic means to resolve the issue.
Iran wants to supply a research reactor with highly enriched uranium following the breakdown of discussions to provide fuel for the reactor. Some Western analysts believe Iran lacks the technical-know-how to make fuel rods, and fear this may be a stepping stone to the creation of weapons grade uranium.
This article relates to what we have been learning because Western countries' public policies are being adapted in order to stop Iran from creating nuclear material, through the use of sanctions. If Iran gains nuclear weapons the legitimacy of their government will be continued to be questioned, and Iran itself may become more unwilling to deal with other countries.

Photo Courtesy of BBC NEWS
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Blog #3 Iran Sends Some Animals, and Some Ambitions Into Space

To read the entire article from The New York Times click here. On Wednesday Iran announced that it launched a rocket, the Kavoshgar-3, into space carrying a rat, two turtles, and worms. The rocket, which is capable of carrying satellites, combined with Iran's missile program has caused many Western analysts to suspect that Iran might be working on a "weapons delivery system" that could affect many different regions. The rocket was also launched a day after the Iranian president said that he might support a deal put forth by the U.S. and other Western countries that would involve the export of low-enriched nuclear fuel. This new remark brings up even more skepticism because just a few days before, Iran had rejected the deal, this flip-flopping of public statements is not helping the government regain legitimacy among it's people and the world. Although Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, President Obama not only said that there would be "consequences" if Iran didn't stop ignoring the UN demands to stop manufacturing nuclear fuel, he has also been seeking international support sanctions against the group that it is believed controls the nuclear arms program, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. This article relates to what we have been learning about in Comparative Government because now both the people of Iran and other nations around the world are questioning the legitimacy of the Iranian government.
**Thank you to The New York Times for the picture
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Time for tougher sanctions

Click here to read the Economist article, "Time for tougher sanctions". This article explorers the political options for trying to deter Iran from continuing its pursuit of nuclear materials. There is a nuclear proliferation treaty coming up for review this year and if Iran can easily deny the international community, the treaty might not be looked upon as having any value. The article dictates that there are two options for dealing with Iran, military action and economic sanctions. Recently the Obama administration tried to reach out to the country to let France and Russia produce nuclear material for electricity generating use, but it was not at all successful. No country wishes for military action, especially considering that the results would be so uncertain and it could simply make Iran more determined to continue perusing nuclear materials as well as turnings its citizens against the rest of the world. Economic sanctions are tricky because you want to hurt the government that is perusing nuclear materials, not the citizens, many of whom do not like their government. China has been upping investment in Iranian oil ever since Western nations started pulling out because of the actions of the Iranian government, but China does not seem to mind. The articles says that inaction is the worst course of action though and that something needs to be done. This article is important because it involves public policy, international treaties and policy, and discusses public opinion of Iran's citizens towards their government. If a country violates international agreements and nothing is done about it, those agreements are certainly seen as potentially illegitimate and a joke. Varying levels of dedication to stopping Iran from the international community has certainly delayed the progress as well. Economic sanctions will have an effect on the citizens of Iran and can possibly polarize them against either their government or the international community, empowering their leaders. How to deal with Iran and other "rogue nations" was also a important point in the recent American elections.
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Iran's Opposition Extends Olive Branch, Unrequited

To read the full article "Iran's Opposition Extends Olive Branch, Unrequited", click here. In a New York Times article published on January 28, 2010, we are informed that an Iranian opposition leader has tried to help end the national crisis by "extending the olive branch" to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. So far, Ayatollah Khamenei has not shown the same willingness to compromise in order to find an end to the nation's crisis. Recently the government made even more clear just how seriously they would be cracking down on resistance, two prisoners were hung for defying God and belonging to armed organizations. These executions are seen as politically motivated and are being condemned inside and outside of Iran. The main reform tactic being used by the Iranian government seems to be reaffirming allegiance to the leader, or in other words, re-establishing the legitimacy of the government. It is still not entirely clear if this strategy is working, but this article relates to what we have been learning about in class because it not only discusses the loss of legitimacy but also the potential violation of Civil Rights for the two executed men.

*Thank you to jojournals of Flickr for the picture

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Current Event #2: Iran Executes Two Protestors

Click here to read the BBC News Article "Iran 'executes two over post-election unrest", published on January 28th. The article discuss how two men involved in the Ashura day demonstrations in Iran were convicted of being Moharebeh, or enemies of god, and executed. So far, no independent news agencies have confirmed the executions, as all of the information has come from the Iranian Student News Agency. ISNA reports that Mohammad Reza Ali-Zamani and Arash Rahmanipour were the two men executed, and also reports that nine other individuals were given death sentences for their part in the Ashura demonstrations, to be carried out as soon as appeals are finished. Ali-Zamani was accused of working with the Kingdom Assembly of Iran, a banned polital group who wants to reinstate the former Iranian Ruling Family as the leaders of Iran. The KAI denied that Ali-Zamani had any role in the election demonstrations, and only passed on news to radio stations. Human rights activists also believe that, according to Ali-Zamani's indictment, he was arrested before he engaged in any actions relating to the elections. The other man, Arash Rahmipour, was also accused of working with the KAI, but according to Rahmipour's lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh, he was arrested before the elections had even taken place, adding that he only confessed "because of threats to his family".
This article is significant because it discusses the Iranian Government's legitimacy, as wll as the rights they give their citizens. If the two men were arrested before the had engaged in any illicit activity, then the government of Iran is committing a human rights abuse. Iranian protesters are often killed during their demonstrations, which compared to our First Ammendment, is a violation of basic human rights as well.

Image taken from BBC News.

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Current Event #2: Main Opposition Leaders in Iran Call for Rally

Click here to read The New York Times article, "Main Opposition Leaders in Iran Call for Rally" from January 30, 2010. This article discusses a demonstration, called by Iran's two main opposition leaders, Mir Hussein Moussavi and Medhi Karroubi set to take place during the upcoming February 11th rally, marking the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Revolution. Recently, Iran put 16 protesters on trial from the December 27th demonstration, 5 of which were accused of Moharebeh, or going against God. As the government continues to crack down on anti-governmental protests in response to the disputed June 12th, 2009 election, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has made it clear that they will not tolerate an oppositionist appearance during the upcoming rally. This article is significant because it involves the Iranian citizens challenging the legitimacy of the government due to its recent election via participation in rallies. It also demonstrates the government taking action to contain protest and assert its dominance and power over the people.

Click here to see my accompanying image thanks to ok2go of flickr!

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