Author: Siyavash Shahabi
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Iran: Ahvaz Steel Workers Against Privatization
Recently, steel workers in Ahvaz, Iran, intensified their protests over fair compensation, job classification, and job security, clashing with National Steel Factory management. The conflict arose after a corrupt privatization scheme, inequitable salary practices, and management’s refusal to uphold agreements. Workers have initiated strikes following failed negotiations and are challenging the management’s deceptive tactics and…
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Middle East and The Fate of Populism:
Iran, Palestine and Beyond“The Fate of Third Worldism in the Middle East: Palestine, Iran and Beyond” explores the region’s shift from Third Worldism—a revolutionary, anti-imperialist ideology of the 1960s, aimed at universal emancipation—to authoritarian religious governments in the 1980s. Rasmus Christian Elling and Sune Haugbolle’s book discusses how the promising liberation movements in Iran and Palestine succumbed to…
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The Essence of Socialism is Human
Mansoor Hekmat interpreted Marx’s thoughts to argue that social production and consciousness are products of human action, not precursors to existence. He asserted that revolutions, like the French, increase consciousness and transform society. Social arrangements like capitalism or socialism, while consciously constructed, do not define humanity. Hekmat emphasized that true socialism centers on returning agency…
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Women’s Activism in the Heart of Balochistan
The history of Balochistan is deeply intertwined with the experiences of its women, whose stories of resistance and resilience offer valuable insights into the region’s cultural, social, and political landscape. Baloch women have been pivotal in movements against oppression, mitigating human rights abuses, and challenging authoritarian regimes, particularly in the Zhina movement and protests for…
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Mohammed Ghobadlou; Story of a State Murder
24-year-old Mohammed Ghobadlou was executed in Iran for alleged involvement in protests after Mahsa/Jina Amini’s death. He faced charges of murder and Moharebeh, driving into police and causing death and injuries. His trial lacked proper legal representation, and his execution, the ninth linked to protests, followed dubious judicial processes, sparking international concern and domestic strikes…
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Zionism Reexamined: Beyond the Narrative
The establishment of Israel emerged from British imperial interests in the Middle East, Zionism, and various historical events, rather than being an eternal constant. Zionism began in the late 19th century as a secular movement in Eastern Europe and Russia, advocating for a Jewish nation as a refuge from persecution and anti-Semitism. However, the Jewish…
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Greece: The Uncertain Future of the Helios Program
The HELIOS refugee integration project in Greece, managed by the International Organization for Migration and the Greek Ministry, was abruptly halted due to funding shortfalls since early 2024, leaving many refugees vulnerable to homelessness. The suspension hinders access to housing support, language courses, and employment resources. Funding inconsistencies and bureaucratic hurdles have plagued the program,…
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Behind the Bravado:
The Human Costs of Mitsotakis’ FalsehoodsGreek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis boasted about excelling in migration management at a recent conference, but crucial issues were conveniently omitted. Violations of international laws and human rights, pushbacks of thousands of refugees, and a tragic shipwreck involving over 650 lives paint a different picture. European Commission’s silence and financial support contribute to these atrocities.…
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Beyond the Frontlines: A Harrowing Account of Systematic Abuse by Israeli Soldiers
In December 2023, shocking images from Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, revealed Palestinian men getting forcefully detained by Israeli forces. Reports from various sources depicted systematic mistreatment in Israeli military detention facilities, including electric shocks, burns, enforced sleep and starvation, and physical abuse. The Realities for Palestinian Civilians in Gaza also captured Israeli troops shooting…
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Silent No More: The Roya Heshmati Story
Roya Heshmati’s story, an opponent of the compulsory Hijab in Iran, has sparked significant attention on social media. Roya, 33, lives in Tehran but is originally from Sanandaj. On her Facebook, she shared her experience at the District Court of Area 7 on the 13th of Dey. She was there for her sentencing, where she…
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Standing Tall:
Iranian Labor Movement and SolidarityMaziar Seyednejad, a jailed labor activist, reflects on the challenges faced by the National Steel Group and Haft Tappeh Sugarcane workers’ protests. Despite significant societal turmoil, he questions the lack of a strong connection between various protest movements. Maziar, serving a two-year sentence, highlights the need to assess the positive and negative aspects of past…
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Installment life in Iran’s Inflated Economy
In recent years, Iran has seen the rise of “LendTechs” and startups in the “buy now, pay later” sector, reflecting the economic challenges faced by its people. High inflation and stagnant wages have eroded purchasing power, leading to an increase in small credit services for everyday items. These businesses, often backed by affiliated online stores,…
