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House Excludes Countries with Ties to Iran from Debt Relief Bill
Patrick Disney   
May 08, 2008
Image Washington DC - Last month, the US House of Representatives amended foreign debt relief legislation to exclude countries with “business interests with Iran.” The bill, titled the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation (HR 2634), is intended to provide low-income countries relief from debts owed to the United States and international financial institutions.
 
NIAC Selects 2008 Public Service and Journalism Fellow!
Pamela Maeda   
May 08, 2008

ImageWashington DC – Congratulations to Artin Afkhami, a senior at the University of California, Berkeley. This summer, NIAC will sponsor Artin’s internship in the office of California Senator Dianne Feinstein, where Artin will experience Capitol Hill first hand by attending committee hearings and researching legislation.

Artin was born and raised in California. He was chosen as the NIAC Public Service and Journalism Fellow because of his superior academic achievement, his impressive record of public service, and his dedication to the progress of the Iranian American community. He will be working in the office of senior California Senator Dianne Feinstein in Washington DC. Artin will be graduating in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies.
 
Parsi: Clinton’s “obliterate Iran” statement irresponsible
NIAC   
May 06, 2008

Contact: Shadee Malaklou

(202) 379-2771 

 

Washington, DC, May 6, 2008 -- Senator Hillary Clinton’s refusal to express regret for her irresponsible “obliterate Iran” statement is deplorable and reflective of a foreign policy outlook that perpetuates rather than resolves conflicts.

Presidential candidates rarely answer hypothetical questions without intending to send an important signal. The question is does her statement to obliterate an entire country in the event that it attacks a key US ally add to America’s deterrence and security or does it add to existing perceptions that America is losing its ability to lead through diplomacy rather than force?

By enthusiastically answering a hypothetical question about a highly unlikely worst-case scenario, Senator Clinton deliberately passed on the opportunity to present an effective strategy that would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb in the first place.

 
Shirin Ebadi answers questions
NIAC   
Apr 30, 2008

For many Iranian Americans, Shirin Ebadi is a household name. As an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist—and the first Iranian Nobel Peace Prize recipient (2003)—her efforts are a point of pride for the Iranian-American community, many of whom hope to follow her lead.

On Thursday, May 1, between 3 and 4 p.m. ET, Ebadi will be interviewed online by David Swanson of The People Speak Radio. Iranian Americans and their American friends will be able to tune in and ask Ebadi questions. Questions can range from the human rights situation inside Iran, to Iran’s support for militant insurgence groups, to the future of US-Iran relations, and more.

 
NIAC Welcomes Creation of First Iranian-American Lobby
NIAC   
May 01, 2008

Washington DC - The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) is pleased to welcome the launch of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), the first Iranian-American lobbying organization in Washington DC. Iranian-American political voices can only mature with the advent of more organizations focusing on the community's concerns. Like NIAC, PAAIA aims "to build an influential voice for the Iranian-American community in the US political process.

 
Carper on Iran: It’s time to think outside the box
Emily Blout   
Apr 28, 2008

ImageWashington DC – Time is not on our side. This was the pronounced or implicit understanding of the Senate Homeland Security sub-committee as well as the experts tasked to provide new ideas for solving the US-Iran nuclear stand-off.

Chairman Thomas R. Carper (D-DE) convened the two panel hearing, “Addressing Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions,” to kick start the search for a new, effective approach to the Iranian nuclear issue.

“There is little evidence that deterrence has or would work,” said Carper. “It’s time to think outside the box.”

 
NIAC Memo: Helping the Mullahs, Hurting the Poor
Dr. Babak Rahimi   
Apr 28, 2008

While the U.S. and many European countries believe that Iran's nuclear ambitions can be restrained by increasing sanctions aimed at the regime's decision-makers, Tehran continues to outwit them without changing its policies. The sanctions are not only failing to achieve their stated aims, they are also strengthening a government that has become more despotic since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Download PDF version: Image

 
Senator Arlen Specter calls for diplomacy with Iran at April 24 subcommittee hearing
NIAC   
Apr 25, 2008

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Senator Arlen Specter

Prepared Remarks

Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information Federal Services and International Security

April 24, 2008

"If you want to make peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
- Moshe Dayan
 
Video of NIAC's Senate Conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate"
NIAC   
Apr 24, 2008

Washington DC - NIAC's Senate conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate" with Senator Dianne Feinstein, Ambassador Tom Pickering and Dr. Hans Blix is now available on youtube.

Keynote address

Senator Dianne Feinstein’s keynote address Part 1

 
Specter calls on Rice to open bilateral talks with Iran, drop precondition
Ali G. Scotten   
Apr 23, 2008

ImageWashington DC - During a Senate hearing on the State Department’s 2009 budget, Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) engaged in a frank exchange with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over US policy on Iran. In his address to Rice during the hearing, which was held by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Specter called for bilateral talks with Iran without preconditions.

 
NIAC denounces Clinton’s war rhetoric: "Obliterate" Iran
NIAC   
Apr 22, 2008
Contact: Shadee Malaklou
202-386-2771

Washington DC - The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) denounces Senator Hillary Clinton's escalating war rhetoric on Iran. In an interview with Good Morning America, Senator Clinton promised Tuesday to "obliterate" Iran should Tehran develop a nuclear weapon and use it against Israel.
 
NIAC Memo: Can the US and Iran Share the Middle East?
Dr. Trita Parsi   
Apr 20, 2008

By negotiating a Shiite truce, Tehran embarrassed Washington last week and arguably proved itself to be a more potent stabilizer of southern Iraq. Iran's role in Iraq came as a sharp reminder that the George W. Bush administration's accusations of Iranian mischief notwithstanding, Iranian influence in Iraq is both undeniable and multifaceted. As Washington starts to come to terms with this reality, the Middle East inches closer to its moment of truth: Is the United States ready to share the region with Iran?

Download PDF version: Image

 
In Iraq funding debate, House members warn of war with Iran
Emily Blout   
Apr 17, 2008
Image Washington DC - Five lawmakers urged Congress to heed the warning signs of impending war with Iran and called for passage of legislation requiring Congressional authorization for military action and direct diplomatic engagement with the “rogue” nation.
 
Alexander: Friendship with Iran will hurt America
Arash Hadjialiloo   
Apr 16, 2008
Image Washington DC - Iran is currently under global pressure for its nuclear program, its alleged state sponsorship of terrorist organizations, and the increasingly belligerent rhetoric of its President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. According to the findings of a panel on Capitol Hill on April 15, these issues need multi-layered solutions. The event, “Iran and the United States: Outlook for the Next Decade?”, was hosted by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and the International Center for Terrorism Studies.
 
US-Iran relations: Shopping in a rug bazaar, says Sadjadpour
Arash Hadjialiloo   
Apr 16, 2008

Washington DC - On New Year’s Eve 1978, Jimmy Carter came to Iran and said that “there is no nation in the world with which the U.S. has better relations and no leader in the world with whom I am greater friends with than the Shah.” This statement, just 14 months before the Islamic Revolution, was among many of the musings and historical points brought up by Karim Sadjadpour during a speaking engagement at the University of California Washington Center.

 
Full text of Senator Feinstein's speech at NIAC Conference
Sen. Dianne Feinstein   
Apr 09, 2008

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U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

National Iranian American Council

"BREAKING THE US-IRAN STALEMATE"

S-325 Russell Caucus Room

April 8, 2008

- Remarks as delivered -

 
NIAC Conference: Blix, Pickering propose nuclear compromise
Ali Scotten   
Apr 09, 2008
Image Washington DC - "The United States and the West have painted themselves into a corner," Hans Blix, former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Wednesday. Blix was referring to the Bush administration’s insistence that Iran suspend enrichment of uranium before talks can proceed. Iran has refused to do so, claiming that it is unacceptable to be expected to concede the main object under negotiation before talks even begin.
 
NIAC Conference: Feinstein Calls for ‘Fresh Approach’ to Iran
Daniel Robinson   
Apr 09, 2008

Washington DC - In a time of caustic rhetoric and ‘trigger' diplomacy, when talking with one's adversaries is confused with weakness, leaders still exist that possess the vision to recommend a new course through the tempest. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) urged direct talks-without preconditions - between the United States and Iran as a means to resolve the concerns about Iran's nuclear program as well as on a comprehensive set of issues. (Full transcripts of her speech available here)

 
NIAC Conference: Majles elections won’t make nuclear compromise easier
Arash Hadjialiloo   
Apr 09, 2008

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Washington DC - You can’t take the parliamentary elections in Iran at face value, it seems. Panelists at the National Iranian American Council’s April 8 conference agreed that Iran’s March 14 parliamentary (Majles) elections were rife with shady dealings andglad-handing. “Elections [in Iran] are not free or fair, but always interesting,” Barbara Slavin, a Fellow at the US Institute of Peace and Senior Diplomatic Reporter for USA Today, said.

 
NIAC Conference: Feinstein urges “robust diplomacy” with Iran without preconditions
Shadee Malaklou   
Apr 09, 2008

Image Washington, DC, April 9, 2008 – Panelists yesterday urged against US-backed sanctions on Iran, and instead encouraged direct talks—without preconditions—between the US and Iran as a way to curtail Iran’s nuclear program.

“I believe we should begin to pursue a robust, diplomatic initiative with Iran on all issues and without preconditions,” Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said in her keynote address.

The National Iranian American Council’s half-day conference, held at 325 Russell Senate Office Building, featured two panels and a keynote address by Senator Feinstein. More than 200 people attended, including accredited media, congressional members and staff, and the academic community.
 
NIAC holds Iran conference in Senate today
Shadee Malaklou   
Apr 08, 2008

Washington, DC, April 8, 2008 – Today, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), the largest grassroots Iranian-American organization, hosts foreign policy A-listers, Congressional members and staff, key academics and accredited media to discuss ways to break the US-Iran stalemate.

Most analysts agree: Iran’s nuclear program is progressing faster than the West can muster pressure on Tehran. NIAC’s half-day conference on Capitol Hill addresses the central question: How can the US prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb, even if Tehran continues to enrich uranium?

The conference, scheduled from 1:45pm to 6:00pm in 325 Russell Senate Office Building, features former IAEA Director, Hans Blix, and former Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ambassador, Thomas Pickering, both of whom will address the proposal for a multinational enrichment facility inside Iran.
 
NIAC launches new logo, amended mission statement to reflect growth
Shadee Malaklou   
Apr 07, 2008

Image

Washington DC - Today, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) launched its new logo and amended mission statement, reflecting the organization’s growth and increased reach.

Since its inception in 2002, NIAC has grown to become the largest grassroots Iranian-American organization in the United States. NIAC’s influence transcends the beltway to affect Iranian Americans all over the US.

 
NIAC Event on Capitol Hill
NIAC   
Apr 01, 2008

ImageImageImage

BREAKING THE US-IRAN STALEMATE

REASSESSING THE NUCLEAR STRATEGY IN THE WAKE OF THE MAJLES ELECTIONS

Tuesday, 8 April 2008

1:45 pm – 6:00 pm

325 Russell Senate Office Building

 
Shahinfar Runs for Congress
Babak Talebi   
Mar 27, 2008
ImageWashington DC - Iranian American Darius Shahinfar has announced his candidacy for New York’s 21st District Congressional seat. The seat is being vacated by retiring Representative Michael McNulty (D-NY) who has represented the district since 1988. Shahinfar made his official announcement at a news conference in Albany, launching a campaign to ‘Renew America’s Promise’.
 
Iranian ethnic minorities clash on Capitol Hill
Arash Hadjialiloo   
Mar 26, 2008

Washington DC - A March 13 event on Capitol Hill intended to expose Iran’s human rights violations was overcome with political rivalry and infighting. The event, a one-hour briefing on Iran’s human rights record, was eventually broken up by Capitol Hill police officers.

The briefing piggy backed on a recent rise in concern over Iran’s human rights abuses, and attempted to unite several Iranian ethnic and religious minority groups. The event, hosted by the Iran Working Group and The Leadership Council for Human Rights (LCHR), was aimed at uniting some of the many factions inside Iran, but fell apart due to internal rivalries.
 
NIAC enlists major law firm to protect Persian Tablets
Shadee Malaklou   
Mar 12, 2008

Washington DC - Thousands of priceless artifacts from Persepolis that are on loan to the University of Chicago risk being auctioned off to the highest bidder. In an effort to defend the collective cultural heritage of Iranian Americans, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) has secured pro bono representation from with Mayer Brown LLP with connection to the case, Rubin v. Islamic Republic of Iran.

“The Iranian-American community has felt helpless in face of this threat to their historic heritage,” said Trita Parsi, NIAC President. “With Mayer Brown’s help, we are creating an avenue for the community to have their concerns and interests considered in this legal battle.”

Download Farsi version in PDF

 
Federal Court Threatens Iranian-American Heritage
Arash Hadjialiloo   
Mar 12, 2008

Tempers between the United States and Iran have flared over Iran’s nuclear program and its alleged intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many have wondered if the two countries would ever find common ground. However, several controversial rulings in the United States federal court have resulted in just that: the United States’ Justice and State Departments have momentarily put aside their differences with Iran in order to protect several thousand Iranian cultural artifacts.

The current situation that has Iran and the United States temporarily burying the hatchet is a delicate and controversial issue. The issue is a lawsuit brought by the American survivors (and families of victims) of a 1997 Hamas suicide attack in Jerusalem, in which five people were killed and over 100 injured.

The plaintiffs claim that several thousand priceless artifacts from the ancient city of Persepolis should be auctioned off to pay restitution for the terrorist attack. Thus far, they have won a string of judgments against the Iranian government. Until recently, the Iranian Government had refused representation in American federal court, therefore being ruled unable to refute support for Hamas or justification for punitive actions against the artifacts.
  
 
 
Los Angeles Iranian Americans say talks, not war will solve U.S.-Iran tensions
NIAC   
Mar 04, 2008

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Los Angeles - The Los Angeles Iranian-American community came together on Saturday, February 23 to call out against a potential U.S.-Iran war and promote diplomatic talks. Representatives Diane Watson (D-CA) and Keith Ellison (D-MN), who oppose war and favor negotiations, were among the guest speakers. Both representatives encouraged the Iranian-American community to support their efforts.The event, a private fundraiser held in Palos Verdes, was hosted by the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) and chaired by Marsha Ershaghi of NIAC’s Board of Director. NIAC, the largest grassroots Iranian-American advocacy organization in the United States, is dedicated to advancing the interests of the Iranian-American community.

 
NIAC Protests Google's Use of Divisive Terms for the Persian Gulf
Arash Hadjialliloo   
Feb 07, 2008
Washington DC - NIAC has protested Google’s inclusion of the politically divisive term “Arabian Gulf” on its application Google Earth. Historically, the usage of this term for the Persian Gulf has been led by pan-Arab figures such as Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to rally the Arab masses against the non-Arab peoples in the Middle East. Read NIAC's Letter to Google.
 
NIAC Workshops: Learn how to Influence Policy
NIAC   
Feb 07, 2008

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As the 2008 election season heats up, NIAC is conducting workshops in cities around the country to educate the Iranian American community on how to influence policy makers and impact the American political process. Sponsored in part by PARSA Community Foundation, these six-hour workshops are geared towards Iranian-Americans interested in leveraging their votes, donations, and time into having an impact on policy. (Coming up in February: Portland, Boston, LA, Irvine, and Chicago).

 
Iranian-Americans favor US-Iran diplomacy, Berkeley poll shows
NIAC   
Jan 30, 2008

Opponents of diplomacy and proponents of war in small minority

For Immediate release

Contact: Emma Mackinnon
202 302 6920

Washington DC - Iranian Americans overwhelmingly support dialogue and diplomacy between the United States and Iran, a scientific poll conducted by the University of California Berkeley shows. Support for military strikes against Iran is minimal in the community. This stands in stark contrast to sentiments in the Iraqi-American community, who tended to support the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

 
Job Opportunities
NIAC   
Jan 09, 2008

NIAC is currently intensifying its efforts to establish a strong Iranian American voice in Washington and will therefore require a significant expansion of its staff. We are immediately hiring a Legislative Associate and a new Office Manager.

Candidates for these positions should be able to demonstrate high motivation, broad but relevant knowledge, and a desire to serve the Iranian American community through a superb academic record and impressive professional/volunteer experience. The positions listed here are all available immediately and we encourage applicants to submit their materials as quickly as possible.

 
NIAC Guide: Presidential Candidate Positions on US-Iran Relations
Gloria Mahin and Arash Hadjialiloo   
Jan 14, 2008

As the presidential elections draw near, Iranian Americans are faced with the challenge of gleaning candidate positions on Iran amidst a blur of sound bytes and vague rhetoric. Iran remains a key issue in both Republican and Democratic debates and continues to play a major role in determining who will be elected president. With the recent emergence of the National Intelligence Estimate deeming Iran’s nuclear weapons program halted since 2003, candidates must now tread carefully on earlier positions that rested on the imminent warnings of a nuclear Iran. Which candidates favor policies that will reduce the risk of war with Iran?

 
See NIAC's financial growth and tax-returns
Babak Talebi   
Sep 14, 2007

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Washington DC - NIAC’s funding has grown significantly over the last few years. The structure of NIAC’s financing reflectsthe organization's grass-roots nature and the strong support it enjoys in the Iranian-American community. NIAC is an organization for Iranian Americans because it’s funded by Iranian Americans. At the same time, we have been fortunate enough to receive support and grants from major US and Iranian-American foundations such as Ploughshares Fund, Colombe Foundation, National Endowment for Democracy, Tides Foundation, Kenbe Foundation, Pluralism Fund, Open Society Institute, Connect US, Parsa Foundation, the Hand Foundation, Ahoora Foundation, the Houtan Foundation and the Eurasia Foundation.

 
NIAC rebuts MKO and FrontPage Magazine’s untruths and fabrications
NIAC   
Apr 21, 2007

Washington DC - The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) has been the target of several erroneous, maliciously defamatory opinion pieces by Kenneth Timmerman and Hassan Daioleslam in Frontpage Magazine. The articles are riddled with inaccuracies, misquotations, incorrect links and references to figures that played no role in NIAC's inception, operations, or its development over the years.

 

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