• Afghanistan; A place Every Bomb Detonated

    In the unforgiving deserts of Nimroz, amid dust and displacement, we made bonds and promises sprinkled with earth-tasting sugar to never forget each other. Narges Joodaki, an award-winning journalist, documents the harrowing journeys of Afghan refugees scarred by continuous wars. While teaching displaced children, subject to a world of suffering and untimely maturity, the bitter tangibility of their strife is captured. As makeshift camps dissolve and political landscapes shift, these moments of connection resonate against the backdrop of a turbulent history, marked by 20 years of American presence and a fragile, uncertain future.

  • Iran 1979: Between Anti-Imperialism and Socialism

    Valentine Moghadam’s article, “Socialism or Anti-Imperialism? The Left and Revolution in Iran,” analyzes the ideological complexity of the Iranian Left during the revolutionary period. It explores the Left’s commitment to anti-imperialism and its critique of dependent capitalism, while also addressing its failures and challenges. The article delves into the impact of historical events, such as the Shah-CIA coup and the rise of Islamic governance, on shaping the Iranian Left’s strategies and outcomes. The article also highlights the Left’s underestimation of the power of Islamic clergy and its neglect of democracy, providing valuable insights into the struggles of aligning ideological principles…

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  • Dawn of the Iranian Renaissance:
    Critiquing the Religion

    Reza Alijani’s book “The Future of Islam in Iran” explores the social evolution and religious criticism in Iran since the Qajar era, focusing on the post-1979 authoritarian turn and economic corruption of the Islamic Republic. Analyzing society’s move towards modernity and individual rights, Alijani underscores the widespread challenge to traditional religious dominance, the advent of an “Iranian Renaissance,” and rising secularism among Iranians, including many clerics. Alijani, a national-religious figure, argues for the separation of religion and state while acknowledging the deep historical roots of religion in Iran.

  • How Healthcare Costs Push Iranians to the Brink

    Healthcare expenses, particularly medication, consume a significant portion of Iranian household incomes, with many forgoing treatments due to high costs. Iran’s rate of direct health payments is above global averages, indicating a widespread occurrence of catastrophic health expenditures. This trend results in increased poverty and reduced living standards, despite national policies aiming to protect against such financial risks.

  • Iran: Minimum Wage and State Manipulated Food Baskets

    The state in favor employers manipulate the basket food to suppress wages. The Ministry of Health has reduced nutritional needs in the food basket, sparking worker protests. Amid inflation and unemployment threats, the true cost of living is ignored, leaving workers underpaid and increasing hunger, while employers oppose wage hikes citing economic strain. The Supreme Labor Council prepares to set a minimum wage far below the actual cost of living amid inflation, benefiting employers at the expense of workers’ quality of life.

  • Four Essential Books on Palestine:
    Navigating Beyond Propaganda

    In the heart of the Middle East lies a land considered holy by millions, yet the battleground for one of the most protracted and complex conflicts in modern history: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This blog post delves into the narratives, pain, and perspectives of both Israelis and Palestinians through the lens of three pivotal works. Each book offers a unique viewpoint, from the ground realities faced by individuals living amidst the conflict, to the historical and political analysis of its origins and evolution, and finally, to a defense of one nation’s right to exist amidst widespread misunderstanding.

  • Islamism, Pseudo-Marxism and Ali Shariati

    The phrase “camel, cow, leopard” symbolizes a confusing mixture, something Iranians use to describe Ali Shariati’s complex blend of Islam and social science, reshaping young Iranians’ views. Asef Bayat’s book details Shariati’s role in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, portraying him as a thinker who challenged Western ideologies and traditional religion with a Marxist-Islamic perspective. He captivated young intellectuals and was central to pre-revolution debates. Despite varied views, Shariati’s teachings inspired Islamic leftists globally. His life, from formative years under his father’s guidance to transformative Parisian influences, was marked by intellectual growth, activism, and controversy, ultimately rendering him a legend in…

  • Voices Unheard: Afghan Women’s Fight Against Marginalization

    The UN meeting on Afghanistan in Doha coincides with protests by Afghan women against Taliban rule. Parwana Ibrahim Khail, a known journalist and women’s rights activist, shared her experiences of imprisonment and torture under the Taliban, including a stoning sentence for alleged apostasy. Despite international outcry and support for these women, the Taliban continue to enforce repressive measures, including the educational ban on girls and closure of women-oriented businesses, violating human rights. The latest WPS index ranked Afghan women’s condition as the worst globally. Activists criticize the UN for not inviting Taliban opposition to the meeting, viewing it as legitimizing…

  • Disqualification Mechanism in Iran Elections

    Iran is set to hold its twelfth parliamentary elections and sixth Assembly of Experts elections on March 1, 2024. With prevalent disqualifications of candidates, 7 provinces face uncontested seats in the Assembly of Experts, indicating a lack of genuine competition, a trend mirroring Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s preference for compliant candidates. It’s called an election, but in reality, it’s not an election. Not only do the vast majority of the people not have the right to participate as candidates, but multiple political parties are illegal, opponents of the Islamic government are not allowed to operate, even opposition newspapers are being…

  • Untold Story of Binke:
    The 1979 Resistance of Sanandaj’s City Council

    In a bold and unapologetic exploration, Zaniar Omrani’s documentary “Binke” (The Base) tears into the fabric of Sanandaj’s contemporary political landscape. Omrani doesn’t just depict history; he thrusts viewers into the heart of the furnace. From the explosive liberation of political prisoners in 1979 to the tumultuous birth of Rojhelat’s self-governance, “Binke” refuses to look away. It confronts the formidable establishment of city councils and captures the raw defiance of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s assault on Kurdistan. And let’s not overlook Jina’s fiery 2022 revolt—a fierce battle cry to reclaim the very essence of public sovereignty. This isn’t just…

  • Hidden Histories:
    Insights into Bahman Uprising

    On February 11, 1979, Tehran saw an organized, well-armed uprising against state forces, leading to the fall of the Shah’s regime. Guerrilla groups, alongside a determined public, captured key locations including police stations, military barracks, and the radio-television center. Despite resistance, the insurgents secured arms, released prisoners, and occupied government buildings, culminating in the fall of notable centers of oppression. The revolution paralleled none of recent protests, underlining the significant, yet fleeting, victory for political freedoms later thwarted by the Islamic government’s repressive actions post-June 20, 1981.