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Congress Debates War, Sanctions, Diplomacy and MEK with Top Obama Officials
Thursday, May 16, 2013
By: NIAC Staff - News
The House and Senate each held hearings on Iran policy, including sanctions, diplomacy, and war with top administration officials from the State and Treasury departments.
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Back to the Future in Iran's Election
Thursday, May 16, 2013
By: Reza Marashi & Sahar Namazikhah (Special to National Interest)
As the field of candidates for Iran's presidential election takes shape, the most intriguing entry into the race is Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. His candidacy is a threat to all other candidates--and more critically, it presents a major challenge to Iran's most powerful man, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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Why Now Is the Time For Syria Diplomacy
Thursday, May 16, 2013
By: Trita Parsi (Special to the Daily Beast)
A peaceful and sustainable resolution to the Syrian crisis is not within reach in the short-term. But a significant reduction in the violence and bloodshed can be achieved because the appetite for diplomacy is stronger now than at anytime in the past two years.
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Why Sanctions on Iran are not Working
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
By: Trita Parsi & Reza Marashi (Special to AlJazeera)
By failing to offer a credible exit from the sanctions pain, neither the Iranian government nor stakeholders in the Iranian system believe that a change in nuclear policy will lead to the alleviation of their economic suffering.
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Financial Times: Global Insight: Iran Elections Raise Problems for Regime
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
By: Roula Khalaf (Financial Times)
"If you pull the trick once, next time the other side is aware of that trick. So can you still pull it?" says Trita Parsi, author of A Single Roll of the Dice, a book about US diplomacy with Iran.
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Three Paths toward a Nuclear Deal with Iran
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
By: Reza Marashi (Special to Ploughshares Fund)
1) Balance the offer sheet.
2) Broaden the discussion.
3) Start with the end in mind.
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Washington Post: Last-Minute Entries Reshape Iran's Presidential Field
Saturday, May 11, 2013
By: Jason Rezaian (Washington Post)
"Iran's election picture will remain hazy until vetting is done -- perhaps longer," said Reza Marashi, research director at the National Iranian American Council in Washington. "But today reaffirms Lesson 1 in Iranian politics: Iran has politics."
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New Congressional Sanctions Push Aimed at Killing Iran Diplomacy
Friday, May 10, 2013
By: Jamal Abdi (Special Lobe Log)
The notion that U.S. sanctions on Iran are supposed to act as diplomatic leverage to get a nuclear deal may be dispelled once and for all by a new Congressional action now in the works.
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Washington Post: Former Iranian President Rafsanjani Ponders Run in Upcoming Election
Friday, May 10, 2013
By: Jason Rezaian (Washington Post)
"Rafsanjani, together with others that he's worked with on and off for decades, has the potential to mobilize. And pre-election mobilization in Iran can lead to unpredictable outcomes -- as we saw in 2009," said Reza Marashi, research director at the National Iranian American Council in Washington.
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Iran Sanctions Stifling Iran's Freedom Movement
Thursday, May 9, 2013
By: Ryan Costello (Special to CNN)
Sweeping sanctions on Iran appear to have claimed their latest victim: the Samsung App store. Samsung has reportedly decided to block access to its App store in Iran from May 22.
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Iranian-American Brothers Lead Charge To Reform US Educational System
Thursday, May 9, 2013
By: Trita Parsi (Special to Iranian.com)
Say Iranian-American and few will think social entrepreneur or political advocate. Engineer? Yes. Doctor? Certainly. Reality show star? Yes, a few. Lawyer? Definitely. But a force for political reform and change? Not quite yet.
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Meet the Presidential Contenders in Iran's Upcoming Election
Thursday, May 9, 2013
By: Sina Toosi (Special to Muftah)
As the Islamic Republic of Iran's eleventh presidential election draws near, numerous individuals, parties, and groups are entering into the electoral fray. With less than five weeks until the June 14th vote, however, no specific candidates or factions stand out as clear and viable contenders for the presidency.
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New York Times: Senate Bill Would Halt Iran's Access to an Estimated $100 Billion in Cash
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
By: Rick Glad Stone (New York Times)
"When we've cemented a sanctions escalation path, we're creating a trajectory toward actual confrontation," said Trita Parsi, the founder of NIAC, a Washington group that opposes sanctions. Some Iranian leaders, he said, see the sanctions "as a train that can only go in one direction and has no brakes."
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Washington Spectator: The Failed Neocon Attempt to Destroy an American Anti-war Organization
Monday, May 6, 2013
By: M.J. Rosenberg Washington Spectator
The war over war with Iran has many battlefronts. Inside Washington, the battle line is between a small coalition of peace and security, non-proliferation and religious groups opposing war and favoring a peaceful solution to the stand off with Iran, and a well-funded war machine comprising neoconservative organizations.
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Newly Appointed Iranian-American Judge Makes History
Monday, May 6, 2013
By: Solmaz Elmi-Sarabi
On Thursday, May 2, 2013, Susan Amini was appointed to King County Superior Court judge position 20 in Washington State. Ms. Amini is the second Iranian American to serve as a Superior Court judge in the country, and the first of Middle Eastern descent in Washington state history.
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NIAC Ambassador Update: March & April 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
By: Yasmin Radjy
NIAC Ambassadors are volunteer leaders responsible for engaging local members through social gatherings, policy trainings, civic engagement workshops, community service projects, in-district meetings with legislators, and more.
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You're Invited: DC Happy Hour & Community Organizing Training
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
By: Sahar Fahimi
Please join NIAC's staff, ambassadors, and fellow members for two exciting May events on 5/2 and 5/9, respectively.
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Wilson Center: The Media & Iran's Nuclear Program: An analysis of U.S. and U.K. coverage, 2009-2012
Monday, April 29, 2013
By: Darya Razavi, Middle East Progra
Marashi argued further that there has not been an honest and thorough discussion in the media about the economic and political viability of war with Iran, taking into account the potential costs and benefits associated with military action.
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You're Invited: Dallas Women for World Peace Panel & Iranian-Israeli Peace Dialogue
Monday, April 29, 2013
By: Yasmin Radjy
Please join NIAC's Dallas Ambassadors, Iranians for Peace and Justice (IPJ), and SMU Amnesty International (AI) for two exciting events on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
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State Department Report Condemns Iran's Human Rights Violations
Friday, April 26, 2013
By: NIAC Staff
The Iranian government's human rights violations have escalated since the 2009 presidential elections, according to the U.S. Department of State's 2012 Iran Country Report on Human Rights Practices.
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Congressman Urges U.S. to Foment Ethnic Tension in Iran
Friday, April 26, 2013
By: Solmaz Elmi-Sarabi
Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation, has never been shy about promoting ethnic separatism and supporting violent groups as a way to pressure Iran.
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You're Invited: Bay Area Legislative Training with NIAC Policy Director, Jamal Abdi
Thursday, April 25, 2013
By: Yasmin Radjy
Please join Bay Area NIAC ambassadors, members, and supporters on Saturday, April 27 at UC Hastings for a training on important policy issues such as sanctions and war prevention.
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The Guardian: Ahmadinejad's Ally Could Pose New Challenge to Iran's Ruling Clergy
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
By: Jason Rezaian (The Guardian)
"The rules of the game have been known and largely followed for three decades, and the cutthroat nature of Iranian politics is now being shaped by the Ahmadinejad camp repeatedly pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable by the Islamic republic's own standards," said Reza Marashi.
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US Raises the Stakes in Military Game of Chicken with Iran
Monday, April 22, 2013
By: Jamal Abdi &Solmaz Elmi-Sarabi (Special to PS Europe)
While inside the US Congress the sentiment may be that the military option against Iran has to be more credible - a spate of new reports suggest that it is actually the diplomatic option that is in dire need of a boost.
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Washington Post: Ahmadinejad's Top Aide Ponders Run
Friday, April 19, 2013
By: Jason Rezaian (Washington Post)
"The rules of the game have been known and largely followed for three decades, and the cutthroat nature of Iranian politics is now being shaped by the Ahmadinejad camp repeatedly pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable by the Islamic Republic's own standards," said Reza Marashi.
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You're Invited: UCLA Iran Panel & NIAC Chai Social
Friday, April 19, 2013
By: Yasmin Radjy
Join NIAC's LA Ambassadors on 4/23 for an important panel discussion on Iran at UCLA followed by a chai social at Shaherzad restaurant.
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Time for Humanitarian Fix to Iran Sanctions
Friday, April 19, 2013
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
In the past week, Iran has been struck by two earthquakes that have killed dozens of people and leveled hundreds of homes. And because of the political standoff with Iran's government, Americans--including Iranian Americans with family in the affected regions--are largely unable to provide any help.
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Iranian-American Coalition Reiterates Call for Obama to Allow Earthquake Relief
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
In the aftermath of the second deadly earthquake to strike Iran within a week, a coalition of organizations have reiterated their call for President Obama to ensure sanctions do not impede humanitarian assistance.
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Don't Let Sanctions Block Relief for Iran's Earthquake Victims
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
By: NIAC Action Alert
In the aftermath of two severe earthquakes, it is vital that relief is not obstructed. Please take a moment to send a letter to President Obama to urge him to act so that sanctions do not in any way block earthquake relief efforts in Iran.
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Senate Resolution Brings U.S. Closer to War Against Iran
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council strongly opposes today's Senate Foreign Relations Committee adoption of S.Res.65, a resolution conveying U.S. support for potential Israeli military strikes on Iran.
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Senate Considers Iraq-Style Regime Change Policy for Iran
Friday, April 12, 2013
By: Ryan Costello (Special to Huffington Post)
A bipartisan group of Senators led by Mark Kirk (R-IL) is reportedly considering a new, draconian round of sanctions on Iran that could only be lifted if Iran moves "toward a free and democratically elected government."
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Coalition to Obama: Ensure Sanctions Don't Block Iran Earthquake Relief
Thursday, April 11, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
In the aftermath of a magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck Iran, a coalition of Iranian-American, human rights, and humanitarian organizations called on President Obama to ensure sanctions do not impede relief efforts.
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NIAC to Appeal Cost Sharing Decision in Lawsuit Against Daieoleslam
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
By: NIAC Statement
Today, Judge John Bates issued a cost sharing opinion in NIAC's defamation lawsuit against Seyyed Hassan Daieoleslam. Although Daieoleslam failed to demonstrate that his accusations against NIAC were true, Judge Bates ordered that NIAC bear some of the discovery costs. NIAC has already filed an appeal of this order.
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Bridging Divides with the Iranian People
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
By: Solmaz Elmi-Sarabi - News
A new report focuses on focuses on revamping the U.S. diplomatic strategy regarding Iran, including by correcting the unintended impacts of sanctions.
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The Washington Post: Diplomats See 'Wide Gulf' as Iran Talks End in a Muddle
Saturday, April 6, 2013
By: Joby Warrick (Washington Post)
"While the U.S. has been focused on red lines, in Kazakhstan, the Iranians were looking for the finishing line," said Parsi, author of "A Single Roll of the Dice," a book on the Obama administration's Iran policies. "Ultimately, all sides must take risks for peace."
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New York Times: North Korea Events Complicate Nuclear Talks With Iran
Friday, April 5, 2013
By: DAVID M. HERSZENHORN & RICK GLADSTONE
"Capitulation is seen as a greater threat to the regime's survival than even a military confrontation with the United States," said a study by the National Iranian American Council.
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HuffingtonPost Live: Why Sanctions?
Thursday, April 4, 2013
By: Ahmed Shihab-Eldin (HuffingtonPost Live)
A new report from the National Iranian American Council concludes that despite massive economic pain on regular citizens, the Iranian government won't shift its nuclear policy. It's hurting the middle class and the poor, so what's a better way?
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Watch: Iranian-Jewish Dialogue on the Cyrus Cylinder
Thursday, April 4, 2013
By: NIAC Staff - News
Last week, NIAC co-hosted an Iranian-Jewish Dialogue on the Cyrus Cylinder with the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution (CRDC) and the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA).
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Why the Iran Sanctions Don't Work
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
By: Bijan Khajehpour, Reza Marashi Special to the National Interest
Iran's responses to sanctions in 3 separate but mutually reinforcing categories: 1 Adapting it's economy to bend but not break. 2 Increasing efforts to target Western and Israeli interests around the world. 3 Creating new facts on the ground regarding its nuclear program.
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NIAC's DC Spring Fundraiser Reception & Dinner
Friday, March 29, 2013
By: Sahar Fahimi
You Are Cordially Invited to NIAC's Spring Fundraiser Reception & Dinner: Strengthening Iranian Americans' Voice in Washington Amid Sanctions and the Threat of War Featuring Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, Fomer Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell
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NIAC Presents Iran Sanctions Report on Capitol Hill
Thursday, March 28, 2013
By: NIAC Staff - News
Over seventy Congressional staff members attended a Capitol Hill briefing on Wednesday presenting the new report by NIAC that examines the impact of sanctions on Iran's nuclear policy.
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Lobe Log Foreign Policy: NIAC Report Reveals Disconnect Between Iran Sanctions' Goals and Results
Thursday, March 28, 2013
By: Farideh Farhi, Lobe Log Foreign Policy
As the NIAC report points out, in Iran's contested political terrain, what movers and shakers cannot do and have not done is call upon Iran's leadership to give in to demands and pressures that are identified as both unreasonable and harmful.
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Foreign Policy: Our Myopic Approach to Iran
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
By: Stephen Walt, Foreign Policy
When historians of American foreign policy look back a few decades from now, they will shake their heads in wonder at the incompetence of the U.S. effort to deal with Iran. If you don't believe me, you should take a look at a new report from the National Iranian-American Council.
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Lobe Log Foreign Policy: Iran's Nuclear Activities Go On Despite Sanctions
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
By: Jasmin Ramsey, Lobe Log Foreign Policy
"[Iran's nuclear programme] appears at best entirely unaffected by the sanctions or at worst partly driven by them in the sense that escalating sanctions as a bargaining chip also gives Iran the incentive to advance its program for the same reason," argue report authors Bijan Khajehpour, Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi.
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Report: Why Sanctions On Iran Aren't Working
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
By: Bijan Khajehpour, Reza Marashi, & Trita Parsi (Special Report)
Iran is currently facing the most severe and strictest sanctions ever imposed on a country. Though these measures seek to curb Iranian nuclear ambitions, a recent IAEA report suggests continued nuclear advances by Iran. This begs the question: are sanctions affecting Tehran's nuclear calculus?
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The Christian Science Monitor: Report: Sanctions may be speeding Iran's nuclear advancement
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
By: Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor
"It's critical to understand how massive pain is being channeled and absorbed in Iran, because just sitting there expecting pain to deliver results is somewhat naive." says coauthor Trita Parsi, president of NIAC.
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NIAC Applauds Extension of Mandate for UN Iran Humans Rights Monitor
Friday, March 22, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC applauds the United Nations Human Rights Council's vote today to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and reiterates its condemnation of the Iranian government's human rights abuses.
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10 Years After Iraq, Stop War with Iran
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
By: NIAC Action Alert
NIAC is teaming up with organizations around the country to urge Americans to mark today's solemn anniversary by calling their elected officials and telling them to stand up against war with Iran.
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Noroozetan Pirooz!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
By: Yasmin Radjy
New Year greetings from the NIAC team
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12 Iranians. 12 Opinions. 1 Stance.
Monday, March 18, 2013
By: NIAC Staff
A dozen Iranians and Iranian Americans disagree on everything from politics to food. But one thing unites M. Jobrani, S. Moshkinghalam, R. Aslan, H. Dabashi, T. Daryaee, R. Jahanbeglou, B. Mostofi, E. Nabavi, N. Behnoud, A. Mahdi, N. Nodjoumi, and Y. Alkhansa.
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CNN: Iran-Pakistan Pipe May 'Bust' U.S. Sanctions
Friday, March 15, 2013
By: John Defterios (CNN)
Trita Parsi, founder of the National Iranian American Council, says the Iranian-Pakistan gas pipeline could be a strategy by Pakistan to align more closely with Iran.
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The Senate's 10-Year Iraq War Anniversary Gift: War With Iran
Thursday, March 14, 2013
By: Jamal Abdi (Special to Huffington Post)
Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and many of their Senate colleagues are busy wrapping up the perfect gift for a country who has been through everything: a new war of choice in the Middle East with Iran.
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NIAC Calls on UN to Extend Human Rights Monitor Mandate, Condemns Iranian Government Abuses
Thursday, March 14, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC calls on the UNHRC to vote next week in support of renewing the mandate for the monitor, which represents an important multilateral mechanism to address Iran's human rights situation.
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AlJazeera: What are the Major Threats Facing the US?
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
By: Shihab Rattansi (AlJazeera)
"Sanctions have not convinced the Iranian government that they need to pursue a different path and they have not really raised the threat of regime change," says NIAC's Jamal Abdi.
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3 Facts to Note in 2013 Worldwide Threat Assessment Report
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
By: Trita Parsi (Special to Huffington Post)
Almost ten years to the day of the foolish invasion of Iraq, the discrepancy that existed between the media description of the Iraqi threat and the non-manipulated assessment of the U.S. intelligence community is being seen again -- but this time on Iran
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Iranian-Jewish Dialogue on the Cyrus Cylinder
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
By: Yasmin Radjy
CRDC, FEZANA, and NIAC invite you to a shared panel and celebration in honor of the presence in Washington of the Cyrus Cylinder and its significance for the peaceful interaction of civilizations based on universal human rights and human dignity.
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S.RES.65: The Backdoor to War with Iran
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
By: NIAC Policy Analysis
NIAC opposes S.Res.65 measure because it makes war more likely and distorts the existing U.S. policy regarding the decision to go to war.
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Russia Today: US Threatens Pakistan with Sanctions Over Iran Gas Pipeline
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
By: Jason Lee (Russia Today)
"The Iranians put up $500 million of a $1.5 billion project loan to the Pakistanis. And the construction is already halfway done," said NIAC's Research Director, Reza Marashi
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The Examiner: The Plot to Take Three Qantas Jumbos to Iran
Monday, March 11, 2013
By: Matt O'Sullivan (The Examiner)
The embargo has had an adverse side effect: it has made air travel in Iran a risky business. More than 1000 people died in at least 15 plane crashes in Iran between 2001 and 2011, the National Iranian-American Council in Washington DC says.
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Red Line: Iran, Israel, and the Bomb
Friday, March 8, 2013
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
NIAC's Research Director, Reza Marashi, speaks before the World Affairs of Western Michigan. Marashi discusses why a nuclear armed Iran is considered so dangerous to U.S. and Israeli interests, and what's prevented Iran from reaching a deal year after year.
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Innocent Iranians Off the Agenda in Almaty
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
By: Trita Parsi & Reza Marashi (special to Huffington Post)
Despite this positive momentum to start 2013, by no means was the agenda in Almaty comprehensive. Both sides should be held accountable for a glaring omission during the talks: failing to address the medical supply shortages caused by sanctions and exacerbated by Iranian government mismanagement.
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Zan Magazine: Providing for the Modern Woman
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
By: Ariana Romero - News
The word 'zan' means woman in the Persian language. It is fitting, therefore, that Zan be the name of this first of its kind publication whose purpose is to serve the modern Iranian-American woman.
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Senators Push Promise to Support Israeli Strikes on Iran
Friday, March 1, 2013
By: Jamal Abdi - News Analysis
New legislation calls for the U.S. to provide support for Israel should its government decide to launch military strikes on Iran.
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Stop Senate's Backdoor to War with Iran
Friday, March 1, 2013
By: NIAC Action Alert
Tell your Senators to oppose S.Res.65, a measure calling for U.S. military support for Israel if Netanyahu bombs Iran.
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Experts Offer Follow-Up Analysis of Almaty Talks on Capitol Hill
Friday, March 1, 2013
By: Sina Toossi - News
In the wake of talks between Iran and six world powers, NIAC hosted experts from Pugwash and Harvard's Belfer Center for an analysis on Capitol Hill.
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A New Paradigm for Iranian Nuclear Talks?
Thursday, February 28, 2013
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to The Diplomat)
Though the gap between the two sides is still wide, the fact that two additional meetings were scheduled without any Iranian foot-dragging -- in the midst of the Iranian holiday season mind you -- may also signal increased seriousness.
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Khaleej Times: Rare Optimism in Iran Nuclear Dispute
Thursday, February 28, 2013
By: Khaleej Times
'In past meetings, the approach centred on coercion: the main motivator for concessions was the threat of new sanctions and other escalatory steps,' said NIAC's Trita Parsi. 'That approach has failed as Iran responded with its own escalation."
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Bloomberg: Iran Nuclear Talks Bring Signs of Potential Progress
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
By: Indira A.R. Lakshmanan & Nariman Gizitdinov (Bloomberg)
"For the first time, the two sides seemed to be really negotiating," said NIAC President Trita Parsi. "Past meetings resembled stare-offs with both sides trying to look tough while issuing threats. This time, they engaged in a give and take."
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Washington Post: Iran Nuclear Talks End on Upbeat Note
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
By: Joby Warrick and Jason Rezaian (Washington Post)
"While an agreement to meet again may not impress skeptics of diplomacy," said NIAC President Trita Parsi, "an important development did occur: The parties began searching for a solution."
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New York Times: Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Measure to Toughen Iranian Sanctions
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
By: Rick Gladstone (New York Times)
"If these things pass, they will certainly be a significant step toward a complete embargo," said NIAC President Trita Parsi. He said the Iranian leaders, always paranoid about American intentions, were likely to view the legislation "very carefully."
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On Heels of Argo Oscar, Former Hostages Say U.S. and Iran Must Break "Wall of Mistrust"
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
By: Solmaz Elmi-Sarabi - News
Ambassadors Bruce Laingen and John Limbert two former hostages held at the U.S. embassy in Tehran called for increased diplomacy at a Capitol Hill press conference.
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Minnesota Daily: University professors Close TCF Bank Accounts
Monday, February 25, 2013
By: Tyler Gieseke (Minnesota Daily)
A group of 14 professors sent a letter to TCF Bank protesting the bank's notice to close eight Iranian students' accounts and promised to move their direct deposit accounts in defiance of the bank's actions. All have done so. Students, faculty and organizations like NIAC spoke out after the Iranian students received account closure letters in late December without explanation.
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Foreign Policy: Former Hostages Seize "Argo" Publicity, Call for Diplomacy with Iran
Monday, February 25, 2013
By: Josh Rogin (Foreign Policy)
"If two former hostages can call for renewed and sustained relations with the country that held them hostage, it seems it would be an easier trick for Congress to get on board with a strong diplomatic agenda," said James Lewis of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. The event was co-sponsored by Friends Committee on National Legislation and the National Iranian American Council.
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Gulf Times: Iran Unrelenting Ahead of Almaty Talks
Sunday, February 24, 2013
By: Gulf Times
"Right now, the West is coming across as more eager to move the process forward, but without offering anything that Tehran finds valuable," said NIAC's Trita Parsi. Ayatollah Khamenei, who has the last say in all foreign policy matters, has effectively rejected the offer of direct US talks and appeared to order a tough line in Almaty.
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New Congressional Push to Prevent War, Establish Diplomatic Envoy to Iran
Thursday, February 21, 2013
By: Sina Toossi - News
Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and ten of her colleagues are renewing a push to establish a Special Envoy to Iran who would lead efforts to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear dispute, prevent war, and support human rights.
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Low Expectations for Quick Progress on Iranian Nuclear Issue Ahead of Negotiations
Thursday, February 21, 2013
By: Solmaz Elmi-Sarabi - News
With a new round of negotiations scheduled between Iran and the P5+1 next week, Thomas Pickering and Kenneth Pollack examined strategies for resolving the nuclear standoff.
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Bloomberg: Risk of Military Strike Wanes as Iran Talks Resume
Thursday, February 21, 2013
By: Indira A.R. Lakshmanan (Bloomberg)
"There remains a mismatch between what the two sides are demanding and what they are willing to put on the table," said NIAC President Trita Parsi. Sanctions have had the opposite of their intended effect and caused Iran to harden its position rather than concede, he said.
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NIAC Annual National Day of Service: Saturday, March 9, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
By: Sahar Fahimi
Please join NIAC members and supporters across the country on Saturday, March 9 as we give back to our local communities in the spirit of Norooz.
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Hagel Nomination Faces Further Delay
Thursday, February 14, 2013
By: Solmaz Elmi-Sarabi - News
In what has turned out to be one of the most contentious confirmation fights in history, a vote on the nomination of Chuck Hagel to become Secretary of Defense was blocked by Republicans on the Senate floor today.
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The Guardian: Some Iranian Students Complain of Discrimination Overseas
Thursday, February 14, 2013
By: Sune Engel Rasmussen (The Guardian)
Sanctions are aimed at the government in Tehran but policymakers were aware of their consequences, said NIAC's Jamal Abdi. "We mined the entire Iranian economy and then we expect civilians to be able to walk through these minefields, and that's not possible."
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As NASA's Ferdowsi Inspires, Iranian Visa Obstacles Should Be Cleared
Thursday, February 14, 2013
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
As we celebrate our community's accomplishments in science and engineering fields, we must ensure that Iranians are not blocked from visa opportunities.
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Blouin News Analysis: Iran's Nuclear Program
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi is featured on Blouin News where he discusses the upcoming negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and what the U.S. and Iran can do to ease tensions.
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Report: Sanctions Are Primary Cause of Iranian Medicine Shortage
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
By: Nadia Hakim - News
Sanctions imposed by the West are the leading cause of medicine shortages in Iran according to a report published by the Woodrow Wilson Center.
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Diplomats: "Suspension or Ending of Sanctions" Necessary for Successful Iran Talks
Monday, February 11, 2013
By: Sina Toossi
Former ambassadors James Jeffrey and Thomas Pickering told a Washington Institute for Near East Peace forum this week that successful Iran negotiations will require flexibility on sanctions.
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Organizations Call for Obama to Allow Medicine and Humanitarian Trade with Iran
Thursday, February 7, 2013
By: NIAC Staff - News
Twenty-five organizations called on President Obama yesterday to ensure that existing U.S. sanctions on Iran do not block access for medicine, food, and basic humanitarian goods for Iranian civilians.
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Washington And Tehran's Perpetual Search For The Upper Hand
Thursday, February 7, 2013
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (Special to The Daily Beast)
Both Washington and Tehran agree on one point: They are both skeptical about the prospects of future diplomacy and suspicious of the other's intentions and capabilities for peace making.
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Top Former General Warns Against Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of Iran War
Thursday, February 7, 2013
By: Solmaz Elmi-Sarabi - News
The former Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warned on Wednesday that a military strike on Iran would require the U.S. to occupy Iran for "tens of years" and urged instead for a diplomatic solution.
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Introducing NIAC's 2013 Ambassadors
Thursday, February 7, 2013
By: Sahar Fahimi - News
After two successful years under our belts, NIAC is proud to announce a wonderful team of new and returning Ambassadors to help us better serve NIAC's members and supporters in 2013.
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NIAC President Testifies before British Parliament
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
By: United Kingdom Foreign Affairs Committee
NIAC President Trita Parsi testifies before the British Parliament's one-off evidence session on the Iran nuclear issue.
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Washington Post: Ahmadinejad Makes First Cairo Visit
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
By: Jason Rezaian (Washington Post)
"The toppling of Arab dictators and rise of Islamist political parties have also cost Iran some of its regional cachet as a Muslim country willing to stand up to the West," said NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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Huffington Post: Tightening The Noose
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
The research director at NIAC, Reza Marashi, speaks to Huffington Post Live on the latest U.S sanctions on Iran.
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BBC Newshour: Should the U.S. Bomb Iran's Nuclear Capacity?
Monday, February 4, 2013
By: BBC Newshour
Should the U.S. military use force to destroy Iran's nuclear capacity? NIAC's Reza Marashi and Elliott Abrams from the Council on Foreign Relations discuss.
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Huffington Post: VP Meets Syria Leaders
Monday, February 4, 2013
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
NIAC's Reza Marashi joins a panel of experts to discuss Vice President Biden's meeting with Syrian opposition leaders and foreign ministers from Russia and Iran.
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Al Jazeera: Iran's Media - The New Red Lines
Saturday, February 2, 2013
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Reza Marashi from the US-based National Iranian-American Council offers essential perspective, and the countervailing voice is Hillary Mann Leverett.
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NIAC Calls for Release of Iranian Journalists
Friday, February 1, 2013
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns the Iranian government's recent arrests of at least 14 journalists in Tehran, an act that demonstrates the government's continued brazen disregard for freedom of expression.
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Video: What If We're Wrong about Sanctions
Friday, February 1, 2013
By: NIAC Staff
What effect do broad economic sanctions have on democratization and respect for human rights in embargoed countries? Watch this eye-opening video to learn if these sanctions help or hinder democratization.
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Experts Discuss Delays and Future Negotiations on Iran Nuclear Issue
Thursday, January 31, 2013
By: Nadia Hakim - News
With a new round of nuclear negotiations involving the U.S. and Iran facing continued delays, experts analyzed the future of U.S.-Iran diplomacy at the Woodrow Wilson Center.
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Iranian Students Hit by Sanctions on Schools, Banks
Thursday, January 31, 2013
By: Brett Cox - News
Iranian students are facing new obstacles to pay for college tuition and even to enroll in universities in the U.S. and Europe due to increasingly broad sanctions.
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Washington Post: Iranian Ministry Says Detained Journalists Worked Illegally with Foreign News Media
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
By: Jason Rezaian (Washington Post)
"It signals that they are concerned about a repeat of what happened after the contested elections in 2009," said Reza Marashi, Research Director at NIAC.
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Confirmed to Head State Department, Kerry May Return to Iran Policy Spotlight
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
By: NIAC Staff - News
John Kerry, who was confirmed overwhelmingly to serve as Obama's new Secretary of State, has held strong views in support of Iran diplomacy and against a "bombastic" zero-enrichment approach to the nuclear issue.
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Pacifia Radio: Sanctions Spark Health Crisis in Iran
Monday, January 28, 2013
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
As U.S. and E.U. sanctions tighten around Iran, we'll explore the impact of these sanctions on access to essential medicines and medical equipment for ordinary Iranians. With shortages increasing and more life-saving medicines becoming unavailable, is Iran reaching a crisis point? We'll speak with Reza Marashi from the National Iranian American Council about the health impact of sanctions, as well as what we might expect from the politics and policies of the Obama administration's second term.
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Washington Post: Sanctions Squeeze Iranian Students Abroad
Saturday, January 26, 2013
By: Tara Bahrampour (Washington Post)
"While it's still legally possible to get money out of Iran, it's extremely difficult, and in some cases it seems to be all but impossible. Banks that will still do business with Iranian banks will only do it if it's a very large amount," says NIAC's David Elliott.
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Former Reformist MPs Call for U.S. and Iran to Compromise
Friday, January 25, 2013
By: Nadia Hakim - News
Fatameh Haghighatjoo and Seyed Aliakbar Mousavi, two former reformist members of the Iranian Parliament called Tuesday for the U.S. and Iran to compromise over the nuclear issue and to begin addressing longstanding grievances between the two countries.
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NIAC Welcomes New Community Outreach Staff
Friday, January 25, 2013
By: NIAC Staff - News
This winter, we are excited to welcome new members to that team. Yasmin Radjy is transitioning from her current role as a NIAC Ambassador and Senior Consultant at Monitor 360 to be NIAC's Director of Community Outreach starting next month.
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Why Is Tehran Procrastinating?
Thursday, January 24, 2013
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
There is both annoyance and frustration in Washington over Tehran's unwillingness to agree on the venue for the next round of talks over Iran's nuclear activities. The two sides have agreed on a date -- January 28-29 -- but it will likely have to be rescheduled due to Tehran's procrastination over the venue choice.
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TIME: Why Tehran Plays Hard to Get on Nuclear Diplomacy
Thursday, January 24, 2013
By: Tony Karon (TIME)
"The fact that Russia has publicly demanded that the U.S. show greater flexibility is a sign that the package being offered by the P5+1 is unlikely to interest Iran," says NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi.
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AL-Monitor: Year-Old Virtual US Embassy in Iran Tallies Its Hits and Misses
Thursday, January 24, 2013
By: Barbara Slavin (Al-Monitor)
"Neatly packaged public diplomacy like the virtual embassy is not a substitute for compelling policies -- and actual results -- that matter to the Iranian people, like the multiple-entry visa policy change in 2011. This is particularly true at a time when sanctions and government mismanagement are really starting to hurt the people that America says it seeks to help." Says Reza Marashi
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IPS: Devil Is in the Details for Iran Nuclear Deal
Thursday, January 24, 2013
By: Jasmin Ramsey (IPS)
"The mainstream view of Iran's opposition" which "calls for the regime to be more transparent and flexible with regard to its nuclear program, but also calls for the U.S. and E.U. to lift sanctions and acknowledge Iran's right to enrich on Iranian soil." Said NIAC's Reza Marashi
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Obama's Moment of Truth on Iran
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
By: Reza Marashi (special to Foreign Policy)
As Barack Obama begins his second term as president, the United States faces a moment of truth in its slow-burning conflict with Iran. Fortunately, re-elected presidents have a unique mandate to pursue game-changing policies -- and Obama has a particular opportunity to reverse America's failing strategy toward Iran.
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NPR: U.S., Iran Running Low On Options Over Nuclear Program
Friday, January 18, 2013
By: Tom Gjelten (NPR)
With time running out on efforts to monitor Iran's nuclear program, 2013 could well be the year when the United States must decide whether to take military action to block Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
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Al-Monitor: Obama Urged to Step Up Diplomacy on Iran
Thursday, January 17, 2013
By: Laura Rozen (Al-Monitor)
"The US and Europe have been very effective at implementing draconian sanctions on Iran. The hitch is that Washington's "unwillingness to use that leverage as a bargaining chip has turned sanctions into a blunt instrument causing minimal change to Tehran's strategic calculus," wrote NIAC's Reza Marashi at the National Interest.
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RT: Deadly US-Iran Sanctions
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
RT talks to NIAC Policy Director, Jamal Abdi, about crippling Iran sanctions and how to invoke true US-Iran diplomacy.
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TIME: The Year We Reckon with Iran
Monday, January 14, 2013
By: Fareed Zakaria (TIME)
Former State Department official Reza Marashi details Washington's mistakes and missed opportunities in negotiating with Iran. He points out that on two occasions when the Iranians essentially agreed to American parameters, Washington moved the goal posts.
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CNN: Nuclear Iran, War, or...?
Monday, January 14, 2013
By: Fareed Zakaria (CNN)
Fareed Zakaria quotes Reza Marashi's article in the Cairo Review of Global Affairs: "Tehran has recently signaled its willingness to compromise...numerous P5+1 officials have acknowledged that the Iranians focused their bottom line on uranium enrichment at the 3.5 percent level and sanctions relief."
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Jewish Daily Forward: Chuck Hagel Failure May Haunt Hawks
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
By: Laura Rozen (Forward.com)
NIAC's Trita Parsi says that because Hagel has not thrown out loose war talk, it would make a credible threat of force versus Iran from them that much more credible. "In the sense that when someone like Chuck Hagel says the military option is on the table, it carries far more credibility," said Parsi.
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Minnesota Public Radio: TCF Bank Notifies Iranian Students of Account Closures
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
By: Alex Friedrich (Minnesota Public Radio)
NIAC's Jamal Abdi said, "A bank, under the Civil Rights Act, under these laws -- they're not supposed to be discriminating against people based on their national origin." Abdi said it is the first time he has heard of an American bank systematically closing so many Iranian accounts at once.
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Star Tribune: TCF Bank's Closing of Iranian Students' Accounts is Questioned
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
By: Jenna Ross (Star Tribune)
"The pattern we're seeing is private companies judging that it's not in their interest to do any business that is any way related to Iran," said NIAC's Jamal Abdi. "This over-enforcement or mis-enforcement of the sanctions is actually leading to discrimination."
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Iranian Students in U.S. Hit by Discriminatory Banking Sanctions
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
By: NIAC News
At least twenty-two Iranian students have been notified by TCF Bank that their university-linked bank accounts were being terminated. NIAC has called for the decision to be reversed.
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National Journal: Hagel Pick Could Signal U.S. Policy Shift on Iran
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
By: Diane Barnes (National Journal)
The nominations "may be an indication of [Obama's] willingness to fight to create political space for his policies to a greater extent than he was during his first [term]," said Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council.
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Four Iranian Americans Named in Forbes List of Upcoming Stars
Monday, January 7, 2013
By: Brett Cox - News
Iranian Americans are increasing their presence in all walks of American life. Last month, four Iranian Americans were recognized by Forbes' 30 Under 30 List for their successes in technology.
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Washington Post: New Iran Sanctions Target Industry
Sunday, January 6, 2013
By: Joby Warrick (Washington Post)
Last month a group of prominent U.S. diplomats, policy experts and national security officials urged Obama in a letter to "pursue a robust diplomatic initiative." "Behind the tough rhetoric, there are hidden signals of greater readiness to embrace a compromise," said NIAC's Trita Parsi who was one of the signers of the document.
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A New Year's Message from Democracy-Aspiring Iranians to the Iranian-American Community
Friday, January 4, 2013
By: Trita Parsi (Special to Huffington Post)
In this three minute video, some of brave activists for democracy in Iran send a grim New Year's greeting to the Iranian-American community. But all of America deserves to hear their message, because we cannot plead ignorance.
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The National Interest: Declaring Victory on Iran
Friday, January 4, 2013
By: Paul Pillar (The National Interest)
Sanctions have been a means for members of Congress to demonstrate their anti-Iranian bona fides by voting again and again in favor of new ways to harm Iran. And as NIAC's Trita Parsi argues, sanctions have been part of a hoped-for story of Americans being able to claim a triumph over a foreign adversary.
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Step by Step with Iran
Friday, January 4, 2013
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis (special to The National Interest)
As the U.S.-Iran conflict reaches the precipice of a war that both sides would independently seek to avoid, Washington and Tehran must not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. There is no guarantee that diplomacy will succeed. But there is no way to know for sure unless the U.S. puts sanctions relief on the table.
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Is A Deal With Iran In The Offing?
Thursday, January 3, 2013
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Daily Beast)
While acceptance of limited enrichment in Iran opens the way for a nuclear deal, strangulating sanctions are deemed necessary to remind Tehran and other regional powers who is the de facto hegemon in the region--and who isn't.
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More Than Just About Hagel
Thursday, December 27, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
While Hagel's neoconservative detractors accuse him with being too slow to pull the trigger, America's problem in the past decade has been with leaders being to quick to pull the trigger. America simply cannot afford another Iraq disaster, and with Hagel as Secretary of Defense, America will be in a better position to avoid both a nuclear Iran and war with Iran.
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Foreign Policy: Feeling the Pain in Tehran
Friday, December 21, 2012
By: Nazila Fathi (Foreign Policy)
"The report shows that there is still space in the Iranian system for more pragmatic, nationalistic voices to publicly float ideas in favor of solutions to the U.S.-Iran conflict," said Reza Marashi, Director of Research at the National Iranian American Council, a Washington-based advocacy group.
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Officials to Obama: Act Now to Reach Deal on Iran's Nuclear Program
Thursday, December 20, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
In a letter to President Obama, a group of twenty-four experts and former senior officials are calling on the White House "to direct your team vigorously to pursue serious, sustained negotiations with the Iranian government on an arrangement that guards against a nuclear-armed Iran."
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PBS Documentary Spotlights Iranian-American Community
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
The PBS documentary "The Iranian Americans" aired last night. For many Americans, this will be their first introduction to our community. Here, perhaps for the first time on national TV, our own community explains to America who we are.
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New Iran Sanctions Could Derail Upcoming Negotiations
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
By: Brett Cox - News
As experts and former officials warned that new sanctions and inflexibility could undermine upcoming negotiations involving the U.S. and Iran, Congress passed new sanctions and sent a letter warning the President against flexibility in negotiations.
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Three Worries About Next Iran Talks
Monday, December 10, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (Special to Al Monitor)
Sometime in the next few weeks, the permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1) will meet with Iran to pick up diplomacy from where it left off last summer. So far, neither side has shown much appetite for compromise.
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Iran's Cyrus Cylinder Set To Make U.S. Debut
Monday, December 10, 2012
By: Negar Rafi - News
The British Museum has announced that the Cyrus Cylinder, widely viewed as the oldest known code of human rights, will go on exhibition in five U.S. museums in 2013.
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Free Nasrin Sotoudeh
Saturday, December 8, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
Take action to support the release of Nasrin Sotoudeh and other Iranian prisoners of conscience, and urge President Obama to utilize direct diplomacy with Iran to support human rights.
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Nasrin Sotoudeh Ends Hunger Strike as Daughter's Travel Restrictions Lifted
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
By: Negar Rafi - News
Nasrin Sotoudeh has ended her forty-nine day hunger strike in Tehran's Evin prison amid reports that a travel ban imposed on her twelve year old daughter had been lifted.
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RT: US Moves Closer to Total Trade Embargo Against Iran
Monday, December 3, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Last week, the US Senate voted to take sanctions closer to a total trade embargo against Iran. The proposed measure would penalize foreign companies that do business with Iran. What does this mean for the global community and could it start a war ? NIAC's Jamal Abdi takes a closer look.
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New Sanctions Are Incremental Step to Iran War, Include No Medicine Fix
Friday, November 30, 2012
By: NIAC Statement
This is not the total embargo that hardliners were pushing, but is another incremental step towards the full exhaustion of sanctions and to a military endgame.
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RT: US Won't Follow Israel 'Like a Stupid Mule' - Brzezinski
Thursday, November 29, 2012
By: Russia Times
Despite a strong pro-Israel lobby in Washington, with Barack Obama back in the White House, Israel cannot count on unconditional military support from America against Iran, said NIAC's Jamal Abdi. "The American people really voted for the candidate who promised to actually use negotiations, for the candidate who spoke against war."
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Brzezinski: US Should Not Follow Israel on Iran Like a "Stupid Mule"
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
Speaking before a conference sponsored jointly by the Arms Control Association and NIAC, Brzezinski effectively ruled out a U.S. or Israel attack on Iran as "an act of utter irresponsibility" that would mean "the region would literally be set aflame."
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Radio Free Europe: Brzezinski Calls Attack On Iran 'Irresponsible, Immoral'
Monday, November 26, 2012
By: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
At an event organized by NIAC and the Arms Control Association, Former U.S. national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski has said an attack on Iran would be "an act of utter irresponsibility" and "potentially a significant immorality" if the United States participated.
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Watch Live! Iran 2013: Making Diplomacy Work
Monday, November 26, 2012
By: NIAC Event
Watch NIAC and ACA's Capitol Hill conference featuring featuring former U.S. National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski
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Study Predicts Stunning Costs for Diplomatic Failure with Iran
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
By: Dylan Zehr - News
A new Federation of American Scientists study estimates war with Iran could cost up to $1.8 trillion and new sanctions being considered by Congress would cost $64 billion.
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Dealing with Iran
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis (special to The Cairo Review)
Success will only come if diplomats place a premium on patience and long-term progress rather than quick fixes aimed at appeasing domestic political constituencies. Few argue against the need to try, and no realistic alternative better serves U.S. national security imperatives. Diplomacy with Iran is a marathon, not a sprint.
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New Study Outlines Impact of Broad Sanctions on Iranian Americans
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
ALC released a study today documenting the negative consequences of sanctions on Iranian Americans as part of a collaborative effort with IABA, PAAIA, and NIAC.
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Tehran Looks Ready to Tango
Friday, November 16, 2012
By: Reza Marashi & Sahar Namazikhah (special to Al Jazeera)
The most important takeaway from the MOIS report is how directly it articulates why President Obama is different than Israel. The main discourse emanating from Iran's Intelligence Ministry is clear: "The United States has a completely different perspective about Iran's nuclear activities than Israel".
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NIAC Condemns Human Rights Abuses Squeezing Iranians, With No Exceptions
Thursday, November 15, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
Over the past ten days we have witnessed two tragedies in which ordinary Iranians were killed under the gross repression of the Iranian government and the broad impact of crippling sanctions imposed by the U.S. government.
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RT: The Effectiveness of Sanctions on Iran
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
RT interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on the effectiveness of sanctions on Iran, the Iranian government response to threats of war, and America's use of drones.
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The Washington Times: Iran Warns U.S. Over Drone Incident
Sunday, November 11, 2012
By: Kristina Wong (The Washington Times)
"These types of flare-ups happen all the time, whether it's taking down a drone or assassinations [of Iranian nuclear scientists]," said NIAC's Reza Marashi. "At the end of the day, the U.S. is not actively seeking to go to war with Iran, and Iran is not actively seeking to enter into a war with the U.S."
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The National: Drone Attack Unlikely to Derail US-Iran Relations
Saturday, November 10, 2012
By: Michael Theodoulou (The National)
An unprecedented attack by Iranian warplanes on a US surveillance drone over the Gulf last week - revealed only late on Thursday - highlights how tensions in the region could spin rapidly out of control. NIAC's Reza Marashi described the drone incident as part of a "dangerous cycle of mutual escalation."
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RT: Spy Drone Worsens US-Iran Relations
Friday, November 9, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
An unmanned surveillance drone operated by the Pentagon was fired at by Iranian jets last week. NIAC's Jamal Abdi discusses the latest in the standoff between the two countries and how tightened sanctions against Iran will influence policy in the time to come.
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Sky News interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi
Friday, November 9, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Sky News interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi on Obama's Iran policy, the prospects for diplomacy, and the role of Israel.
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HuffPost Live: Foreign Policy Storm
Friday, November 9, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Obama's foreign policy team will face many national security crises in his second term. From Iran to Syria to China, how will the President deal with these challenges? HuffPost Live talks with NIAC's Reza Marashi and other policy experts about the challenges faced by Obama in his second term.
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NIAC Congratulates Cyrus Habib on Historic Success
Thursday, November 8, 2012
By: Negar Rafi - News
Cyrus Habib made history this past Tuesday when he became the first
Iranian American to be elected into state legislature. In talking about his
experience while running for office, Habib has encouraged and
expressed his support for other Iranian Americans to engage in active
civic involvement.
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The Guardian: Iranian Fighter Jets Fired on US Drone, Pentagon Confirms
Thursday, November 8, 2012
By: Tom McCarthy (The Guardian)
US-Iran tensions grow as defense officials say that the US will continue to conduct surveillance flights in Persian Gulf. NIAC's Reza Marashi said the incident was part of a "dangerous cycle of mutual escalation."
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How Obama Can Succeed on Iran
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
By: Trita Parsi & Reza Marashi (special to Huffington Post)
While both sides believe they are in a position of strength, reality is that neither Washington nor Tehran holds a trump card. U.S.-led sanctions cannot force capitulation or regime change in Iran (See: Saddam Hussein's Iraq), and America will not succumb to an Iranian nuclear fait accompli.
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New Reports Spotlight Iran Human Rights Abuses, Urge Direct Dialogue
Thursday, November 1, 2012
By: Dylan Zehr - News
UN Special Rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed and United For Iran each released reports regarding the human rights situation in Iran.
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Between American And Iranian Elections
Thursday, November 1, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to The Daily Beast)
If Romney wins, will his policies be a bit more aggressive, with more sanctions and a tougher negotiation posture? Or will he be just the hawk Obama sought to portray him as?
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Top 5 Ways The New Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Will Impact Iranian Americans
Thursday, November 1, 2012
By: Erich Ferrari (Ferrari Legal)
This list describes the changes in the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations and how Iranians and the Iranian American community will be impacted by these changes. This list covers new general license authorizations and new prohibitions on funds transferring.
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HuffPost Live: Gulf Of Brinkmanship
Monday, October 29, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
News of talks with Iran over its nuclear program leaked on Saturday but were swiftly countered by both sides. When it comes to progress, negotiations are off the table. NIAC's Reza Marashi and other Iran policy experts analyze the situation and discuss the ingredients needed for diplomatic progress.
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Iran Fact Check: Tell the Wall Street Journal to Stop Distorting Facts to Sell War
Thursday, October 25, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
Today, the Wall Street Journal published an opinion piece by the neoconservative Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) that promotes an outright distortion of the facts in order to argue for more crippling sanctions and potential military strikes on Iran.
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Toronto Star: Iran's Middle Class Squeezed by Sanctions
Thursday, October 25, 2012
By: Hamida Ghafour (TheStar.com)
All financial transactions are getting caught in the restrictions, said NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi. "There is no differentiation between an authorized bank transaction on food, say, and an illegal transaction," he said. "These goods are not making it into Iran and this is widespread."
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Profile: Lily Emamian - Senior Public Service Fellow
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
By: Lily Emamian
Lily Emamian was awarded NIAC's Senior Public Service Fellowship and spent this past summer interning on Capitol Hill with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Lily recounts her first-hand look at government and how it motivates her to serve the public and our community.
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Candidate Profile: Ron Varasteh, CA Congressional Candidate
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
By: Joseph Chmielewski - News
Ron Varasteh is the Democratic candidate for Congress from California's 48th congressional district. If elected, Varasteh would become the first Iranian American to hold office in the United States House of Representatives.
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Distorting the Facts to Sell War and Sanctions in Wall Street Journal
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
When the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) blatantly misrepresent the facts, the record should be corrected. The Wall Street Journal has a responsibility to hold its contributors accountable to this fact.
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Iran Fact Check: Top 5 Myths
Monday, October 22, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
Iran and its nuclear program will undoubtedly feature prominently in tonight's presidential debate on foreign policy. However, pervasive myths, distortions, and oversimplifications continue to distort the debate on Iran.
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Lessons from the Iran-Iraq War
Monday, October 22, 2012
By: Dylan Zehr - News
Speaking about a new book that examines the interactions between the United States and Iran through the Iran-Iraq War, Bruce Riedel says history doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes.
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Former Mossad Director Calls for Serious Negotiations with Iran
Monday, October 22, 2012
By: Dylan Zehr - News
"I don't think that we will benefit from bringing Iran publicly to its knees," said Efraim Halevy, former Mossad Director.
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Don't Let Congress Give Netanyahu War Powers
Thursday, October 18, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) just revealed that he is introducing a measure pledging full U.S. support for Israel if Netanyahu bombs Iran.
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NIAC Member Survey Shows Growing Concern about War and Sanctions
Thursday, October 18, 2012
By: Nobar Elmi - News
Concern about war with Iran has only intensified since our last member survey, and our members overwhelmingly chose to keep preventing war as NIAC's top priority.
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Why Tehran Wants a Neocon
Thursday, October 18, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion (special to The National Interest)
For over a decade, the GOP has made it clear that it does not want a negotiated peace with Iran. Obama takes a different track. He seems willing to deal, and he is one of only a handful of senior officials in his own administration who truly believe the U.S.-Iran standoff can be solved peacefully. Nevertheless, Tehran does not see Obama this way.
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Massive Human Toll Predicted in Attack on Iran
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
By: Negar Rafi - News
A new report finds that as many as 85,000 people in Iran would would be killed as a result of military strikes against nuclear facilities in the country.
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What Iranian Americans Can Learn From Other Communities
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
The former head of AIPAC, the current head of Arab American Institute, and the spokesman for the Armenian National Committee of America shared with NIAC conference attendees some lessons learned by other top ethnic organizations.
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Al Jazeera Interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi on the Ongoing Syrian Conflict
Monday, October 15, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Al Jazeera interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on the conflict in Syria, Iran's role in the larger geopolitical battle being fought, and the prospects for peace after the U.S. presidential elections in November.
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Former Ambassadors Say U.S., Iran on Path to War
Monday, October 15, 2012
By: Brett Cox - News
"If I wanted Iran to get the bomb, I'd keep doing what we're doing," Robert Hunter, former US Ambassador to NATO, told a full house at NIAC's second Annual Leadership Conference. "And if I were Iran and wanted to get attacked, I'd keep doing what they're doing."
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Are Iran Sanctions Worse Than Iraq?
Monday, October 15, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
Foreign policy, civil society, and sanctions experts discussed the current sanctions strategy against Iran and the impact on humanitarian needs, human rights and civil society inside the country.
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IPS News: Is Sanctions Relief Really On The Table?
Thursday, October 11, 2012
By: Jasmin Ramsey (Lobelog.com)
NIAC's Reza Marashi noted that Western officials had already recognized the need for offering Iran a deal that it could sell at home "but domestic political realities forced the U.S. to move the goalposts." "If there is to be any real progress, it will happen after the US presidential election," said Marashi.
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New Senate Push to Pledge Unconditional Support for Israeli Preventive War on Iran
Thursday, October 11, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
There is a difference between not getting in Israel's way and actively supporting a disastrous decision with American service members, money, and international political leverage. Graham is hoping that, yet again, no one notices the difference.
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RT: Obama Executive Order Hits Iran with Harsher Sanctions
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Obama has signed an order implementing new sanctions on Iran to make the country halt it's nuclear program which Iranian officials claim is for peaceful purposes. This comes amidst some older sanctions Iran has already been faced with. NIAC's Jamal Abdi takes a deeper look into the US government's Iran policy.
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NIAC Applauds Extension of Earthquake Sanctions Waiver
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC applauds the Treasury Department for extending a sanctions waiver to help enable ongoing earthquake relief efforts in northern Iran, and calls for additional steps to ensure sanctions do not continue to block transactions of food and medicine.
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Huffington Post: Iran Sanctions - The Case for Humanitarian Waivers
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
By: Karim Pakravan
Sanctions can be an important tool of diplomacy, as long as they target their intended adversaries. If the West thinks for a moment that the dire healthcare situation will force the regime to succumb to the pressures of the sanctions in order to help the average Iranian, it should think again.
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Key Question for the Next US President
Thursday, October 4, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis (special to Global Brief)
A key question for the next US President is whether America will choose war or peace with Iran. The next US President can best avoid mistakes like the Iraq war by learning from limits of American military prowess and placing the same level of confidence in the power of American diplomacy.
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Iranian Americans Work with Congress to Press for Humanitarian Sanctions Waiver
Thursday, October 4, 2012
By: NIAC News
Members of Congress called on President Obama to extend a sanctions waiver for Iran earthquake relief assistance and take additional steps to stop sanctions from preventing food and medicine from reaching Iranians.
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AntiWar.com: My Iranian Learning Curve
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
By: Kelley B. Vlahos (AntiWar.com)
Of course, I had a pretty good idea of one thing -- that this group and its speakers would be opposed to the U.S. using military force to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions. While not everyone in the Iranian-American Diaspora necessarily agree, NIAC and its ubiquitous president Trita Parsi have made it crystal clear that is where they stand.
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The American Conservative: Among the Iranian-Americans
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
By: Scott McConnell (The American Conservative)
At NIAC, there is a pretty clear political consensus: the Iranian regime is repugnant, fascist, and embarrassing -- all words I heard applied to it repeatedly. And a military answer isn't the right one. NIAC reflects the broad political consensus among Iranian-Americans: only three percent of Iranian-Americans support an American military attack on the regime.
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The Guardian: Iran's Currency Hits All-Time Low as Western Sanctions Take Their Toll
Monday, October 1, 2012
By: Saeed Kamali Dehghan and Julian Borger (The Guardian)
In Washington on Monday, a former US ambassador to the UN and under-secretary of state, Thomas Pickering, questioned the logic behind US sanctions. "We issue licences for sales of food and medicine to Iran, but it is not legal for them to pay for it," Pickering told a meeting of the National Iranian American Council.
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House Panel Dismisses Iran Talks, Considers Time for War
Thursday, September 27, 2012
By: Brett Cox - News
A House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on Israel's security last week quickly devolved into partisan attacks over the Obama administration's handling of Israeli relations and calls for a more confrontational U.S. approach towards Iran.
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Senate Approves Iran Redlines, House Aims at Western Hemisphere
Thursday, September 27, 2012
By: NIAC News
The Senate passed new redlines for war with Iran while the House demanded a strategy to confront Iran in the Western Hemisphere.
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NIAC Statement on Ahmadinejad UN Speech
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
We must not allow the words of a politically marginalized president who is on the last leg of his presidency to distract from the very serious human rights abuses that continue to occur in Iran and the looming threat of a disastrous war between the U.S., Israel and Iran.
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RT: Analyzing Ahmadinejad at the UN General Assembly
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi provides initial thoughts on Ahmadinejad's address before the UN General Assembly.
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CTV: Sanctions, Ahmadinejad at the UN, and War
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
By: CTV News
CTV speaks with NIAC's Jamal Abdi about the utility of sanctions, Ahmadinejad at the UN General Assembly, and the possibility of Israeli military strikes.
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HuffPost Live: Iran May Not Be As Scary As We Might Think
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
By: Alyona Minkovski (Huffington Post)
The President said today that the U.S. will do whatever it takes to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions. But is Iran really that scary? Or is its bark worse than its bite? HuffPost Live speaks with a panel of Iran analysts including NIAC's Reza Marashi to discuss potential Administration strategies.
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The US and Iran on a Dead End Path to War?
Monday, September 24, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Open Democracy)
Unless strong political leadership and decisive diplomatic efforts are quickly shown on all sides, war between the US and Iran will become increasingly probable due to the elimination of all other policy options.
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RT: Iranian MEK Group Off Terrorist List
Monday, September 24, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
The MEK, a group responsible for killing several US military personnel and US civilians in the 1970s, has been removed from the US government's terrorist list. So why isn't this group considered a terrorist group anymore? NIAC's Jamal Abdi joins RT to talk more about the State Department's decision.
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HuffPost Live: Iranian Group Will Be Taken Off Watch List
Monday, September 24, 2012
By: Marc Lamont Hill (Huffington Post)
The State Department announced they will remove the Iranian dissident group MEK from their list of terrorist organizations. Has the group abandoned their violent past? HuffPost Live discusses the MEK's delisting with Hooman Majd, NIAC's Nobar Elmi, and other analysts.
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MEK Delisting is a Gift to the Regime, a Disaster for the Iranian People and the U.S.
Friday, September 21, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
The delisting decision opens the door to Congressional funding of the MEK to conduct terrorist attacks in Iran, makes war with Iran far more likely, and will seriously damage Iran's peaceful pro-democracy movement as well as America's standing among ordinary Iranians.
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Stop Last Minute Senate Vote to Adopt Netanyahu's War Red Line
Thursday, September 20, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
The Senate is poised to commit the U.S. to a red line for war demanded by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposed by the Obama Administration.
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The Truth. The Whole Truth. And, Nothing but the Truth.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
By: Nobar Elmi - Opinion
As the Director of Community Outreach at NIAC, I have the pleasure of regularly meeting and speaking with Iranian Americans from across the country. These conversations leave me proud of our culture and appreciative of our diversity. However, these interactions have also shed some light on one issue I find particularly painful, which is the fact that our community often falls prey to the rumor mill and conspiracy theories.
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Bloomberg: Iranians Denied U.S. Visas Hit by Political Crossfire
Thursday, September 20, 2012
By: Daniel Golden (Bloomberg)
Visa applicants from Iran warrant special attention if their academic pursuit appears on a U.S government list of "critical fields" used in developing weapons of mass destruction. Consular officers "are erring on the side of caution, maybe if they have an inkling of a doubt," said NIAC's Reza Marashi.
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New Senate Push for Iran War Red Lines as Netanyahu Ups Pressure
Thursday, September 20, 2012
By: NIAC News
A push to impose "red lines" on the President for war with Iran may be brought up today before the Senate adjourns.
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Iranican Live Radio: Politics Gangnam Style with Nobar Elmi
Thursday, September 20, 2012
By: Iranican Live - Radio
Iranican takes a further look into the reasons behind racial prejudice, such as the Apple discrimination case, and other challenges the Iranian-American community is facing, and informs listeners of how you can also become politically active and fight for your rights.
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Iran Fact Check: Revoke Netanyahu's Free Pass to Sell War
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
Today NIAC is launching Iran Fact Check (Iranfact.org) to provide the facts and tools to help the public hold the media and politicians accountable when they make false claims in support of another war.
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Al Jazeera: Do Israelis 'Heart' Attacking Iran?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
By: Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera speaks with NIAC's Trita Parsi and Haaretz's Natashya Mozgovaya about Jewish Israelis support of a unilateral strike on Iran.
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Statement on Lawsuit Against Hassan Daieoleslam
Friday, September 14, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
The court ruling yesterday in NIAC's lawsuit against Seyyed Hassan Daieoleslam granted NIAC victory on its central demand, while falling short on other objectives.
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Stop Rep. Rohrabacher's Resolution Calling for Dividing Iran Along Ethnic Lines
Thursday, September 13, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
One of the top members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee wants to chop up Iran, dividing it along ethnic lines. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) has introduced this radical idea as a Congressional resolution pushing forward the proposal he first made in a July letter to the Secretary of State.
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Experts Assess Lessons Learned and Path Forward for Iran Talks
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
By: Dylan Zehr - News
A Wilson Center panel featuring Michael Adler, Monica Herz, Mustafa Kibaroglu and Trita Parsi examined how recent talks with Iran have failed and what will be necessary for success diplomacy.
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NIAC Statement on the Death of Ambassador Christopher Stevens
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
By: NIAC Statement
NIAC extends our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Stevens. NIAC's staff had the great pleasure of working with him and are deeply saddened by his loss.
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Sick Of Sanctions
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to The Daily Beast)
Mindful of their own opposition to the regime, Iranians are justifiably perplexed as to why the United States would adopt measures that harm the people so intensely--especially the weak and sick.
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New Burdens for Iranian Students Seeking to Study in U.S.
Friday, September 7, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
A provision in the latest sanctions bill, signed into law this past August, would ban visas for Iranian students in fields that will prepare them "for a career in the energy sector of Iran or in nuclear science or nuclear engineering or a related field in Iran," as determined by the Secretary of State.
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RT: US Close to Attacking Iran?
Thursday, September 6, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
NIAC's Jamal Abdi talks about the growing tensions between the US and Iran, sanctions, and how the conflict in Syria is serving as a "proxy playground" for international players.
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Iranican Interviews NIAC Community Outreach Director Nobar Elmi
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
By: Iranican.com
Iranican Live talks with NIAC's Nobar Elmi about the Democratic National Convention and about NIAC's "Demystifying Democracy" workshop being held at UC Hastings.
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At the NAM Summit in Tehran, 'It's the Economy, Stupid!'
Friday, August 31, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
Unprecedented U.S.-led sanctions seek to cripple the Iranian economy, and a key focus of Iran's diplomacy at the summit was finding new ways to remain afloat, buoyed by oil money.
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Iranian Americans Thank Obama for Suspending Sanctions on Humanitarian Aid
Thursday, August 30, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
Over fifteen hundred people signed a letter sponsored by Iranian-American organizations thanking President Obama for suspending sanctions to help allow earthquake relief efforts in Iran.
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The World: US Sanctions Block Iranian Access to World of Warcraft
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
By: David Leveille (PRI)
"If we want to stand with the Iranian people, we need to make sure they can be part of the outside world, and communicate freely instead of making their lives harder, and cutting them off from these communications tools," said NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi.
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USA and Iran Exhibiting Public Displays of Affection?
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
By: Dylan Zehr - News
Olympians Jordan Burroughs and Sadegh Goudarzi's recent public embrace captured the media spotlight. In early 2013, Olympian Hannah Teter will attempt to showcase how relationships through sports are able to transcend international conflicts as she snowboards the slopes in Iran.
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Israel and Iran's Contest in Incompetence
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (special to The Daily Beast)
If Ki-Moon does not show that minimum amount of empathy and instead echoes what Iranians will likely view as Israeli and American talking points, then the regime will have an easy time dismissing his criticisms and avoid a conversation about the economy and human rights that would have been far more problematic for them.
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RT: Failed Nuclear Talks with Iran
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
RT interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi on nuclear talks between Iran, the IAEA and the P5+1, prospects for sanctions and diplomacy, and geopolitical dynamics of the Non-Aligned Movement summit being held in Tehran.
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VOA: Experts -- Tightening Iran Sanctions Hurts Ordinary Iranians
Monday, August 27, 2012
By: Carla Babb (Voice of America)
"We've gone from a policy that was supposed to be smart sanctions or targeted sanctions instead to ones that are designed to cripple the entire Iranian economy, and this is a counterproductive approach," said NIAC's Jamal Abdi.
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Al Jazeera: Life Under Sanctions
Thursday, August 23, 2012
By: Al Jazeera
NIAC's Trita Parsi and Reza Marashi contribute to a conversation which examines the impact that sanctions have had on Iranians.
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NIAC Condemns Arrests of Aid Workers in Iran
Thursday, August 23, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC calls on the Iranian government to release those who have been detained, halt any further such arrests, and to stop impeding relief efforts.
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BBC Persian: Who Beats the Drums of War?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
By: BBC Persian
BBC Persian interviews NIAC's President Trita Parsi on the threat of war from Israel and how the United States election plays a role.
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HuffPost Live: Crying Wolf on War
Thursday, August 23, 2012
By: Mike Sacks (HuffPost Live)
Huff Post Live interviews NIAC's Policy Director, Jamal Abdi on the possibility of war with Iran.
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Obama Made the Right Call -- and Everyone Won
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
U.S. sanctions on Iran had prevented private U.S. aid organizations from sending crucial aid to the victims of the two earthquakes that shook northwestern Iran earlier last week. But with the issuance of the general license, these obstacles have been removed.
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The Cable: Obama administration allows earthquake relief money for Iran
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
By: Josh Rogin (The Cable)
The National Iranian American Council, a group representing Iranian-Americans, was also heavily involved in pushing for the issuance of the license.
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Al Monitor: Why the White House Is Giving Blanket OK For Earthquake Aid to Iran
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Barbara Slavin (Al Monitor)
"This enables NGOs to send donations directly to other NGOs in Iran," bypassing the Iranian government, which has said it would accept foreign help but has so far rejected assistance offered by the US government. "Now the onus is back in the Iranian court," Parsi said.
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BBC: US Allows NGOs to Send Money to Quake-Hit Iran
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: BBC News
"As pleased as we are with this, it also goes to remind us that the White House and EU sanctions are not meant to hit ordinary people but the government," said NIAC President Trita Parsi. "But in practice it's quite clear it's not that simple and it's the people who tend to get hit in such cases."
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New York Times: United States Grants Broad Sanctions Exemption for Iran Quake Aid
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Rick Gladstone (The New York Times)
"The White House should be commended for ensuring that relief efforts won't be held hostage to the bad relations between the two countries," said NIAC Assistant Policy Director David Elliott.
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Radio Free Europe: U.S. Issues Blanket License To Aid Iranian Earthquake Victims
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Radio Free Europe
NIAC Assistant Policy Director David Elliott said, "this humanitarian gesture will empower the American people to help Iranians who've lost everything to this terrible natural disaster."
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BBC Persian: US Government Allows Cash Transfers to Iran for Earthquake Victims
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: BBC Persian
NIAC President Trita Parsi says the U.S. government allowing cash transfers to Iran for earthquake victims is a victory for Iranian Americans.
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BBC Persian: US Issues Temporary Permit to Send Money to Iran for Earthquake-Stricken Areas
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: BBC Persian
Watch NIAC President Trita Parsi discuss the sanctions waiver for humanitarian relief issued by the Obama Administration.
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NIAC Applauds General License for Earthquake Assistance
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC strongly applauds the White House for issuing a temporary general license authorizing charitable organizations to provide direct humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to the victims of the earthquakes in northwest Iran.
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McClatchy: After Slow Start, U.S. Allows Donations to Iran's Quake Victims
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Alex Kane Rudansky (McClatchy)
NIAC President Trita Parsi said he hopes the practical impediments of the banks' risk analyses will not become a problem. "One thing that remains to be seen is to make sure that the U.S. banks actually honor this," he said.
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AFP: US Allows NGOs to Send Quake Relief Funds to Iran
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
By: Agence France-Presse (AFP)
Despite relief efforts, Tehran rejected the US offer of food and medicine, blaming existing sanctions for shortages of both. "The onus is now on the Iranian government to put the well-being of its people first and eliminate all obstacles for delivering aid to the Iranian people," said NIAC Assistant Policy Director David Elliott.
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NIAC & WAC Initiate Call with White House on Disaster Relief
Friday, August 17, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC welcomes the White House's decision to hold a conference call with the Iranian American community about how they can provide disaster relief to the Iranian people.
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Muftah: The Iranian Nuclear Issue & Sanctions
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: #MuftahChat (Muftah.org)
NIAC's Research Director Reza Marashi shared his insight on the current state of negotiations, the most recent saber rattling against Iran by the Israeli government, as well as prospects for the future on #MuftahChat (Twitter)
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Democracy Now: Iranian Americans Warn Harsh U.S. Sanctions Could Restrict Aid
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: Amy Goodman (Democracy Now)
A U.S. ban on financial transactions to Iran has left donors with the sole option of hoping family remittances are passed on to earthquake victims or aid groups inside Iran. Democracy Now interviews NIAC President, Trita Parsi.
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Democracy Now: From Military Threats to Crippling Sanctions
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: Amy Goodman (Democracy Now)
U.S.-Israel Posturing on Iran Stokes Fears of War. Democracy Now interviews NIAC's President, Trita Parsi
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HuffPost Live: Iran's Quake Victims Deserve Relief
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: Marc Hill (HuffPost Live)
The deadly double earthquakes in Iran over the weekend have raised worries among Iranian-Americans about where to send donations -- and whether such aid is even legal. HuffPost Live interviews NIAC's Assistant Policy Director David Elliott.
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IB Times: Iran Rejects Foreign Aid To Help Earthquake Victims - Or Does It?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: Maya Shwayder (IB Times)
"Iran needs to get its act together to communicate clearly and consistently that it is going to put the well-being of its citizens first and accept international aid offers," said NIAC's David Elliott continued.
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Who is Bibi Preempting Obama or Iran?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (special to The Daily Beast)
I remain skeptical of the idea that the risk of war has increased significantly. If an attack does occur by November, it would be even clearer that what drove the Netanyahu government's strategy and ultimate decision was not any technical advancement in the Iranian nuclear program, but the American political calendar.
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Al Monitor: Iranian Charity and Banker Say US Sanctions Hurting Patients
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: Barbara Slavin (Al Monitor)
"We've got tons of examples of people who can't get medicine," Trita Parsi told Al-Monitor. He said he knew of one case of an Iranian-American's father-in-law who's in a coma because he couldn't get the necessary medication from the United States.
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Campaign 2012: Are you Registered to Vote?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
Voter registration deadlines are fast approaching in many states. Register to vote and encourage others to do the same with the tools on this page so that our community's voice is represented at the ballot box on November 6.
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Al Monitor: White House Rejects Blanket OK For Aid to Iranian Quake Victims
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
By: Barbara Slavin (Al Monitor)
Trita Parsi, head of the National Iranian American Council, told Al-Monitor that the Bush administration not only issued a three-month general license for aid to quake victims, but renewed the license twice, enabling Americans to send help for nine months without needing to get permission.
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New York Times: U.S. Vows to Speed Aid to Iran Earthquake Victims
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
By: Rick Gladstone (New York Times)
The Treasury acted after the National Iranian American Council, an advocacy group, led a coalition of organizations in calling on the administration to "take immediate action" that would allow emergency assistance to the earthquake victims without violating the sanctions, which have paralyzed most commercial transactions between the United States and Iran.
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CS Monitor: Responding to quakes, US seeks path to Iranian 'hearts and minds'
Monday, August 13, 2012
By: Howard LaFranchi (The Christian Science Monitor)
Noting that sanctions are much tighter today than in 2003 and that more Americans as a result may be under the impression that any transaction with Iran is illegal, NIAC said the US might need to take "more robust steps" to communicate the legality of sending assistance.
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Coalition Letter to OFAC Urging Humanitarian Aid to Earthquake Victims
Monday, August 13, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC, along with a number of other Iranian-American organizations, submitted a letter to OFAC urging immediate action to enable humanitarian assistance for the victims of the recent earthquakes in Northwestern Iran.
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HuffPost Live: With $400B At Stake, Your Self-Identity Matters
Monday, August 13, 2012
By: Alicia Menendez (HuffPost Live)
The Census Bureau wants to make broad changes to its surveys that would treat "Hispanic" as a distinct category regardless of race, end use of the term "Negro" and offer new ways to identify Middle Easterners. HuffPost Live interviews NIAC's Director of Community Outreach, Nobar Elmi.
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FAQ: How You Can Help the Earthquake Victims [Updated]
Monday, August 13, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC has received a flurry of emails over the past weekend with questions about how Iranian Americans can help in assisting with relief efforts of the earthquake aftermath in northern Iran.
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McClatchy: Sanctions stymie Iranian-Americans who want to help quake victims
Monday, August 13, 2012
By: Alex Kane Rudansky (McClatchy News)
"Technically there are exemptions, but in many cases you'll find there are no banks that will actually facilitate the transactions," NIAC's David Elliott said.
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New York Times: Confusion Over How to Aid Iran Quake Victims
Monday, August 13, 2012
By: Rick Gladstone (New York Times)
The National Iranian American Council, a Washington-based advocacy group representing Americans of Iranian descent, said that given the severity and scope of the sanctions, "there are serious concerns that humanitarian relief will be hindered."
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Humanitarian Relief Requires Sanctions Waiver Following Earthquakes in Iran
Sunday, August 12, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
Yesterday, earthquakes struck Iran, killing at least 250 people and injuring over 2,000. Given current U.S. sanctions on Iran, there are serious concerns that humanitarian relief will be hindered.
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Don't Let Sanctions Block Relief for Iran's Earthquake Victims
Sunday, August 12, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - Action Alert
Because of sanctions on Iran, U.S. relief organizations need a license to provide humanitarian assistance to earthquake victims in Iran. Urge President Obama to issue a license so that these organizations can provide aid to the Iranian people in their time of need.
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Israel's Diplomatic Scare Game
Thursday, August 9, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Salon.com)
Like clockwork, another flurry of high-level senior U.S. officials visiting Israel took place this past week. As has become tradition, Iran topped the agenda. And once again, Israeli officials threatened to take unilateral military action unless the U.S. upped the ante on Iran.
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NIAC Urges SWIFT to Maintain Services for Humanitarian Causes in Iran
Thursday, August 9, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC today sent a letter to the CEO of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), urging the international organization to maintain services for humanitarian causes in Iran.
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Cyrus Habib Wins Primary, Would be First Iranian American Elected to State Legislature
Thursday, August 9, 2012
By: Roshan Alemi - News
A three time cancer survivor who went blind at the age of eight, Habib has been an inspiration for many Iranian Americans as he now prepares to make history.
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Al Jazeera Interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi on the Syrian Conflict and Iran's Role
Thursday, August 9, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Al Jazeera interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on the conflict in Syria, Iran's role, and the larger geopolitical battle being fought.
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Justine Shapiro and "Our Summer in Tehran"
Thursday, August 9, 2012
By: Denna Nazem - News
"I want to meet Iranian mothers in their homes before our sons meet on the battlefield," said Justine Shapiro, Jewish- American filmmaker and former host of travel series GlobeTrekker.
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ABC News: Iran Invokes Its 'Axis of Resistance'
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
By: Eleanor Hall (ABC News)
Iran is revealing just how high the stakes have become in the Syrian conflict, by sending its security chief to meet with its key regional ally. ABC interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi.
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ABC News Radio: Iran Invokes Its "Axis of Resistance"
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
By: Eleanor Hall (ABC News Radio)
Iran is revealing just how high the stakes have become in the Syrian conflict, by sending its security chief to meet with its key regional ally. Host Eleanor Hall speaks with NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi who explains how "axis of resistance" is an accurate description of Iran's long-standing foreign policy approach.
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RT: Obama Associate got $100K from Iran-Linked Company
Monday, August 6, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
According to a recent Washington Post article, David Plouffe, an ex-campaign manager for President Obama back in 2008, accepted a 100 thousand dollars speaking fee from a company that does business with the government of Iran. Iran is often depicted as America's number one enemy and with Mitt Romney just back from a trip to Israel where he pledged the utmost support, what does that all mean for the American people? NIAC's Jamal Abdi explains.
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Five Myths About the U.S.-Iran Conflict
Monday, August 6, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis (special to The National Interest)
For Tehran, sanctions are too severe to circumvent by the old means. The U.S.-led assault on Iran's banking infrastructure, shipping lines and oil exports has forced the Islamic Republic to create new methods of trade. And the Arab Spring is challenging U.S. and Iranian influence in the Middle East. Neither country really wants a collision--war would be disastrous for both--but that is where the status quo appears to be headed.
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Sanctions Against Iran Hurt the People, Not the Regime
Sunday, August 5, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi and Trita Parsi (special to Newsday.com)
Policymakers may say these are unintended consequences, yet in the same breath they acknowledge that the goal is to collapse Iran's economy. Many in Washington acknowledge that we are conducting economic warfare. That means the entire Iranian economy is the battlefield -- and ordinary Iranians are enemy combatants.
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Los Angeles Times: No Imminent Threat of a Nuclear-Armed Iran, Experts Say
Friday, August 3, 2012
By: Carol J Williams (Los Angeles Times)
Israeli and U.S. politicians lately have been bandying about the prospect of an airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, but nonproliferation experts and Middle East analysts are skeptical of Israeli claims that the Tehran regime is so close to building a nuclear weapon. NIAC's Jamal Abdi stated, "This is a window that has been closing for 15 years now, and it's always imminently about to close."
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Al Jazeera: New U.S. Sanctions on Iran are Collective Punishment
Thursday, August 2, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Speaking to Al Jazeera, NIAC's Jamal Abdi says sanctions are not having the effect intended. The country has adapted to sanctions over the past three decades, "private businesses are pushed out the economy by the sanctions and illegal enterprises, smugglers, all these enterprises that are supported and part of state actually benefit," said Abdi. "When you have measures like this... in fact what the strategy is starting to become is a collective punishment to impose suffering on ordinary Iranians to put pressure on the Iranian regime."
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Sanctions Cripple Iran's Middle Class, Not the Regime
Thursday, August 2, 2012
By: Mohammad Esfahlani and Jamal Abdi (special to Foreign Policy)
If Washington truly cares about the establishment of democracy in Iran, it should first and foremost understand the nature of Iran's century long struggle for democracy. Punishing the social backbone of Iran's democracy movement in an effort to engineer discontent demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding about the movement's origins and strengths. But advocates of this strategy appear unconcerned with the details.
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New Iran Sanctions Undermine Diplomacy and Human Rights
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC supports an effective approach to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon, protect human rights in Iran, and support the democratic future that Iranians have aspired to for over a century. This bill is not that approach.
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AP: Panetta asks Israel for patience on Iran
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
By: Robert Burns (Associated Press)
The National Iranian American Council, which seeks to promote better relations between the two countries, denounced the latest sanctions. "The bill imposes collective punishment on the Iranian people by seeking to destroy the Iranian economy," said the council's policy director, Jamal Abdi.
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CBC Radio: Apple Sanctions
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
By: Jian Ghomeshi (CBC Radio)
CBC Radio's Q with Jian Ghomeshi interviews NIAC's Policy Director, Jamal Abdi on whether sanctions against Iran are hitting the right targets and how Apple products still find their way into Iran.
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Al Jazeera: Obama Announces New Iran Sanctions
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
By: Al Jazeera
"When you have measures like this... in fact what the strategy is starting to become is a collective punishment to impose suffering on ordinary Iranians to put pressure on the Iranian regime," said NIAC's Policy Director Jamal Abdi.
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RT: US Sanctions on Iran Tougher as Election Nears
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Congress announced more sanctions on Iran - companies shipping goods to the country are now under attack. Jamal Abdi of the National Iranian American Council joins RT for more.
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NIAC, Coalition Urge Congress Not to Block Food and Medicine to Iran
Monday, July 30, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC joined the Friends Committee on National Legislation and nine other national organizations to urge the U.S. Congress to reject proposed sanctions legislation that would cut off humanitarian items to Iran, such as food, medicine, and family remittances.
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IPS: Iran Diplomacy Runs into Sanctions-Happy U.S. Congress
Monday, July 30, 2012
By: Jasmin Ramsey (IPS)
NIAC's Jamal Abdi told IPS that even the mere "threat" of the new sanctions, "have had a negative effect on the Iran nuclear talks and limited the president's ability to use sanctions as a tool for leverage."
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World Affairs Council: Politics of Iran
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
By: World Affairs Council
NIAC's Reza Marashi argued that people will look to Obama to take risks in order to secure peace in the region. In the end, Marashi said, it comes down to two choices: war or diplomacy. He noted, however, that all wars have concluded with diplomatic talks at the negotiation table. So why pursue war when we can compromise for peace?
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Iranian Americans, Take a Lesson
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (special to The Daily Beast)
This is a question of commitment and priority. There is more talking than walking in the Iranian American community. The community has not yet fully adjusted its priorities to the challenges of being a second-generation immigrant community. Jewish community life and the priorities of their community should constitute a source of inspiration and guidance for this adjustment.
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The Enmity Conspiracy, or How War with Iran Became 'Inevitable'
Saturday, July 21, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to The Diplomat)
A far more plausible explanation for the current deadlock is not that the two sides have a glorious grand strategy but that they actually don't have a strategy at all. The two countries are on the brink of war due to this vicious cycle of unending escalation and counter-escalation, born from their unquestioned assumptions and conclusions about each other.
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Commentary's Racist Attack Against Iranian Americans
Friday, July 20, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
Goodman suggested that Iranian Americans should not be allowed to engage with their own elected officials because of actions by the Iranian regime. Many in the Iranian diaspora left Iran precisely because of the regime's undemocratic makeup and its violations of human and civil rights. Commentary is advocating that the U.S. government should close its doors to Iranian Americans and deny our democratic right to petition our government.
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White House Hosts Iranian-American Community Leaders for Roundtable Discussion
Thursday, July 19, 2012
By: Nobar Elmi - News
In a demonstration of the Obama Administration's eagerness to build and sustain relations with the Iranian-American community, top officials yesterday hosted the first ever Iranian-American Community Leader's Roundtable at the White House.
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Boarders Without Borders: Using Love of Sports to Transcend Politics and Share Cultures
Thursday, July 19, 2012
By: Ariana Romero
"This is not a film about snowboarding. This is a film about people." This is one of the many messages being conveyed by Marjan Tehrani, Chris Olenik and the rest of the team behind a unique new documentary called 'Boarders without Borders.'
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RT: US Slaps New Sanctions on Iran
Thursday, July 19, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
The Treasury department has just announced new sanctions against 11 companies they say are operating as a front on the behalf of the Iranian government. It's part of an attempt to put an end to Iran's controversial nuclear program. But what are the true implications of these sanctions? NIAC's Jamal Abdi brings his take.
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From Iran to Bulgaria
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to The Daily Beast)
If Iran is behind the bombing of the Bulgarian bus, then this is a form of escalation. Iran has failed to successfully target harder Israeli targets--such as diplomats and officials. Consequently, it appears that Tehran has shifted its focus to softer targets. Targeting unwitting tourists is much easier than security-conscious officials.
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RT: 'Israeli Tourist Attack Could Be Pretext for War with Iran'
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Israel has accused Iran of masterminding a terror attack in Bulgaria just hours after the tragedy claimed the lives of several Israeli tourists. The incident could be used as a pretext for a legitimate strike against Iran, NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi told RT.
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New York Times: 5 Israelis Killed in Bulgaria; Netanyahu Blames Iranians
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
By: Nicholas Kulish & Matthew Brunwasser (New York Times)
Some Iran experts gave credence to Mr. Netanyahu's suspicions. Having failed to carry out bombings of harder Israeli targets like diplomats, NIAC's Trita Parsi wrote, "Targeting unwitting tourists is much easier than security-conscious officials. If this is the case, the ongoing dirty war between Israel and Iran may be getting out of control."
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Chicago Tribune: Father's Religion Behind His Imprisonment in Iran
Sunday, July 15, 2012
By: Frank Danna (Chicago Tribune)
Prominent Iranians wrote an open letter saying they are ashamed of the way Baha'is are treated in Iran. Over the years, harassment of Baha'is from average Iranian citizens slowed, Nakhaei said, and some experts agree. "I think the majority of Iranian people, like we do (in the United States), want to live peacefully with their neighbors," said NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi.
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Sanctions at the Genius Bar
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis (special to The New York Times)
Congress and President Obama have ratcheted up sanctions and now must confront the inevitable unintended consequences. Sanctions are no longer just choking off Iran but jeopardizing the values and basic civil liberties of some American citizens.
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RT: More Questions Surround Advocacy Group Pushing for MEK Delisting
Friday, July 6, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
The Mujahedin-e Khalq is allegedly responsible for assassinating US citizens and even worked together with Saddam Hussein. They've been on the U.S. Foreign Terrorist List for approximately 15 years, so why is there this push to remove the MEK as terrorists? NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi considers possible motives.
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Nuclear Brinkmanship with Iran
Thursday, July 5, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion (special to The National Interest)
If Obama is reelected, Congress will be no less destructive; Israel will be no less obstinate; and there is always the need to protect the Democratic brand for the next round of elections. At present, there is little reason to believe that a second Obama term will provide more flexibility on the various limitations that plagued his first term from the outset.
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Watch Sahar's Message to President Obama: Apple Won't Listen, Will You?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
Watch Sahar's message to President Obama and take a moment to send you own letter calling for the President to take action ensure that sanctions stop hurting the wrong people in the U.S. and Iran and support human rights and civil liberties.
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EU Oil Embargo Could Radicalise Iran Further and Lead to War
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
By: Milad Jokar - Analysis (special to Public Service Europe)
With a new oil embargo now in effect, the EU and the US appear to be headed down a similarly disastrous path that will further radicalise Iran's power structure and exacerbate further tensions and instability. More worrying is that as the west escalates the dispute, Tehran will respond in kind - as the last three decades have demonstrated.
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Al Jazeera Interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi on Iran, Oil, and Sanctions
Sunday, July 1, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Al Jazeera interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on Iran, oil, sanctions, and the prospects for the future.
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Hundreds of Iranian-American Women Gather in Georgetown
Thursday, June 28, 2012
By: Ariana Romero - News
The Iranian-American Women's Foundation (IAWF) alongside the World Bank and Persian Gender Network (PGN) hosted the 2012 Women's Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.
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Beyond Apple: NIAC Calls on Tech Companies To Lift Internet Communications Blockade
Thursday, June 28, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
The National Iranian American Council and a broad coalition of organizations called today on tech companies including Google, Yahoo, and Go Daddy to stop blocking the Iranian people from accessing Internet communications tools.
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NIAC Condemns Anti-Semitic Speech by Iranian VP
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
By: NIAC Statement
Iranian Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi's anti-Semitic comments are disgraceful and appalling. His remarks do not reflect in any way the views of the Iranian people, who reject such poisonous bigotry.
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Letter to Apple from Coalition of Iranian American and Civil Liberties Organization
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
By: NIAC News
NIAC and a coalition of Iranian-American and civil rights organizations sent a letter to Apple demanding that the company investigate alleged discrimination, train its staff to enforce a non-discriminatory policy, and issue an apology.
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Anti-War Radio Interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi about the Moscow Talks
Monday, June 25, 2012
By: Scott Horton (AntiWar.com)
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi discusses the failed P5+1 Iran talks in Moscow; why there was a diplomatic breakdown and unwillingness to compromise, even though Obama seems eager to avoid war; how the default US position dooms negotiations to failure; and the root cause of conflict.
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Stop Apple's Discrimination Against Iranian Americans
Monday, June 25, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
Take action and learn more about how to put a stop to discrimination against Iranian Americans at Apple stores on the basis of sanctions.
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Romney Advisor Says an Attack Cannot Solve Iran Issue; Calls for More Military Threats
Monday, June 25, 2012
By: Roshan Alemi - News
"The military option is not a particularly satisfying option. It affords no permanent solution to the problem," acknowledged a senior advisor to Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.
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Al Jazeera: Apple, Iran Sanctions, and Discrimination
Friday, June 22, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
What is behind the recent incidents of Apple employees discriminating against Iranian Americans and Iranians in the U.S. by blocking them from purchasing Apple products? NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi tells Al Jazeera it stems from the ambiguity of overly broad sanctions.
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Apple's 'Iran Policy' Shows Why We Can't Shy Away from Politics
Friday, June 22, 2012
By: Nobar Elmi & Jamal Abdi (special to Tehran Bureau)
None of us should be surprised that this is happening. Unintended consequences are the reality of broad sanctions. Given this reality, it's time to face the music. While some of us in our community may shy away from politics, we must recognize: this is a political issue, pure and simple. U.S.-Iranian relations affect all of us here at home in the United States, not just our friends and family members in Iran.
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Apple, Iran Sanctions and You: What You Need to Know
Thursday, June 21, 2012
By: David Elliott - Analysis
Media reports about Apple stores refusing to sell iPhones and iPads to Iranian Americans and Iranian visa holders have been causing quite a stir. But how sanctions on Iran can affect Iranian Americans are less understood.
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Virginia Democrats Endorse Diplomacy with Iran
Thursday, June 21, 2012
By: Ariana Romero - News
The Democratic Party of Virginia voted unanimously to support diplomacy with Iran and to urge its Members of Congress to oppose efforts that would undermine talks with Iran.
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International Business Times: NIAC Says Workers "Engaging In Racial Profiling"
Thursday, June 21, 2012
By: Benjamin Reeves (IBTimes)
On Wednesday, NIAC published an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook decrying the actions of the Apple Store employees. "The Iranian-American community is deeply concerned and outraged that Apple employees at different Apple Stores have repeatedly refused to sell products to customers solely on the basis of their Persian ethnicity," the letter from NIAC President Dr. Trita Parsi said.
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Tell Apple's CEO to Stop Discriminating Against Iranian Americans
Thursday, June 21, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
In some Apple stores, speaking Persian means you can't buy their products. Tell Apple to put a stop to this discrimination by sending a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook today!
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The US and Iran's Mistaken Path to War
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
In the absence of clear exit ramps -- both for the US and Iran -- the attempt to recreate the 1988 scenario in Iraq is fundamentally flawed. Meanwhile, even short of war, crippling sanctions and pressure will continue to decimate Iran's middle class -- the backbone of Iran's indigenous pro-democracy movement. Truly a lose-lose for all.
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Open Letter to Apple's CEO Demanding End to Discriminatory Policies
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
By: Trita Parsi
NIAC President Trita Parsi's letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook urging Apple to take immediate steps to end discriminatory practices against Iranian Americans and Iranian visa holders in the United States.
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RT: Nuclear Negotiations in Moscow
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
RT interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 in Moscow, Ahmadinejad's decline, oil sanctions, and geopolitical dynamics of the conflict in Syria.
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NIAC Calls on Apple and US Government to End Sanctions Discrimination
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC calls on Apple to take immediate steps to ensure its policies do not discriminate against Iranian Americans and Iranians in the U.S. and on the U.S. government to take the necessary steps to ensure sanctions do not continue to be misapplied or over-enforced.
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NIAC Statement on Iran Talks Concluding in Moscow
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
"While the parties should be commended for pursuing a diplomatic solution to the nuclear standoff, it is clear the two sides are not yet committed to doing everything necessary to avert a crisis. With each side having limitations on what they could give, but not on what they could demand, the inability to reach a deal should not take anyone by surprise."
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MEK Working Through Senate to Sabotage Iran Diplomacy
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
Affiliates of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, are claiming to be behind a major letter from the Senate aimed at curtailing U.S. diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear dispute.
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RT: Congress Presses Obama for War with Iran
Monday, June 18, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
One month ago Congress passed HR 568, a resolution that appears to be designed for the preparation of war with Iran. It states that Obama should oppose any policy with Iran when it comes to the alleged Iranian nuclear threat, leaving war the only option to settle the matter between the two countries. NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi takes a closer look at the possible war with Iran.
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Al-Monitor: US Sees Moscow-Iran Talks as Pivotal
Sunday, June 17, 2012
By: Laura Rozen (Al-Monitor)
NIAC's Reza Marashi called in an oped Sunday for Iran's negotiators to talk to their American counterparts. "Tehran knows the opportunity is there. The Obama administration will continue to doubt Tehran's sincerity in negotiations if Iranian decision-makers insist on administering this massive self-inflicted wound," said Marashi.
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How Iran Can Help Diplomacy Succeed
Sunday, June 17, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion (special to Huffington Post)
Conflict between America and Iran has reached the precipice of war, and there is more than enough blame to go around. Now, for the first time in decades, they are engaged in a sustained diplomatic process. Iran must make up its mind. Its decision on whether to engage the U.S. directly in Moscow will be telling.
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Hawks Attack Iran Diplomacy, Call for Delisting Mujahedeen and War
Friday, June 15, 2012
By: Ariana Romero - News
General Thomas McInerney USAF (ret) and former CIA officer Clare Lopez spoke on a Capitol Hill panel demanding the U.S. abandon diplomatic efforts with Iran, remove the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) from the terrorist list, and prepare for all-out war.
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No Hope for Moscow Talks Without Reciprocity
Friday, June 15, 2012
By: David Elliott and Roshan Alemi (special to Foreign Policy)
The United States and Europe have two options: they can simultaneously reduce the odds of war and of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons; buy time for diplomacy; help the global economy by relieving pressure on oil prices; and maintain leverage for future negotiations. Or they can further put the screws to Iran, and face the uncertain consequences of an escalating crisis that could end in a devastating war. Their choice will soon be clear.
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Dobbins: Enrichment Ultimatums and Threats Undermine U.S. Goals on Iran
Thursday, June 14, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
"In keeping the position that that Iranian nuclear capability is unacceptable, we in effect are failing to put in place the kind of instruments that actually discourage them from crossing that threshold," says Ambassador James Dobbins.
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The Globe and Mail: Baird Urges Tough Stand on Iran as Nuclear Talks Loom
Thursday, June 14, 2012
By: Campbell Clark (The Globe and Mail)
NIAC's Trita Parsi argues that, far from being willing to ease sanctions just to keep talks going, Obama may have little leeway to accept a reasonable deal. "Clearly the Obama Administration had absolutely no intention of rewarding them for just showing up," Mr. Parsi said. "The problem is even if the Iranians give a nuclear concession, there's pressure for the U.S. not to lift sanctions."
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Asia Times: Congress Pushes for War with Iran
Thursday, June 14, 2012
By: Stephen Zunes (Asia Times)
With its earlier passing of a bill seeking to ban negotiations between the US and Iran, a bipartisan majority has essentially told Obama that nothing short of war or the threat of war is acceptable. NIAC's Jamal Abdi stated that the motivation may be to "poison those talks by signaling to Iran that the president is weak, domestically isolated, and unable to deliver at the negotiating table because a hawkish congress will overrule him."
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IAAB Announces Summer Leadership Institute
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
By: Roshan Alemi - News
On June 30th through July 11th, Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB) will launch their Summer Leadership Institute in Los Angeles, CA. The Summer Leadership Institute includes the 7th year of Camp Ayandeh, IAAB's high school leadership camp for Iranian Americans, as well as IAAB's first camp for middle school students- Camp Javan.
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Cleveland Jewish News: Negotiate to Keep Iran Free of Nuclear Weapons
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
By: Marilyn H. Karfeld (Cleveland Jewish News)
Getting Iran to deal with the West and to encourage a free exchange of ideas is the ultimate goal, said NIAC's Jamal Abdi. "Our policy of sanctions and isolation runs counter to this. The Khamenei regime thrives on this." He added, "There is no military solution" to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. "You can't bomb away the knowledge" Iran has on enriching uranium and building a nuclear weapon.
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Give Obama Elbow Room on Iran
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (special to The New York Times)
If Iran agrees to accept the American demand that it halt uranium enrichment at the 20 percent level, this would effectively obstruct any Iranian shortcut to a bomb. Congress must then give Obama the political space to be able to take yes for an answer, and then it must make up its mind: does it want to prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb or does it want to maintain its sanctions? It can't have both.
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The Guardian: Iran Nuclear Talks - Moscow Meeting Salvaged But Real Progress Remains Elusive
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
By: Julian Borger (The Guardian)
NIAC's Trita Parsi and Reza Marashi argue that Europe should postpone its oil embargo by six months, in return for a freeze on the production of 20%-enriched uranium. That would give all parties breathing space until after the November US presidential elections. If Barack Obama is reelected, he would have a freer hand to do deals.
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WBEZ Worldview Interviews NIAC President Trita Parsi
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
By: Jerome McDonnell (NPR)
Middle East expert Trita Parsi talks to host Jerome McDonnell about the upcoming Moscow meeting of Iranian officials and the P5+1 about Iran's nuclear program.
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Obama, Iran, and the "Jewish Vote"
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to The Daily Beast)
The fears regarding the Jewish vote are not based on empirical evidence. American Jews vote overwhelmingly Democratic--period. Rather, this fear is a political construct. Its creators want the White House to think that compromise will exact a political price. On Iran, that means saying "no" to sanctions relief in return for Iranian nuclear concessions, even at the cost of war.
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Europe's Unique Opportunity to Act
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
By: Trita Parsi and Reza Marashi (special to Huffington Post)
By delaying its impending embargo on Iranian oil for six months, Europe will give decisive breathing space to an otherwise constricted negotiation process. The Iranians should, in turn, freeze the enrichment of 20 percent uranium for that same period. Delaying will only provide the West with an ability to use the oil embargo as the bargaining tool it was supposed to be.
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Ploughshares Fund: Continuing the Diplomatic Process - An Interview with Reza Marashi
Friday, June 8, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
"After more than a decade of coercive policies, the track record is clear: Iran is paying an increasingly hefty price for its nuclear program," says NIAC's Reza Marashi. "Indiscriminate sanctions are derailing the Iranian economy and civil society, and inhibiting the ability of the average Iranian to manage the present and plan for the future. Even if sanctions are lifted, it may take years before Iran recuperates from the damage it has absorbed."
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U.S., Iranian and European Perspectives on Addressing the Nuclear Dispute
Thursday, June 7, 2012
By: Milad Jokar - News
With a new round of nuclear negotiations scheduled for June 18 in Moscow, top former and current U.S., Iranian, and European officials discussed the diplomatic process to resolve the Iranian nuclear standoff.
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MSNBC: US Cyberattacks Increase Likelihood of Iran Developing Nukes
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
By: Jordan Michael Smith (MSNBC)
During his first months in office, Obama secretly ordered attacks on the computer systems that run Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities. The attacks have hardened Iran's resolve to build a full-blown nuclear program by convincing the regime that it needs to protect itself from the US and Israel, said NIAC's Reza Marashi. "We've really opened up Pandora's Box with the cyberattacks, which are really unprecedented," said Marashi.
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Macleans: 'Shahs of Sunset' Shows a Distorted View from Tehrangeles
Thursday, May 31, 2012
By: Gabriela Perdomo (Macleans)
"While it wasn't the most ideal way of introducing the Iranian-American community to the American public at large, it piqued people's curiosity and has people asking questions about our culture," says Nobar Elmi, director of community outreach and programming at the National Iranian American Council.
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California Senate Passes Resolution Honoring Iranian Americans, Supporting Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, May 31, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC commends Senator Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) California State Senate for unanimously passing Senate Resolution 29 recognizing the contributions of the Iranian-American community and calling upon the Iranian government to provide basic human rights and political freedoms to its citizens.
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Representatives Demand Study on Consequences of War with Iran
Thursday, May 31, 2012
By: Jessica Schieder - News
The House of Representatives approved an amendment to the Intelligence Authorization Act by Reps. John Conyers (D-MI), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Barbara Lee (D-CA) aimed at highlighting the potential consequences of a war with Iran.
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The Iran-Negotiations Marathon
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis (special to The National Interest)
An institutionalized enmity that has taken over three decades to build will not be undone over the course of a few meetings. Success will only come if diplomats place a premium on patience rather than quick fixes. Diplomacy is hard, but the taboo of sustained U.S.-Iran dialogue has been broken--and that is diplomacy's great promise: one can never predict where discussions will lead once they have started.
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Watch: Experts Assess Baghdad Talks at NIAC Panel
Friday, May 25, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
As nuclear negotiations between Iran, the U.S., and the other permanent members of the UN Security Council concluded in Baghdad on Thursday, top experts and former U.S. officials convened at a panel hosted by the National Iranian American Council to assess the outcomes.
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Al Jazeera Inside Story: Is A Deal Likely on Iran's Nuclear Programme?
Friday, May 25, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
Two days of talks between Iran and six world powers have failed to break the standoff over Iran's nuclear programme as it becomes apparent there are serious obstacles to an agreement. NIAC's President Trita Parsi talks about what's next in the standoff between Washington and Tehran.
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Watch: Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson Addresses NIAC Members
Friday, May 25, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC Members, Ambassadors, and Board Members in Irvine, California met with Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell at a NIAC Fundraiser Gala held on May 5, 2012 to help prevent war.
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NIAC Statement on Conclusion of Baghdad Talks
Thursday, May 24, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
As talks between Iran the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany (P5+1) conclude, all parties should be commended for returning to the negotiating table. Both sides entered negotiations with their maximalist positions, and neither budged. Looking ahead, now the hard work begins.
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The National: Iran Agrees to UN Nuclear Watchdog Probe
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
By: Michael Theodoulou (The National)
The immediate aim of the P5+1 is for Iran to halt enriching uranium to 20 per cent. This opening gambit is likely to fall short of Iran's expectations. Even so, they believe Tehran will agree to negotiate over the package. Either way, "a process has started that will continue even if there's no breakthrough in Baghdad", said NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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CA State Capitol Celebrates Iranian Culture & People
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
By: Jessica Schieder
In collaboration with the office of California State Senator Blakeslee, Senses Magazine/Senses Cultural, an organization dedicated to creating a more peaceful environment by fostering understanding through sharing arts and ideas across the globe, is hosting a series of Iranian cultural events in Sacramento, CA this June.
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"Getting to Yes" With Iran Starts at Home
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion (special to Huffington Post)
There is only one way to break a 34-year-old deadlock: break the rules. America and Iran must talk to each other and trade compromises of equal value in order to break down the hostility and misperceptions that paralyze our relations. Only by taking risks for peace will leaders in Washington and Tehran have the necessary deliverables to beat back critics and spoilers.
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The Guardian: Banned Iranian Terror Group Lobbies for Legitimacy on Capitol Hill
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
By: Chris McGreal (The Guardian)
The MEK, a banned terrorist group, is conducting what members of Congress describe as one of the most effective lobbying campaigns seen on Capitol Hill. NIAC's Reza Marashi, a former State department official, says, "My former government colleagues are bewildered by the freedom of movement that a designated terrorist organisation enjoys on Capitol Hill."
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Too Few Military Threats?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
By: Trita Parsi (special to Daily Beast)
The upcoming talks in Baghdad will test both sides. A solution can only be found if both compromise. But with hawks on all sides seeking to scuttle the talks, the Americans and Iranians may soon discover that the toughest negotiations may not be with each other, but at home.
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Tehran Bureau: How to Engage Iran in Baghdad - Toward a Win-Win Strategy
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
By: Angie Ahmadi (special to Tehran Bureau)
The recent nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 sparked optimism that the decade-long dispute could be resolved. Positive anticipation of the next round of talks in Baghdad has been amplified by Tehran's softened rhetoric. But how should Iran's seeming appetite for compromise be utilized by the West to build "a sustained process of dialogue"?
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Bloomberg: US Won't Ease Oil Sanctions at Iran Nuclear Talks
Monday, May 21, 2012
By: Indira A.R. Lakshmanan (Bloomberg)
NIAC's Trita Parsi said he believes the administration is maintaining a tough bargaining position to strengthen its hand. "Instead of presenting a hypothetical American concession in return for a hypothetical Iranian concession, the White House is keeping quiet publicly," Parsi said. "They'll go to table, then come back and say this is what we got. If they get something significant, it's easier to spin it as a win and not focus on what they give away."
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RT Interviews NIAC's Jamal Abdi on Containment and Diplomacy with Iran
Monday, May 21, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
RT interviews NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi about recently passed measures in Congress and how they may impact upcoming negotiations involving the U.S. and Iran.
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Anti-War Radio Interviews NIAC's Reza Marashi About the MEK
Friday, May 18, 2012
By: Scott Horton (AntiWar.com)
NIAC's Reza Marashi discusses the possibility of the MEK shedding its "terrorist group" status in the US; the foreign and domestic opponents to friendly US-Iran relations; and how business interests can open borders even when political forces conspire to close them.
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The Day After Baghdad: Assessing the Iran Nuclear Talks
Friday, May 18, 2012
By: NIAC Event
Join NIAC for an assessment of diplomatic negotiations between the P5+1 international powers and Iran. Featuring A panel discussion featuring: PJ Crowley, Aaron David Miller, Bijan Khajehpour, and George Perkovich.
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House Vote on Iran Is No Endorsement of "Zero Enrichment" Redline
Thursday, May 17, 2012
By: NIAC Statement
The pro-peace community won an important battle this week as opposition to H.Res.568 and its Senate companion forced the bills' sponsors to address dangerous ambiguities in the legislation.
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Update on Persepolis Tablets, Diplomacy and "Redlines"
Thursday, May 17, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi
We accomplished a number of goals, including protections for the Persepolis Tablets, votes to make clear there is no authorization for war with Iran and to support diplomacy, and a rejection of shifting the redline for war and placing a "zero enrichment" ultimatum on U.S.-Iran talks.
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RT: Iranian Terrorists Are "Good" Terrorists?
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
President Obama may remove the MEK organization responsible for assassinating US citizens from America's terrorist list. So why would President Obama pardon the organization? NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi takes a closer look.
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RT: US Moving to Delist MEK?
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi discusses recent developments about the MEK, including the Wall Street Journal's report that the Obama administration may remove the MEK from the State Department's list of designated foreign terrorist organizations.
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Huffington Post: House Voting to Shift U.S. Redline for War with Iran
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Today the House is planning to take up H.Res.568 -- a resolution that shifts the U.S. redline for war with Iran -- on a suspension vote. There has not been a single hearing on this measure and no debate about its very serious implications
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Urgent: Congress Voting on Pro-War Iran Resolution Today
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
By: Action Alert
Please take a moment to call to your Member of Congress to tell him or her to vote NO on H.Res.568 and to demand language stating that there is no authorization for war with Iran.
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Is Israel Flirting with Iranian Terrorists?
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to The Daily Beast)
NBC reported that Israel financed, trained and armed the MEK to carry out deadly attacks on Iranian nuclear scientists. That it collaborated with a fundamentally anti-Israeli, Marxist-Islamist terror organization was surprising as was the Obama administration's decision to divulge this information and embarrass its close ally publicly.
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Al-Monitor: Some US-Iran Hands Blindsided by Report US May Move to Delist MEK
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
By: Laura Rozen (Al-Monitor)
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi explains that the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) was designated as a foreign terrorist organization due to its actions, not as any political gesture to Iran.
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NIAC Celebrates 10th Anniversary: Education and Advocacy for the Iranian-American Community
Monday, May 14, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
"I've watched our community mature into a group that is no longer afraid to voice their opinion and make change," said Trita Parsi, NIAC President.
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World Politics Review: Reading the Tea Leaves Ahead of Iran Nuclear Talks
Monday, May 14, 2012
By: Laura Rozen (World Politics Review)
There has been a flurry of unpublicized diplomatic activity ahead of the next round of Iran nuclear talks in Baghdad. Columnist Laura Rozen speaks with NIAC's Trita Parsi and Reza Marashi about Obama's negotiation preparations and about a potential expectations gap between Iran and the European Union.
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Le Figaro: Rocard en Iran - Pourquoi l'UMP a Quelques Raisons de S'inquiéter
Monday, May 14, 2012
By: Georges Malbrunot (Le Figaro)
C'est en tout cas ce qu'écrivaient récemment deux spécialistes américains du dossier iranien, Reza Marashi, ancien du Département d'Etat, et Trita Parsi, président du Conseil national américano-iranien. «Les États-Unis continuent de soutenir que "l'espace diplomatique" se réduit à vue d'oeil, alors que les Iraniens se sont attelés à organiser les négociations à Bagdad, Damas ou Beyrouth.»
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The National Interest: Khamenei's Psychologist
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
By: Abby Arganese (The National Interest)
Author Con Coughlin's caricature of Khamenei disregards the reality that the supreme leader has repeatedly pursued Iranian national interests in a calculated, logical manner. As NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi noted: "If Khamenei is presented with the makings of a deal that he perceives as addressing the Islamic Republic's core interests, historical precedent suggests he will pursue it."
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Tell Google: Stop Playing Persian Gulf Name Games!
Monday, May 7, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
Google has removed the title of the Persian Gulf from Google Maps. Sign your name on our open letter to Google's CEO Larry Page to call on Google to stop playing name games with the Persian Gulf.
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NIAC Calls on Google to Reinstate Accurate Title for Persian Gulf
Monday, May 7, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) calls on Google to immediately reinstate the name "Persian Gulf" in its Google Maps application and to ensure all of its informational products include the historically accurate, internationally recognized, and politically neutral title for the Persian Gulf.
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RT: US and Iran Both Need to Make Concessions
Saturday, May 5, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
Tensions between Iran and the US keep rising with political posturing and aggressive rhetoric. Unless both sides are ready to make concessions there will be no solution to the crisis, says NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi. "It would be impossible to find a way out of the crisis with both sides believing their own rhetoric and being spanned by their own propaganda."
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A Neocon Upstart Attacks Academic Freedom and Iranian American Views
Friday, May 4, 2012
By: Beheshteh Farshneshani - Opinion
I thought it would be a typical Thursday at work last week, but as soon as I arrived to the office, an associate pulled me aside and pointed to a series of defamatory tweets against me and the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), the organization for which I intern.
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Tavalod, Tavalod, Tavalodet Mobarak NIAC!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
By: Nobar Elmi
We've all felt the dilemma of being proud of our heritage, but tired at times of feeling like we have to defend it. We've all felt the desire to be treated as one of "us," instead of one of "them." We've all wanted to be heard, rather than told what our community and loved ones still living in Iran should do/say/feel. And, that's exactly why I joined NIAC.
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Bibi, Let Go
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (special to The Daily Beast)
As a stalwart opponent of US-Iran diplomacy, Netanyahu is putting Israel on the opposite side of the US. Israel must now make a choice: either continue to obstruct Obama's diplomatic strategy and risk greater tensions with Israel's most important ally, or shift gears and opt to influence the talks instead.
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Dysfunctional Congress Threatens Iran Talks
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
By: David Elliott - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
As the United States and Iran look for an exit ramp off the road to war, they may find a surprising new obstacle: the very sanctions legislation that many credit for bringing Iran back to the negotiating table.
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The Iranians Count Census Coalition Releases the Special Tabulation Results from the 2010 U.S. Census
Monday, April 30, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
The Iranians Count 2010 Census Coalition ("ICCC") has received results from special tabulation report on the number of individuals who identified themselves as Iranian, Iranian American, Persian, or Persian American in the 2010 Census.
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KLAS-TV: Training Terrorists at the Former Nevada Test Site
Thursday, April 26, 2012
By: George Knapp (KLAS-TV News)
The contractors who run the Nevada National Security Site -- a perfect place for covert training -- have been scrambling to find new missions to keep the facility alive. But how would taxpayers feel about using public dollars to train foreign insurgents such as the MEK, who are officially considered to be terrorists? KLAS-TV interviews NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi for more insight.
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Democracy and Human Rights Conference Honors Siamak Pourzand
Thursday, April 26, 2012
By: Angie Ahmadi - News
Prominent journalists and human rights defenders convened in Washington for a conference on human rights assessing why the so-called Arab Awakening succeeded while Iran's century-long struggle for democracy stalled once again after the 2009 protests.
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Al Jazeera: Israel General Says Iran Atomic Bomb Unlikely
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Experts say Iran may its drop nuclear programme to ease sanctions. NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi says he "wouldn't be surprised" if Iran were willing to consider and negotiate the proposal. "This tracks closely with many of the feelers that the Iranian government has been putting out over the past few weeks."
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Obama Implements New Sanctions Targeting Internet Repression in Iran and Syria
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
By: NIAC News
President Obama signed an Executive Order yesterday implementing new sanctions against Iran and Syria regarding Internet repression. The measures would freeze assets of foreign companies that help deny free communication via the Internet in Iran and Syria.
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BBC World Interview with Reza Marashi on Iran, India and Nuclear Proliferation
Thursday, April 19, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
BBC World News Radio interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on Iran, India, nuclear proliferation and regional security. Mr. Marashi's report begins at the 35:50 mark.
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Washington and Tehran's Vicious Spin Cycle
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
The crux of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran is that, at some point, each side will have to take a deep breath and shake hands on a deal. But 30 years of mutual demonization and fear mongering means it takes serious political courage to come to the table and even more courage to actually accept a deal and sell it at home.
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Why Netanyahu's Afraid of Diplomacy
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (special to The Daily Beast)
Behind the rhetoric and hysterical talking points, there are legitimate Israeli concerns about the impact of diplomacy on its security. But rather than viewing this as a beneficial compromise that prevents Iran from building a nuclear bomb, Israel fears that this will permit Iran to become a virtual nuclear power and would shift the power balance in the region to Israel's detriment.
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Congress Should Not Sabotage Iran Negotiations
Monday, April 16, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion (special to The Progressive)
Only a sustained and successful diplomatic process can resolve the nuclear dispute while also effectively addressing critical issues with Iran that are too often neglected, particularly Iran's dire human rights situation. But any one of the measures before Congress could be used to sabotage diplomacy before it even gets off the ground.
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Bloomberg: Iran Nuclear Talks Face Challenges Heading to May Meeting
Monday, April 16, 2012
By: Emre Peker & Indira A.R. Lakshmanan (Bloomberg)
Diplomats face a battle against time as they look toward the next round of talks with Iran on its nuclear program. "The real challenge will come where principles of engagement will have to translate into concrete steps," said NIAC President Trita Parsi. "This applies to the West as well, whose ability to lift sanctions will be instrumental for keeping diplomacy alive."
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Tavis Smiley Interviews NIAC President Trita Parsi
Monday, April 16, 2012
By: Tavis Smiley (PBS)
NIAC founder/president Trita Parsi speaks with Tavis Smiley and describes his expectations for the upcoming U.S.-Iranian talks.
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For the Sake of Europe, Sarkozy Must Stand Down
Saturday, April 14, 2012
By: Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi (special to Al Jazeera)
As nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 commence, both sides are talking tough in public to mask their private urgency. As the conflict escalates, the US, Iran and Israel almost always occupy the headlines. However, no less important is the complicating role being played by France under President Nicolas Sarkozy.
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KPFA Radio Interviews Reza Marashi on Iran Nuclear Talks
Saturday, April 14, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis (KPFA.org)
KPFA Radio interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on the recent nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 in Istanbul.
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How Hawks on the Hill Plan to Kill Talks With Iran
Friday, April 13, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion (special to Huffington Post)
After this weekend, there will likely be a redoubled Congressional effort to press forward with a stalled AIPAC and Netanyahu-endorsed push to redefine the diplomatic endgame with Iran in such a way as to rule out any plausible, inspections-based solution.
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The Atlantic: Nuclear Talks with Iran - Four Key Questions
Friday, April 13, 2012
By: Robert Wright (The Atlantic)
This weekend, negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program begin. Is Iran willing to compromise? NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi and Ali Reza Eshraghi lay out a few encouraging cases where Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been willing to explore cooperation with the United States.
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IPS: U.S.-Israel Deal to Demand Qom Closure Threatens Nuclear Talks
Thursday, April 12, 2012
By: Gareth Porter (Inter Press Service)
The Obama administration has adopted a demand in this weekend's negotiations with Iran that its Fordow enrichment facility must be shut down and eventually dismantled. "If the demand for Fordow's closure is non-negotiable, the talks will likely fail," said NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi.
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Hoodies and Hijabs: Iranian-American Students Raise Awareness
Thursday, April 12, 2012
By: Cavan Kharrazian
Groups of pro-active Iranian-American students, working through Iranian Alliances Across Border's (IAAB) Campus Action Network (I-CAN), are initiating a campaign to raise understanding and appreciation of Persian culture while facilitating cross-cultural and multi-faith dialogues.
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The National Interest: Will Khamenei Compromise?
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
By: Reza Marashi and Ali Reza Eshraghi
Ayatollah Khamenei's repression against his own people is well documented, but history contradicts the skeptics of his willingness to bargain. Khamenei is a cunning authoritarian, but he is not opposed to the right deal.
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RT: US Trained MEK on US Soil?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
The US may have been arming and training the MEK, or Mujahedin-e Khalq, right here on US soil at the Department of Energy's Nevada National Security Site. If this is true the next question we have to ask is why? NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi weighs in.
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JTA: Obama Administration Is Ready for Iran Talks--But Is Iran?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
By: Ron Kampeas (Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
Iran is ready for talks and the United States would allow Iran to enrich uranium to 3.5 percent for medical purposes and would agree to put a stop on planned new sanctions. That approach would not be enough to keep the Iranians at the table, according to NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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For Peace, Both Obama and Khamenei Must Compromise
Monday, April 9, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (special to Huffington Post)
If President Barack Obama and Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei do not compromise at the upcoming nuclear talks next Saturday, the region will -- in the words of a diplomat involved in the matter -- head towards "total war." For the sake of world peace, both sides must compromise.
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Businessweek: Iran Agrees to Restart Nuclear Talks With US, Allies
Monday, April 9, 2012
By: James Neuger & Ladane Nasseri (Bloomberg)
The U.S. and its European allies will press Iran for tangible action to curb its nuclear program when talks restart this week. Demands to give up a stockpile of material raise the question of what the U.S. would be willing to offer in return, such as easing of sanctions, said NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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Broad Coalition Calls for Congress to Support Diplomacy, Oppose War of Choice
Thursday, April 5, 2012
By: NIAC News
With rising concerns of war with Iran, twenty-six leading Iranian-American, Jewish-American, Muslim-American, arms control, human rights, pro-democracy, pro-peace, and faith organizations called for Congress to support a diplomatic resolution and make clear there is no authorization for war.
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Congressional "Happy Birthday Israel" Resolution Endorses Strikes on Iran
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
By: NIAC News
A controversial new measure in the House of Representatives, presented as a commemoration of the 64th birthday of the State of Israel, includes language endorsing Israeli military action on Iran.
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Say No To War and Lift the "No Contact" Policy with Iran!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
A new push is underway in Congress to support diplomacy, prevent war, and effectively address human rights. Learn more about this critical effort and how you can help make it a success.
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Self-Defeating
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
By: Trita Parsi (special to The Daily Beast)
Netanyahu's government and its supporters argue that a strike on Iran will benefit Israel and America. But a strike on Iran won't eliminate its nuclear capabilities, and is more likely to benefit than harm Iran's government in the long run.
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Ambassador Cautions Senate against Lowering Threshold for War with Iran
Monday, April 2, 2012
By: Richard Abott - News
A former U.S. ambassador to the UN and Israel cautioned the Senate against lowering the threshold for war against Iran at a Senate hearing on Wednesday, even as a majority of U.S. Senators have embraced a resolution that would do exactly that.
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Milad Pooran - Democratic Candidate, 6th Congressional District of Maryland
Friday, March 30, 2012
By: Cavan Kharrazian - News
After a long career in healthcare, Milad is still ready to serve his country, but this time as the representative of the recently redistricted 6th Congressional District of Maryland.
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RT: Blind Sanctions Backfire on the West
Friday, March 30, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
There's panic at the pumps in the UK, where a threatened strike by fuel delivery drivers has already seen stations running dry. There are even fears the army may be deployed to keep the country moving. NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi says the West can only blame itself for the spike in prices.
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Iranian Americans Report Being Targeted by FBI for Iran Information
Thursday, March 29, 2012
By: Jacob Martin - News
In recent weeks, Iranian Americans have increasingly been sought out by the FBI to participate in voluntary interviews that may be related to heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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Iranian Americans Overwhelmingly Oppose Military Strikes
Thursday, March 29, 2012
By: Jacob Martin - News
Amidst ever-heightening tension between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, a new poll found that approximately two-thirds (63%) of Iranian-Americans oppose U.S. military strikes against Iran, while only 13% would be in favor of such action.
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BBC: WikiLeaks - The Secret Life of a Superpower
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
By: BBC Two
The BBC has produced a two-part series entitled, "WikiLeaks: The Secret Life of a Superpower." For its report on Iran, interviewees included NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi, Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and Former CIA Director Gen. Michael Hayden. The Iran report starts at the 39:50 mark.
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Huffington Post: Applying the Lessons of South Africa Sanctions to Iran
Monday, March 26, 2012
By: Beheshteh Farshneshani - Analysis
Advocates of Iran sanctions often cite South Africa as the model for a successful sanction regime that dismantled its nuclear program and transitioned to a democracy. But NIAC Associate Beheshteh Farshneshani assesses the empirical evidence and recent comments by the last president of the apartheid regime to detail quite the opposite.
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Barbara Lee Pushes to End U.S.-Iran Silent Treatment
Friday, March 23, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis (special to Huffington Post)
A commonsense and long overdue proposal has been introduced in Congress by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and nine other Representatives to dispense with the absurd "no contact" policy.
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Take Action: Lift the "No Contact" Policy with Iran!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
Direct talks are the only way to prevent war, resolve the nuclear standoff, and put mechanisms in place to effectively address human rights abuses in Iran and create space for Iran's pro-democracy movement. Write your Representative and tell them to stand up for diplomacy and against war by cosponsoring H.R.4173 today.
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Background: The Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons and Stop War through Diplomacy Act (H.R.4173)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
On March 8, 2012, Rep. Barbara Lee introduced new legislation to support direct Iran negotiations, lift the "no contact policy," and prohibit funding for war with Iran.
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NIAC Applauds Efforts to Address Growing "Electronic Curtain" Over Iran
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes the decision by the Obama Administration to lift sanctions on additional categories of personal communication tools to support the free exchange of information with the Iranian people.
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Radio Free Europe: U.S. Announces Measures To Fight Tehran's "Electronic Curtain"
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
By: Golnaz Esfandiari (Radio Free Europe)
President Obama has announced measures to facilitate the Iranian public's access to electronic information. "There's certain software that the U.S. government would like these companies to be able to offer, but they have to get a special license in order to do that," said NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi. "This is a statement saying, 'If you apply for this license, you'll get it,' essentially. "
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RT: War Games - Israeli Strike on Iran
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
According to a classified war simulation, if Israel were to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, it would lead to a wider regional war, which could draw in the US and leave hundreds of Americans dead. NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi discusses why the US should be concerned that it's already gotten to this point.
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Al Jazeera: "Paid" to Support Iranian Terrorists
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
By: Inside Story Americas (Al Jazeera)
Since its creation in 1997 the US list of terrorist organisations has included the Iranian group, Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK). Now the US Treasury Department has launched an inquiry into whether US officials are being paid by the MEK to speak, which would be a violation of US laws. Joining Inside Story Americas' debate are NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi, Glenn Greenwald, and Patrick Clawson.
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Time: Five Tips for President Obama on Nuclear Negotiations with Iran
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
By: Tony Karon (Time.com)
Based on interviews with dozens of top decision-makers in the U.S., Iran, Israel and other stakeholder countries, NIAC President Trita Parsi concludes that the Obama Administration's diplomatic efforts toward Iran were fatally flawed because of the domestic political limitations and time constraints imposed on diplomacy, and Iran's domestic political turmoil.
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Iranian Americans Gather to Give Back This Norooz
Monday, March 19, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
On Saturday, March 3, 2012, over 300 Iranian-American volunteers in 26 cities across the nation participated in the 2nd Annual National Iranian American Day of Service.
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Yahoo! News: Treasury Issues Subpoenas in Investigation into Funding for Pro-MEK Lobby Campaign
Sunday, March 18, 2012
By: Laura Rozen (Yahoo.com)
The U.S. Treasury Department has issued subpoenas in an investigation into several former senior American officials taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees to promote a controversial Iranian terrorist group, the Mujahedin e-Khalq (MEK). The investigation "is targeted less at individuals, and more at where the money is coming from," said NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi.
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Anti-War Radio interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi
Saturday, March 17, 2012
By: Scott Horton (AntiWar.com)
Anti-War Radio's Scott Horton interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi who discusses his article "Money vs. Facts: The Mujahedin-e Khalq Is a Terrorist Organization" about the chorus of voices turning the tables on the MEK's latest PR campaign.
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Money vs. Facts - The Mujahedin-e Khalq Is a Terrorist Organization
Thursday, March 15, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion (special to Huffington Post)
A massive lobbying push to delist the MEK has been raging inside the beltway for the past year. However, the U.S. government now has more evidence to warrant a swift confirmation of the MEK's terrorist designation. It's time for the Obama administration to stop playing politics and start enforcing the law.
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Momentum Shifts Against Iran War
Thursday, March 15, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to Al-Monitor)
US President Barack Obama did what few people expected him to do at the recent conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a hawkish pro-Israel group. He chose that moment to shift his strategy from out-hawking the hawks (which is next to impossible) to outsmarting them.
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U.N. Human Rights Monitor Delivers First Report on Iran
Thursday, March 15, 2012
By: Richard Abott - News
Ahmed Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, submitted his first report to the U.N. Human Rights Council this week, cataloguing "allegations that produce a striking pattern of violations of fundamental human rights guaranteed under international law."
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Avoiding Disaster: The Consequences of a Military Strike Against Iran
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
By: Link TV
On January 30, 2012, a panel event hosted by the Muslim Public Affairs Council discussed the recent rhetoric coming out of both Washington and Tehran and addressed growing concerns about the potential consequences of a military strike against Iran.
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New Bill Supports Direct Talks to Prevent U.S.-Iran War, Scraps "No Contact Policy"
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
By: Beheshteh Farshneshani - News
A longstanding U.S. policy that prevents American diplomats from communicating with their Iranian counterparts is the focus of a new House bill aimed at reinvigorating U.S.-Iran diplomacy.
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Iran's Parliamentary Vote - The Beginning of the End of Ahmadinejad
Monday, March 12, 2012
By: Hengameh Ahmadi - Opinion (special to Huffington Post)
Last Friday, Iran held its first elections since the 2009 presidential contest, after which millions of voters poured into Tehran's streets. Unrest following the announced re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad culminated in mass detention, torture and the death of many protesters. It also led to the near-elimination of pro-reform political forces in the Islamic Republic.
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RT: Tensions in the Middle East
Saturday, March 10, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
RT interviews Reza Marashi on heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, Iran's nuclear program, and the geopolitical conflict playing out in Syria.
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Jon Stewart Interviews NIAC President Trita Parsi on The Daily Show
Friday, March 9, 2012
By: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Watch Jon Stewart's full interview with NIAC President Trita Parsi as he discusses U.S.-Iranian diplomacy during the Bush and the Obama administrations on The Daily Show.
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Which Side's Hardliners Will Sabotage US-Iran Diplomacy? Enter Romney and Lieberman
Friday, March 9, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion (special to Huffington Post)
We're at a rare moment in which both the United States and Iran have unclenched their fists and appear ready for real talks. Which side's hardliners will screw things up this time?
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CNN: War Drums from Iran and Israel Drown Out Rich Past
Thursday, March 8, 2012
By: Joe Sterling (CNN)
The saber-rattling between Iran and Israel conjures fears of mass casualties and a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. The tough talk makes it easy to forget that Israel and Iran have not always been enemies, and in fact have had a rich and nuanced relationship dating back thousands of years. They have enjoyed an "overwhelmingly positive connection" for centuries, said NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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Mondoweiss: AIPAC-Backed Resolutions are "Blank Check for War"
Thursday, March 8, 2012
By: Alex Kane (Mondoweiss.net)
Amidst the incessant Israeli war mongering, the Occupy AIPAC counter-summit tried to insert some reality into the discussion. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club was NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi, former State Department official Ann Wright, and retired U.S. Navy Commander Leah Bolger.
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CNN: Iran's Nuclear Program
Thursday, March 8, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
CNN's Brooke Baldwin talks to NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi about updates in the Iran nuclear crisis and a positive signal for negotiations.
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The Conversation with Ross Reynolds: Iran, Nukes and America's Options
Thursday, March 8, 2012
By: David Hyde (KUOW.org)
US policy on Iran is a major issue in the 2012 presidential race. We take a closer look at the politics with NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi who discusses divisions within the Iranian community in the Northwest. Joining the conversation are Jonathan S. Landay and Scott Peterson.
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RT: Iran Agrees to Nuclear Talks
Thursday, March 8, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Earlier in week during the AIPAC conference, President Obama said to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that diplomacy efforts should be given more time, and they have apparently worked. NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi joins RT to see if these talks will avoid a potential war.
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ABC News Radio: Iran Agrees to Nuclear Talks
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
By: Tanya Nolan (ABC News)
US president Barack Obama hosed down talk of military action and state, in front of the influential pro-Israel lobby, that Iran's nuclear program isn't an immediate threat and that more support is needed for direct negotiations. "I think in an election season that is a very brave political risk that he has taken," said NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi. "And on the Iranian side, they have rescinded a death sentence that was improperly placed upon an Irani-American that was visiting his grandmother."
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BBC World Interview Reza Marashi on US-Iran-Israel Tensions
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
BBC World News interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on tensions between the U.S., Iran and Israel, and the prospects for diplomacy during a tense election year.
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France 24: What Does the Future Hold for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
The ultra-conservative allies of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has fallen out of favour with, came out victorious in the first round of legislative elections. France 24 spoke with NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi to discuss the shape of things to come for Ahmadinejad as he nears the end of his term.
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The Mark Steiner Show Interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
By: Mark Steiner (WEAA)
Mark Steiner assesses the threat of military action against Iran with Reza Marashi, Research Director for the National Iranian American Council, and Michael Rubin, Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and former Pentagon Official .
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NPR: The US, Israel and Efforts to Halt Iran's Nuclear Program
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
By: Diane Rehm (NPR)
On the Diane Rehm Show, a panel of experts discuss the U.S., Israel and their differing approaches to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Panelists included NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi, Paul Pillar, Aaron David Miller, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi.
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KCRW's To The Point: Obama, Netanyahu and the Threat of a Nuclear Iran
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
By: Warren Olney (KCRW)
Just as President Obama's agreed with Prime Minister Netanyahu that Israel has the right to attack Iran's nuclear program, there's a proposal for renewed diplomacy. Europe, Russia, China and the US have accepted Iran's invitation for renewal of talks that broke down more than a year ago. Are upcoming new sanctions already working, or will this be just another effort to kick the can down the road? Has Netanyahu's visit to Washington altered the prospects for armed conflict in the Middle East? NIAC President Trita Parsi joins a panel of experts to examine these issues.
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New York Times: Iranian Court Orders Retrial for American in Spy Case
Monday, March 5, 2012
By: J. David Goodman (New York Times)
The Supreme Court of Iran has tossed out the death penalty conviction of a former Marine accused of spying and ordered a retrial in a separate court. It was unclear whether the Supreme Court's reported decision to order a new trial represented a political decision in the Iranian hierarchy to offer a diplomatic gesture. "I think the government itself understood that this very quick death sentence, the timing of it, was not good for them," said NIAC President Trita Parsi. "They want to make sure they keep this going, so they can use him as a bargaining chip."
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Top Military, Intelligence Officials Join NIAC in Warning Against Iran War in Full-Page Washington Post Ad
Monday, March 5, 2012
By: NIAC Staff - News
If you open the Washington Post this morning, you will find an ad featuring top former military and intelligence officials urging President Obama to resist the pressure for a war of choice with Iran.
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Military.com: Retired Gens to Obama: No War of Choice With Iran
Monday, March 5, 2012
By: Bryant Jordan (Military.com)
Several former high-ranking military, intelligence and State Department officials took out an ad in the Washington Post today which was sponsored by National Iranian American Council and urged President Obama to stand fast against political and lobbying pressure to attack Iran over claims it is trying to develop nuclear weapons. The letter, signed by five retired generals, two senior intelligence analysts and a senior State Department official, is accompanied by a photo and quotes from other current military and defense officials warning against such an attack.
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The Guardian: Israel and Iran, Straining at the Leash
Monday, March 5, 2012
By: Guardian.co.uk
In President Obama's AIPAC speech, he told Israelis that America had a commitment to maintain Israel's military edge. What he did not retreat from were the repeated statements by senior administration officials doubting Israel's military capability against Iran. For the US military to be as aggressive as that about the military capability of its closest ally testifies to a dialogue that is tougher in private than it is in public. The National Iranian American Council ran an ad signed by an array of military brass urging the president to say no to a war of choice with Iran. The US military feels it has not been through two wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, only to be bounced into a third.
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The Real News: Occupy AIPAC Opposes War and Sanctions Against Iran
Sunday, March 4, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
Occupy AIPAC convened 130 organizations calling for diplomacy with Iran and a US Middle East policy not based on unequivocal support for Israel. NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi addressed a panel of experts and activists who discussed the pending legislation meant to harden the US's military line on Iran's nuclear program as well as the effects of economic sanctions on the Iranian regime.
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Huffington Post: Obama Draws Red Lines and Distinctions on Iran in AIPAC Speech
Sunday, March 4, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
The dispute on the nuclear issue is centered on red lines. Israel, like the Bush administration, considers a nuclear capability in Iran a red line. It argues that the only acceptable guarantee that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon is for Iran to have no enrichment program. The Obama administration puts the red line not at enrichment -- which is permitted under international law -- but at nuclear weapons. This is a clearer, more enforceable red line that also has the force of international law behind it.
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Al Jazeera Interviews NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi
Sunday, March 4, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
Al Jazeera interviews NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi on the upcoming White House meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama.
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Thirty-Seven Members of Congress Urge Obama to Redouble Iran Diplomacy, Warn Against War
Saturday, March 3, 2012
By: NIAC News
Members of Congress sent a letter to President Obama on Friday calling for direct, sustained diplomacy with Iran to resolve the nuclear issue and to prevent war.
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Christian Science Monitor: Iran Trumpets High Turnout in Parliamentary Elections
Friday, March 2, 2012
By: Scott Peterson (Christian Science Monitor)
Iran's leaders see today's parliamentary elections as central to affirming their popular support. It is not clear what results will be announced in an election that will shape Iran's political future ahead of next year's presidential elections."While the Guardian Council has already disqualified many Ahmadinejad-backed candidates in large cities, his allies still have a solid chance to win seats in small provincial cities where the vote is less politicized and more focused on economic concerns," note Reza Marashi and Angie Ahmadi of the National Iranian American Council.
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George Kennan in Tehran? The Scenario for a Genuine Containment of Iran
Thursday, March 1, 2012
By: Ambassador Roberto Toscano
Ambassador Roberto Toscano, former Italian Ambassador to Iran (2003-2008), argues that the rationale of containment is not the rationale of (cold) war, but rather the premise for an amenability to negotiate.
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The Politics of Iran's Parliamentary Elections
Thursday, March 1, 2012
By: Reza Marashi & Hengameh Ahmadi (Special to Huffington Post)
Now more than ever before, elections in the Islamic Republic serve as little more than a mechanism through which evolving power relationships among political factions are regulated and recalibrated -- certainly a trend worth tracking. Despite a concerted effort to bridge the ideological range of candidates participating in the election, the vote has instead become a battle between conservative factions for political and economic power in Iran.
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The Impact of Sanctions on Iranian Americans: Submit Your Stories
Thursday, March 1, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
In a collaborated effort with the Asian Law Caucus, NIAC is calling on Iranian Americans whose personal, family, business, or charitable affairs have been impact by sanctions to submit YOUR stories for a forthcoming report on the impact of sanctions on our community.
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Pacific Symphony to Celebrate Iranian New Year
Thursday, March 1, 2012
By: Beheshteh Farshneshani - News
From March 22-27, the Pacific Symphony, in collaboration with Farhang Foundation, will celebrate the festivities of Norooz--the Iranian New Year.
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The Globe and Mail: Conservatives Expected to Dominate Iran Vote
Thursday, March 1, 2012
By: Paul Koring (The Globe and Mail)
Iranians vote today to elect a new Majlis, the 290-seat parliament, but there's little real choice on the ballot and little chance that the outcome will defuse dangerously hostile relations with America over the Islamic regime's nuclear program. "It's guaranteed not to be free and fair," warns NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi. "What's at stake is which of the feuding, conservative, theocratic factions emerges empowered."
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RT: North Korea willing to shutdown nuclear program, Iran next?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
RT America interviews NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi regarding diplomatic progress on North Korea's nuclear program and the implications for the U.S.-Iran standoff.
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Former Military Leaders Call for Diplomatic Options, Warn Against War with Iran
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
By: Beheshteh Farshneshani
The former CENTCOM Commander and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said no good military options exist that can stop Iran's nuclear program and identified the crux of the problem as the lack of dialogue between Iran and the United States.
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JTA: Pro-Israel Voices Joining Bid to Get Iranian Dissident Group Off U.S. Terror List
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
By: Ron Kampeas, Jewish Telegraphic Agency
"Iranians by and large have no love for this regime," said Jamal Abdi, policy director for the National Iranian American Council, a group that favors diplomatic outreach as a means of defusing tensions with Iran. "The one group they despise more is the MEK, and the one group that can unite people in the regime's favor is the MEK, so what the government of Iran has done is label all opponents as affiliated with MEK." De-listing MEK would play into that narrative, he said, and "undermines support" for democracy groups in Iran.
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California Democratic Party Votes to Oppose War against Iran
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
By: David Elliott
The California Democratic Party has taken a stand against war with Iran, voting unanimously to "oppose initiating war against Iran" as part of its platform, which was published today.
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ABC News Radio: Iran Determined to Quash Political Dissent
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
By: Connie Agius (ABC News Radio)
As Iranians prepare to vote in Parliamentary elections this weekend, Amnesty International has released a report describing widespread violations of human rights and four times as many public executions in 2011 as in 2010. NIAC's Reza Marashi and Amnesty International's Drewery Dyke discuss how Iranian authorities have ramped up repression of political dissent.
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RT: Would Israel Strike Iran Without Telling US?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Obama next Monday right after AIPAC holds its annual policy conference. The Associated Press has reported that Israeli Officials say they won't warn the US if they decide to launch a pre-emptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities -- supposedly keeping Americans in the dark as to decrease the likelihood that the US would be held responsible. NIAC's Reza Marashi discusses.
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CNN: Overblown Rhetoric Raises Iran Stakes
Monday, February 27, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
Amid growing talk of a military strike on Iran, Trita Parsi explains to CNN's Jim Clancy why war is not inevitable and how to ease tensions.
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The Hill: Don't Let Iran Be a Second Iraq
Monday, February 27, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi and Trita Parsi - Opinion
Just as with the lead-up to the Iraq War, the pathway to war with Iran will be paved with false assertions, self-fulfilling saber rattling and political weakness that might seem insignificant now, but will in retrospect turn out to be disastrous. The only real alternative to war, a diplomatic resolution through sustained negotiations, has been largely kept off the table by hard-liners who have demonized the very idea of engagement.
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Washington Times: Attacking Iran's Nuke Sites May Only Slow Progress
Monday, February 27, 2012
By: Kristina Wong (Washington Times)
Destroying nuclear facilities in a military strike could be counterproductive, retired Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright said Monday in an interview. NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi says Cartwright's comments join a chorus of high-ranking former and current military officials who have come out recently against a military strike on Iran. "Its not a coincidence that they're all saying the same thing at the same time," said Mr. Marashi, a former State Department official.
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RT: US Spooks Say No Iranian Nukes
Saturday, February 25, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
The latest report accusing Iran of trying to make a nuclear weapon came Friday from the IAEA which reported that Iran has significantly ramped up its uranium enrichment program. However the consensus among US spy agencies remains that Iran had stopped nuclear weapons research years ago. NIAC's Reza Marashi talks to RT about Iran's nuclear ambitions.
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Al Jazeera: Obama Urged to Stand Strong on Iran
Friday, February 24, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
More than one-third of US senators -- mostly Republicans -- are sponsoring a non-binding resolution that lists reasons why Iran is a threat. The group wants Obama to take a more firm public stance over the nuclear dispute with Iran and reaffirm the US commitment to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi discusses the concerns this non-binding resolution raises.
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Nieman Watchdog: Six Questions Reporters Should Ask of Anyone Advocating Military Action Against Iran
Friday, February 24, 2012
By: Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi - Opinion
Avoiding another war of choice will require a media that digs beyond agenda-driven analysis and prevents the debate from being curtailed. It will require a media that doesn't permit a question of life and death to be framed in a simplistic manner that leaves the U.S. with a false choice of either bombing Iran or accepting an Iranian bomb.
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Canada-based Programmer Malekpour Faces Execution as First IRGC Cyber Target
Thursday, February 23, 2012
By: Angie Ahmadi - News
Saeed Malekpour, a permanent resident of Canada who was arrested in 2008 when visiting his dying father in Iran, may soon be executed because he designed social networking software to upload and share images.
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The Iranian Nuclear Dilemma: Risk of an Iraq Sequel?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
By: Link TV
Speaking at a Capitol Hill event organized by the National Iranian American Council, top former officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense argued that keeping an IAEA presence on the ground -- and increasing transparency and verification as part of a diplomatic agreement -- is key to ensuring Iran's nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes and avoiding war.
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Wall Street Journal: Hans Blix Calls for Diplomatic Solution to Iran
Thursday, February 23, 2012
By: Neil Hickey (Wall Street Journal)
Hans Blix, the former head of the United Nations Weapons Inspection Team, was a guest at a panel convened by the National Iranian American Council in Washington, D.C., to discuss the threat of Iran's nuclear program. As WSJ's Neil Hickey reports, Dr. Blix is yet to be fully convinced of Iran's nuclear ambition.
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Former Pentagon, IAEA Officials Say Diplomacy is Key to Resolving Iranian Nuclear Dilemma
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
Top former officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense emphasized yesterday that sustained diplomacy is the only realistic means for the U.S. and international community to resolve the crisis over Iran's nuclear program.
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Bloomberg: Iran Snub to UN Officials Shows Stance Unchanged, U.S. Says
Monday, February 20, 2012
By: Indira A.R. Lakshmanan, Bloomberg
Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council and author of a book on Obama's diplomatic efforts on Iran, said Iran's refusal to allow access to Parchin may also be an effort to take a hard-line position prior to new negotiations with the U.S., Europeans, China and Russia.
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Al Jazeera Interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi
Sunday, February 19, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
Al Jazeera interviews Reza Marashi on tensions between the U.S., Iran and Israel, the latest nuclear developments, and the prospects for diplomacy.
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Reuters: 3-Banking's SWIFT Says Ready to Block Iran Transactions
Friday, February 17, 2012
By: Philip Blenkinsop and Rachelle Younglai (Reuters)
Belgium-based SWIFT, which provides banks with a system for moving funds around the world, bowed to international pressure on Friday and said it was ready to block Iranian banks from using its network to transfer money. "Kicking Iran out of SWIFT is both unprecedented and another dangerous step toward turning a financial war into a military conflict," said Reza Marashi, NIAC Research Director.
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BBC World Interviews Reza Marashi on Iran, Israel and US
Friday, February 17, 2012
By: BBC World
BBC World discussed the ever more fraught relationship between Iran, and Israel and the US, with guests from all three countries, including NIAC's Reza Marashi. More and more of you are getting in touch with the BBC saying you believe this tension will end in war. Is conflict a necessary route out of the current situation? Or is there enough common ground to keep the peace?
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Huffington Post Interviews Trita Parsi on Iran (Video)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
Trita Parsi's recent book on the Obama administration's efforts to solve the Iran nuclear crisis through diplomacy says he sees no "military solution" to the standoff -- and suggests that military action might only serve to enhance tensions over the issue.
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Democracy Now! Interview with Reza Marashi
Thursday, February 16, 2012
By: Democracy Now!
Democracy Now's Amy Goodman speaks with Reza Marashi and Glenn Greenwald on how tensions about Iran rise with diplomat bombings, scientist killings, nuke claims and media war-mongering.
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Statement: Senate Iran Resolution a Blank Check for War
Thursday, February 16, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC issued a statement regarding the Senate introduction of a resolution that would rule out "containment of a nuclear weapons capable Iran."
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BBC World News Interview with Reza Marashi on Iran's Prospects for Diplomacy
Thursday, February 16, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
BBC World News interviews Reza Marashi on nuclear announcements by the Iranian government, tensions between the U.S., Iran and Israel, and the prospects for diplomacy.
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Operation AJAX: Teaching History Through Technology
Thursday, February 16, 2012
By: Sheyda Monshizadeh-Azar & Cavan Kharrazian
"CIA: Operation AJAX" is a groundbreaking interactive graphic novel that tells the story of Operation AJAX, the 1953-coordinated CIA coup against Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.
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NIAC Congratulates the 2012 Summer Fellows
Thursday, February 16, 2012
By: Cavan Kharrazian - News
Each year, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) connects talented Iranian-American students with Congressional offices and Committees through our Summer Fellowships Program.
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Europe and Iran Point Fingers in a Blame Game
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
By: RTAmerica
Iran proceeded loading fuel rods into their Research Reactor and warned they would cut off oil exports to some European states. Many see the two moves as an act of aggression and possibly a pre-emptive move to the EU boycott on Iranian oil that was set for July. Jamal Abdi, policy director for the National Iranian American Council, joins us for more.
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The Iranian Nuclear Dilemma: Risk of an Iraq Sequel?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
Join NIAC Tuesday, February 21, for a panel discussion featuring Hans Blix, Former Director General of the IAEA; Colin Kahl, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East; and Robert Kelley, Former Chief Inspector for the IAEA in Iraq for a discussion on the Iranian nuclear dilemma and ways to avoid a sequel to Iraq.
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Tensions Escalate as Israel and Iran Trade Charges in Embassy Bombings
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
By: Between the Lines
Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Jamal Abdi, policy director with the National Iranian American Council, to assess the rising tensions with Iran and how a new war can be averted.
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France 24: The Push to Bomb Iran
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
By: France 24
France 24 discusses the effectiveness of sanctions and Washington's ability to prevent an escalation with NIAC's Reza Marashi, Sammy Ravel, Nooshabeh Amir, and Steven Ekovich.
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CNN: Fingerpointing Follows Attack on Israeli Embassy Van
Monday, February 13, 2012
By: Kevin Flower (CNN)
The explosion Monday of a device attached to an Israeli Embassy van in New Delhi and the discovery and safe detonation of another such device on an embassy car in Tbilisi, Georgia, led to fingerpointing between Israel and Iran. "The most likely contender among people who are following this is that the Israelis are doing it, possibly in cooperation with the Iranian mujahedeen," said NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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Mondoweiss: Misleading Articles That Push for War with Iran
Saturday, February 11, 2012
By: Alex Kane (Mondoweiss.net)
The Washington Free Beacon is campaigning against the Center for American Progress (CAP) in two articles that go after CAP for "downplaying" intelligence on Iran's nuclear program. But the author, Adam Kredo, misleads readers by distorting the existing evidence on Iran. "This is the exact same pattern that we saw in Iraq, and the effort to hype the threat and confuse the American public into thinking things that are not true," said NIAC's Jamal Abdi.
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Take Action: Tell President Obama to Stand Firm Against War
Friday, February 10, 2012
By: NIAC Action Alert
Unless President Obama takes bold action to change course and stand up to the hardliners in Iran, Israel, and the United States who are determined to derail peaceful options, we appear headed towards a disastrous conflict.
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Officials Must Cut Ties with Confirmed Iranian Terror Group
Friday, February 10, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
In light of confirmation by U.S. officials that MEK continues to engage in terrorism, NIAC calls on all former officials who have taken part in the MEK's lobbying and PR efforts to immediately cut ties with the organization, donate any money they have received to charity, and work with law enforcement to ensure this U.S.-designated terror group is dismantled.
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Are We on the Brink of War With Iran?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
By: Trita Parsi (special to The Nation)
Only twelve minutes into his presidency, Barack Obama reached out to the Muslim world and Iran, offering America's hand of friendship if Iran would in turn unclench its fist. Yet three years later, we are closer to war than we were in the last years of the Bush administration, with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta telling the Washington Post there is a "strong likelihood" of an Israeli strike this spring. How did we get here?
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Israel Might Put the US Into a Dangerous Position
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
By: RTAmerica
It seems that things are heating up in the Middle East. Iran might be the next country Israel attacks, and they will give the US a 12 hour notice if and when that happen. So, is a war with Iran at the doorstep? For more, Jamal Abdi of the National American Council joins RT's Liz Wahl.
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Boston Review: Sanctions Don't Promote Democratic Change
Monday, February 6, 2012
By: Natasha Bahrami and Trita Parsi - Analysis
Supporters of US sanctions on Iran assume that there is a positive relationship between broad economic sanctions and democratization. The policymakers responsible for these measures either are ignorant of or are simply ignoring the empirical evidence: broad sanctions--total financial and trade embargoes--do not have a good track record of changing target countries' policies or of pushing them toward democracy.
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IPS: U.S. Leak on Israeli Attack Weakened a Warning to Netanyahu
Saturday, February 4, 2012
By: Gareth Porter (IPS)
The Panetta leak appears to confirm analysts' fears that efforts to distance the United States from an Israeli attack would be ineffective because of competing interests. NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi doubts the administration can avoid being drawn into an Israeli war with Iran without a very public and unequivocal statement that it will not tolerate a unilateral and unprovoked Israeli attack.
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Salon: How Obama Became Vulnerable on Iran
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis
Is President Barack Obama's policy on Iran tough or smart? By downplaying his diplomacy, he undermines a peaceful solution and encourages the false charge of weakness
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VOA Persian: Debate About War with Iran
Thursday, January 26, 2012
By: VOA Persian
NIAC's Jamal Abdi debates with Matthew Kroening about whether the U.S. should initiate war with Iran. Abdi argues the U.S. government should focus on finding a diplomatic resolution rather than resorting to war.
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BBC World News Interview with Trita Parsi
Thursday, January 26, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis
BBC interviews NIAC President Trita Parsi on the latest and toughest EU sanctions on oil contracts in protest over Iran's nuclear program. Dr. Parsi discusses the implications of these sanctions, Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing threat of war with Iran.
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The Washington Times: Obama's Pressure on Iran Raises Fear of a Military Clash
Thursday, January 26, 2012
By: Kristina Wong (The Washington Times)
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi suggests that the increased pressure on Iran is politically motivated by the presidential election campaign. "I would characterize it as buying time until after the elections," says Marashi. "No politician, particularly a sitting president ... wants to look weak on national security issues on the run up to his or her re-election effort."
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RT: Why Does the EU Join In Sanctions Against Iran?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
The European Union has now joined the US and Canada in sanctions against Iran in an attempt to prevent Iran from furthering their nuclear enrichment program. Despite Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta admitting that Iran is not making nuclear weapons, the futile sanctions continue. NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi discusses the latest developments.
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CNNMoney: Iran Sanctions Will Hit Its Economy, But Not Kill It
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
By: Steve Hargreaves (CNNMoney)
Previous sanctions that prohibited the sale of items that can have both civilian and military uses, like airplane parts, have resulted in air disasters that have killed 1,000 Iranians over the last decade, said Jamal Abdi, Policy Director of the National Iranian American Council. "Every time a plane crashes, Iranians blame U.S. sanctions."
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The National: Sanctions Squeeze Iran, but the Street Isn't Suffering Yet
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
By: Jason Rezaian (The National)
"Sanctions on the central bank won't work and won't change Iran's course," says Reza Marashi, Research Director at the National Iranian American Council. "The Iranian government has taken multiple steps to insulate itself from such pressure breaking its economy. The government will go back to the drawing board and find new ways to move money."
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BBC World Interviews Reza Marashi on Iran, Oil and Sanctions
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
BBC World News interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on plans for an oil embargo on Iran, increasing sanctions, and potential conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
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CNN: Is the West in Conflict with Iran? (Video)
Monday, January 23, 2012
By: Jim Clancy (CNN)
CNN's Jim Clancy talks to Trita Parsi, President of the National Iranian American Council, about the new EU oil sanctions against Iran. "Those sanctions will probably be even more effective than the previous round of sanctions in really harming the Iranian economy because oil is the lifeblood of the Iranian economy," says Parsi.
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CNN: A Growing Web of Pressure Over Iran
Monday, January 23, 2012
By: Josh Levs (CNN)
Iranian officials have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for one-fifth of the world's oil. The United States warned Iran against such a move. While many analysts refer to the threat as "saber-rattling," NIAC President Trita Parsi says that if Iran considers itself as being engaged in a war, it might actually try such a move.
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The World Today: US and Iran Inch Closer to Talks
Friday, January 20, 2012
By: Tanya Nolan (The World Today)
There were growing signs that the US and Iran may be stepping back from the brink and heading towards the negotiating table over Iran's nuclear program. However, NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi also warns that there's a growing chorus of neoconservatives in Washington who are clamouring for a military strike against Iran.
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RT: US Ready to Have Talks with Iran?
Friday, January 20, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
In the past few weeks, an Iranian nuclear scientist was assassinated, the West has increased sanctions against the country, and Tehran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi discusses how the rest of the world reacts to their perception of Iran's nuclear ambition.
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Obama vs. Netanyahu vs. Ahmadinejad
Thursday, January 19, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (special to CNN)
U.S.-Israeli relations are in a crisis over Iran. Publicly, the two sides claim to share a common objective with Iran, though they may assess risks differently. When the two states cannot agree on an objective, tensions over tactics and strategies are to be expected.
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Iranian-Americans Speak Out on Sanctions
Thursday, January 19, 2012
By: Michael Billera (IBTimes)
NIAC Policy Director Jamal Abdi discusses the impact that dramatic sanctions imposed by the US government have had on both ordinary Iranians and on the diaspora community in the United States.
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Foreign Policy: A Tale of Two Diasporas
Thursday, January 19, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Iraqi exiles were gung-ho to overthrow Saddam. Iranian-Americans, in stark contrast, have largely opposed a rush to war and instead prefer U.S. policies that emphasize engagement and de-escalation. Why have Iraqis and Iranians living abroad reached such drastically different conclusions?
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Experts discuss hazards of military confrontation with Iran
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
By: Ardavon Naimi - News
Bruce Riedel of the Brookings Institution and Michael Eisenstadt of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, discussed rising tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran and the consequences of a military confrontation at an Atlantic Council event.
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Iran Assassinations Sabotage Efforts to Prevent War
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis (Special to Public Service Europe)
Israel, the United States Congress and some officials within the Barack Obama administration are rapidly closing off options to ensure that America remains on a trajectory that avoids military conflict with Iran.
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WDEL Interview with David Elliott
Monday, January 16, 2012
By: Allan Loudell, WDEL
NIAC Assistant Policy Director David Elliott talks with WDEL about the consequences of Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz and the recent assassination of an Iranian scientist.
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NPR: Assassination Opens New Rifts Between Iran And The West
Saturday, January 14, 2012
By: Steve Mullis, NPR
The upcoming P5+1 talks are scheduled to take place later this month. NIAC President Trita Parsi says the two sides have escalated things right before upcoming negotiations in order to maximize their bargaining power.
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BBC World Interview with Reza Marashi
Friday, January 13, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi discusses the proposed oil embargo on Iran, and its potentially harmful effects on both the Iranian people and the international economy.
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How Obama Should Talk to Iran
Friday, January 13, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (Special to Washington Post)
Rather than resolving the nuclear issue, Iran and the United States are inching closer to a military confrontation. But war is not inevitable. Diplomacy, which the Obama administration prematurely abandoned, can still succeed.
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CNN: Tension Between Iran and the West (Video)
Friday, January 13, 2012
By: Jim Clancy, CNN
CNN's Jim Clancy speaks with NIAC President Trita Parsi about the increasingly dangerous situation between the United States and Iran.
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NIAC Condemns Assassination Campaign Targeting Iranian Scientists
Thursday, January 12, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns the assassination of Iranian scientist Mostafa Ahamdi Roshan. This assassination the fourth in two years is an illegal and immoral act that increases the risk of military confrontation and retaliatory acts by Iran.
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Democracy Now! Interview with Trita Parsi
Thursday, January 12, 2012
By: Democracy Now!
Iran says a nuclear scientist involved in its uranium enrichment program was killed by assassins in Tehran on Wednesday, becoming the latest Iranian scientist to die in a series of similar incidents.
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Video: Who killed Iranian nuclear scientist?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
By: RTAmerica
NIAC's Jamal Abdi speaks with RT America about who may have been behind the pattern of assassinations of an Iranian nuclear scientist and the motivations for such actions.
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Introducing our 2012 Ambassadors
Thursday, January 12, 2012
By: Nobar Elmi
In an effort to better serve our members, NIAC created the Ambassador Program last year. With a successful 2011 under our belts, we look to 2012 with excitement and enthusiasm. We have a terrific team of new and returning Ambassadors in place to help us better serve you - the Iranian-American community.
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Kojo Nnamdi Show: On the Brink with Iran?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
By: WAMU Kojo Nnamdi Show
One day after another Iranian nuclear scientist was assassinated, Kojo explores the threat a nuclear-armed Iran would pose and looks at ways to defuse escalating tensions with the West with Trita Parsi, Colin Kahl, and Barbara Slavin.
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Story of a changing headline: Iran 'regime collapse'
Thursday, January 12, 2012
By: Jasmin Ramsey (Al Jazeera)
NIAC's Jamal Abdi discusses the implications of a recent Washington Post article quoting an unnamed intelligence official who said the Obama Administration's Iran sanctions policy had shifted towards regime change. The Post later amended the article and said the official had been misquoted.
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PRI's To the Point: Tensions Sour Between Iran and the West
Thursday, January 12, 2012
By: KCRW, To the Point
Dennis Ross, Trita Parsi, Barbara Slavin and Flynt Leverett debate U.S. policy on Iran, including potential new sanctions and diplomacy on PRI's To the Point.
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Assassination to Scuttle Talks
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion (Special to CNN)
Another Iranian nuclear scientist has been assassinated in Tehran and a familiar pattern is emerging: Weeks before a new round of talks, all sides escalate and provoke, mainly to improve their negotiating position at the upcoming talks.
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Washington Post: Killing of Iranian Scientist Imperils Former Marine
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
By: Thomas Erdbrink and Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post
"Unfortunately, the greater the escalation is, the greater the likelihood that the perceived costs of executing him decline," said Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council and author of a new book about the Obama administration's dealings with Iran.
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CNN: Who's killing Iranian nuclear scientists?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
By: Josh Levs, CNN
"The most likely contender among people who are following this is that the Israelis are doing it, possibly in cooperation with the Iranian mujahedin," said NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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Al Jazeera: Is Iran finding new friends in Latin America?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
By: Inside Story Americas, Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera's Inside Story Americas discusses Ahmadinejad's diplomatic push in Latin American and the effects of sanctions with guests Trita Parsi, Nader Hashemi, and Reuel Marc Gerecht.
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ABC News Radio: Washington Demands Iran Release Accused Spy
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
By: Lisa Miller, ABC News Radio
The US government has demanded that Iran immediately release an American accused of spying and sentenced to death. ABC News Radio talks to Trita Parsi about what sentence means.
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NIAC Urges Iran to Reverse Iranian American's Death Sentence
Monday, January 9, 2012
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns the lack of due process afforded to Iranian American Amir Hekmati and urges the Iranian judiciary to overturn his death sentence.
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The Political Psychology of Obama's Iran Policy
Monday, January 9, 2012
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
As the drumbeat of war intensifies, it is crucial to understand the political psychology of Obama's Iran policy.
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NPR On Point: The Troubled Waters Of The Strait Of Hormuz
Monday, January 9, 2012
By: On Point, with Tom Ashbrook
NPR's On Point discusses the strategy and the stakes surrounding the escalating rhetoric between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
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Al Jazeera Interviews Reza Marashi on Iran-Latin America Ties
Monday, January 9, 2012
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi speaks with Al Jazeera on Ahmadinejad's trip to Latin America and Iran-Venezuela ties.
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Will Momentum for EU Oil Embargo on Iran Wreck Diplomacy?
Monday, January 9, 2012
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis (Special to The Independent)
The diplomatic resources required to create consensus around multilateral sanctions are so great that once the sanctions threat gains momentum, it becomes hard to halt the momentum in favor of diplomacy.
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Marc Steiner Show: Is Conflict Imminent?
Sunday, January 8, 2012
By: WEAA, Marc Steiner Show
Reza Marashi, Charles Faddis, and David Swanson discuss whether military intervention in Iran is imminent, and if it's necessary on the Marc Steiner Show.
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Iran: Threats and Sanctions
Thursday, January 5, 2012
By: The Diane Rehm Show
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi speaks on NPR about the financial, political and military implications of the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
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VOA: US Presidential Candidates Fire Verbal Assaults at Iran
Thursday, January 5, 2012
By: Meredith Buel, VOA
"What bellicosity, what sabre rattling gets you is this self-fulfilling prophecy where we are talking about military options, we are talking about war," said Jamal Abdi, the policy director for the National Iranian American Council.
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France 24 Interview with Trita Parsi
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
By: France 24
France Melissa Bell speaks to NIAC President Trita Parsi about President Obama's diplomacy towards Iran and the renewed tension over the past couple of weeks between the two countries.
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Reuters: U.S. Hopes New Iran Sanctions More Scalpel Than Axe
Monday, January 2, 2012
By: Andrew Quinn, Reuters
"There is increased frustration from many of these nations when they see that previous rounds of sanctions haven't done what they were intended to do," said Trita Parsi, an Iran expert and head of the National Iranian American Council.
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Without Renewed Diplomacy, War with Iran Lies around the Corner
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
NIAC's Trita Parsi writes for CNN that fears of yet another war in the Middle East may be in the making are not unfounded, particularly if diplomacy continues to be treated as a slogan rather than as a serious policy option.
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Shifting dynamics between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran
Thursday, December 22, 2011
By: Ardavon Naimi - News
The Woodrow Wilson International Center hosted an expert panel discussing the changing relationship between Syria, Iran, and Turkey amidst the Arab Spring and increasing regional tensions.
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UN Approves Iran Human Rights Resolution
Thursday, December 22, 2011
By: Ardavon Naimi - News
The United Nations General Assembly this week approved a nonbinding resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran by 89-30, the largest margin to date on an Iran human rights measure.
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Former Officials Call for President Obama to Reinvigorate Iran Diplomacy
Monday, December 19, 2011
By: NIAC News
A group of former government officials, diplomats, military officers, and nonproliferation experts have called on President Obama to reinvigorate direct diplomatic engagement with Iran to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.
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Accusing Iran of 9/11 echoes Iraq scenario
Saturday, December 17, 2011
By: RTAmerica
Jamal Abdi from the National Iranian American Council tells RT that there is a campaign going on "to ratchet up pressure for yet another US attack on a Middle Eastern country."
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Domestic politics drives US sanctions on Iran
Friday, December 16, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Tougher sanctions and an anti-diplomacy approach to Iran can only lead to eventual military confrontation.
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What Happened to Obama's Nuclear Option?
Friday, December 16, 2011
By: Hamed Aleaziz - Mother Jones
NIAC's Reza Marashi speaks with Mother Jones about the President's showdown with Congress on how to deal with Iran.
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House passes new Iran sanctions bills
Thursday, December 15, 2011
By: Loren White - News
The House of Representatives last night voted to pass three bills imposing broad new sanctions against Iran and any countries or entities doing business with Iran.
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Congress' Extreme Iran Sanctions
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
Today's vote by the House of Representatives to approve broad Iran sanctions and an expected vote by both chambers to approve central bank sanctions represent a major step in the wrong direction for the United States' Iran policy.
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Outlawing diplomacy with Iran comes with dangerous repercussions
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
For a bill being sold as a last best alternative to military confrontation, H.R.1905 sets a destructive precedent that will silence our diplomats, endanger our troops, and dangerously intensify the danger of war with Iran.
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U.S. Officials Warn that MEK is Obstructing Humanitarian Solution in Ashraf
Monday, December 12, 2011
By: Ardavon Naimi - News
According to top U.S. officials, MEK leadership is blocking efforts to protect residents at the organization's encampment at Camp Ashraf in Iraq.
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Joint Letter Calls for Congress to Oppose Legal Restrictions on Iran Diplomacy
Thursday, December 8, 2011
By: NIAC News
NIAC and twenty-five leading Jewish-American, arms control, human rights, democracy, and pro-peace organizations sent a letter to Members of Congress calling for them to oppose or demand removal of a provision in new Iran sanctions legislation that would place restrictions on diplomatic contact between U.S. and Iranian officials.
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U.S. Launches "Virtual" Iran Embassy
Thursday, December 8, 2011
By: Ardavon Naimi - News
The United States announced the launch of its Virtual Embassy for Iran, a new website aimed at encouraging dialogue between the Iranian people and the United States. The effort is an attempt to address the lack of dialogue between the U.S. and and Iranian citizens since the closure of the physical embassy in Tehran in 1979.
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New Concerns About U.S.- Iranian Relations
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
By: The Diane Rehm Show
NIAC president Trita Parsi speaks on NPR about the latest developments in the region and whether Israel and the U.S. are engaged in a covert war against Iran to disrupt its nuclear program.
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U.S. already in covert war with Iran?
Monday, December 5, 2011
By: RTAmerica
NIAC's Jamal Abdi discusses possible covert activities and escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran
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Why the UK Embassy in Iran Was Attacked: The Domestic Angle
Friday, December 2, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis
The disgraceful attack by hardline Basijis against the British embassy in Tehran appears on the surface to be a response to Britain's role in imposing crippling sanctions on Iran. But there is more to this picture.
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Senate Passes Sanctions Despite White House Objections
Thursday, December 1, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Despite strong opposition from Obama Administration officials, the Senate unanimously passed legislation to force the President to impose sanctions on countries and companies that do business with Iran's central bank or purchase Iranian oil.
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White House and Congress Clash on Iranian Central Bank Sanctions
Thursday, December 1, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Obama Administration officials expressed strong opposition on Capitol Hill to a Senate proposal that would force the President to impose sanctions on countries and companies that do business with Iran's central bank. Hours later, however, the Senate passed the measure unanimously, attaching it to the annual defense authorization bill.
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NIAC Statement on Iran Sanctions Vote in Senate
Thursday, December 1, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
The Senate voted today to further punish the Iranian people, to entrench the regime, to punish the U.S. and its allies, and to pave the pathway to war.
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Experts Cast Doubt on Iran Sanctions Strategy
Monday, November 28, 2011
By: Ardavon Naimi - News
Speaking at the Brookings Institution, President Obama's National Security Advisor touted increased sanctions against Iran, but experts said the sanctions largely punished ordinary Iranians and have united political factions in Iran.
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NIAC Welcomes U.N. Resolution on Iran's Human Rights Violations
Friday, November 25, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC reiterates its call for the Iranian government to comply with its human rights obligations, release all prisoners of conscience, and cooperate with the UN human rights monitor established earlier this year.
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Watch: Author Stephen Kinzer Addresses NIAC Members
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
By: NIAC News
Stephen Kinzer, author of the national bestseller "All the Shah's Men," was the special guest speaker at NIAC's 2011 Fall Fundraisers in Encino and Los Gatos, CA. His remarks were captured in a two-part video series by Global Voices for Justice.
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NIAC Launches Sanctions Campaign Page
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
As new broad sanctions efforts ratchet up in Congress and the Obama Administration, NIAC has launched a sanctions campaign page to provide the latest news and information, as well as tools you can use to contact your elected officials to stop indiscriminate sanctions that will hurt ordinary people.
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Assessing Upcoming Iranian Parliamentary Elections
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
By: Ardavon Naimi - News
Farideh Farhi, Yasmin Alem, and Mehrzad Boroujerdi discussed the possible implications of Iran's upcoming Parliamentary elections in March.
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US invokes new sanctions against Iran, Syria next?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
By: RTAmerica
NIAC's Jamal Abdi discusses the IAEA report on Iran and new sanctions proposed against Iran.
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Iran says new sanctions from West "in vain"
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
By: Reuters
The National Iranian American Council advocacy group said the new sanctions would "punish ordinary people for the actions of the Iranian regime" and impede sales of food, medicine, and other humanitarian goods to Iran.
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NPR: Can Sanctions End Iran's Nuclear Ambitions?
Monday, November 21, 2011
By: NPR Talk of the Nation
NPR hosts NIAC President Trita Parsi for a discussion on the efficacy of Iran sanctions and whether better options exist for U.S.-Iran policy.
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New Indiscriminate Iran Sanctions Will Punish Ordinary People
Monday, November 21, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
Today's actions are another tragic example of how our broad economic sanctions against Iran punish ordinary people for the actions of the Iranian regime.
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NPR: In Iran, Secret Plans To Abolish The Presidency?
Monday, November 21, 2011
By: NPR All Things Considered
NPR speaks with NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi about moves in Iran to eliminate the directly elected office of the president.
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USA Today: Iran nuclear sanctions hurt the middle class, not Guards
Thursday, November 17, 2011
By: Oren Dorell, USA Today
Iranian Americans, many of whom travel to Iran periodically, say the sanctions are mostly hurting the Iranian middle class, small-business owners and travelers, says NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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Sanctions Strategy Scrutinized at Atlantic Council Event
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
By: Helia Ighani - News
"Sanctions take time," for coordination and to take effect, said Kimberly Elliott at an Atlantic Council briefing. "If time is really short with Iran and something has to be done quickly, then I think we have to think about the carrots side of the equation."
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Speculation About Israeli Role As Iran Buries IRGC Commander Killed In Blast
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
By: Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL
"Taking credit for something like this may be a valuable point for the internal debate, essentially arguing that these types of covert military action are more successful, less politically costly, and don't have the repercussions a real military assault would have," says Trita Parsi, head of the National Iranian American Council.
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U.S. Officials Warn that New Sanctions Could be a "Boon" to Iran
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
U.S. officials warned Members of Congress at a House Oversight Subcommittee hearing that new Iran sanctions proposed in Congress could raise the price of oil and hurt the U.S. and its allies while benefitting Iran.
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The Iranian-American Game of Chicken
Monday, November 14, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
An increasingly dangerous cycle of miscalculation, misunderstanding and escalation has fostered an Iranian government view that time is on its side.
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Khamenei's Power Consolidation Gambit
Monday, November 14, 2011
By: Sahar Namazikhah & Reza Marashi
Iran's Supreme Leader has embarked upon a sustained strategy of eliminating political opposition; decreasing turbulence during his reign, and shaping Iran's long-term political development around his rule.
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Marginalized Diplomacy Will End in Conflict
Monday, November 14, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
Only sixteen months after the last United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution on Iran was passed, which was supposed to "bring Iran back to the negotiating table," Washington is once again upping the ante.
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NIAC Condemns Endorsement of Military Action on Iran at CBS GOP Debate
Saturday, November 12, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
It is shameful that military action was so flippantly endorsed when it is clear that it would inflict such damage to U.S. national intest and to Iran's democracy movement.
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Al Jazeera English Interviews Trita Parsi and Reza Marashi
Thursday, November 10, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Al Jazeera English interviews NIAC President, Trita Parsi and NIAC Research Director, Reza Marashi.
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Efforts Continue to Stop Hate Speech in TX
Thursday, November 10, 2011
By: Nobar Elmi
Invitation for dialogue and education extended to owner of Nonmacher Bar-B-Q in an effort to turn hate poster incident into an opportunity for friendship rather than a spark for conflict.
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UN's Nuclear Detectives Key to Diplomatic Solution on Iran
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
NIAC President Trita Parsi writes in Salon.com that the new UN report shows that transparency, not sanctions and assassination, will secure U.S interests.
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NIAC Summer 2012 Fellowship Application Now Open
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC is pleased to announce its seventh annual Public Service Fellowship and the second annual Sarafan-Ghorbani Fellowship. These fellowships are the first and only initiatives designed to grant Iranian-American students the opportunity to learn first-hand how the U.S. government works by interning on Capitol Hill.
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NIAC Calls For Texas Restaurant to Take Down Anti-Iranian Hate Poster
Friday, November 4, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC deplores the racist and violent depiction of what is supposed to be a group of cowboys donning "Iranians Sucks" t-shirts while lynching an Iranian on a poster at a restaurant in Katy, Texas.
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CNN: Is Netanyahu bluffing once again?
Friday, November 4, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis
In a guest blog for Fareed Zakaria GPS, NIAC's president writes about the latest episode of Israeli calls for bombing Iran.
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Congress pushes Obama towards war with Iran
Friday, November 4, 2011
By: RT
NIAC policy director Jamal Abdi discusses a new push for indiscriminate sanctions and threats of military action against Iran.
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Take Action: Tell Congress and President Obama - No More Indiscriminate Sanctions!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
By: NIAC Action Alert
Take action to stop new indiscriminate sanctions moving forward in Congress and the White House that punish ordinary Iranians and Iranian Americans for the actions of the Iranian regime.
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House Committee Adopts Indiscriminate Sanctions, Anti-Diplomacy Bill
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council is deeply concerned that the "Iran Threat Reduction Act," as passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee today, will make Americans less safe and will hurt the Iranian people not the regime by making sanctions even more indiscriminate.
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NIAC Summer Senior Fellow: My Washington, DC Experience
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
My summer on Capitol Hill was a very rewarding experience and I was honored to work on Capitol Hill, something most people don't get to do. During my time in the Congresswoman's office, I worked on policy issues and attended hearings, which can become stepping stones to a future in government and policymaking.
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On Iran, Obama Faces Wrath of Congress and the Pro-War Lobby
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi
The "Iran Threat Reduction Act" would actually make it illegal for a U.S. official to speak to Iranian officials unless the President issues a special waiver and provides Congress a 15-day heads up.
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Video: Don't Punish the Iranian People, Say No to Broad Sanctions
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Learn about new indiscriminate sanctions being proposed by Congress and the President that would punish ordinary Iranians and Iranian Americans for the actions of the Iranian regime.
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Clinton announces U.S. "virtual embassy" for Iran
Thursday, October 27, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Clinton urged the Iranian people "that their aspirations for freedom are legitimate" and that tools would be provided to bypass what she referred to as the "electronic curtain that the regime has tried to impose on Iran."
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Court Overturns Sanctions Charges against Iranian American
Thursday, October 27, 2011
By: Sheyda Monshizadeh-Azar
A federal appeals court ordered a new trial for Reza Banki on Monday, overturning key charges that the Iranian American had violated U.S. sanctions laws. Banki was sentenced to two and a half years in prison last year for making and receiving family remittances to Iran through havaleh.
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Congress Hears Recommendations for Escalating Covert and Military Action on Iran
Thursday, October 27, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Panelists at a House Homeland Security hearing recommended a dramatic escalation of U.S. actions against Iran.
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Iranian American Candidate Running for San Francisco District Attorney
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
By: Helia Ighani
"Get involved however you can, whenever you can and unite with fellow Iranian Americans to help all Iranians in the United States and Iran," stressed Sharmin Bock, candidate for San Francisco District Attorney.
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Reuters: Is Ahmadinejad Iran's last president?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
By: Robin Pomeroy and Ramin Mostafavi, Reuters
"Should Iran decide to eliminate the post of a directly elected president, the primary role of a reinstated premiership would be to execute the supreme leader's directives," said NIAC's Reza Marashi.
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UN Human Rights Report on Iran Spotlights "Increasing Trend" of Violations
Thursday, October 20, 2011
By: Helia Ighani - News
The new UN human rights monitor on Iran delivered his interim report to the United Nations on Wednesday stating that Iran has "an increasing trend of alleged violations of the fundamental rights of the people, guaranteed under international law."
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NIAC Summer Senior Fellow: My Time On Capitol Hill
Thursday, October 20, 2011
By: Soheil Shayegh
While working on Capitol Hill is a great experience for any American student interested in policy making, my experience as an Iranian-American was somewhat unique.
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Does Obama Understand What's Been Unleashed?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
In response to the alleged assassination plot, Washington continue to impose the toughest possible sanctions on Iran. But the Obama administration's curious handling of the alleged plot has potentially dangerous ramifications.
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Worldview Radio Interview: Iran accused of plot to kill Saudi ambassador to the U.S.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
By: WBEZ Worldview
WBEZ's Worldview discusses the alleged Iranian plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to the United States with Trita Parsi, director of the National Iranian American Council.
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The Conservative Rise and the Potential Fall of the Presidency
Monday, October 17, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
The Supreme Leader's suggestion that Iran's presidency might be eliminated is part of larger undemocratic trend undemocratic trend in Iranian politics where political change has been engineered and managed.
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CS Monitor: Iran's Khamenei sets stage for a less democratic future
Monday, October 17, 2011
By: Scott Petterson, Christian Science Monitor
Khamenei's comments "reflect ... a nearly decade-long conservative, undemocratic trend in Iranian politics where political change has been engineered and managed," writes Reza Marashi, research director at the National Iranian American Council in Washington.
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Video: State Department Persian-Language Spokesman Addresses Iranian-American Community
Friday, October 14, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
"It is in the interest of both the United States and Iran to have an Iranian citizenry that is informed, connected to each other and to the rest of the world, and empowered relative to its own government," said Alan Eyre, U.S. State Department Persian-Language Spokesman.
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The New Republic: Why Is There Such Widespread Support in DC for a Former Terrorist Group?
Friday, October 14, 2011
By: Emily Cadei, The New Republic
"The only interactions with the Iranian-American community" many in Congress had ever had before NIAC, Abdi recalled, "was with these MEK activists." When it first began reaching out to congressional staffers, its members were surprised by how much confusion they encountered over their agenda and identity.
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Video: Analysts Say New Sanctions Bill Would Increase Gas Prices, Unlikely to Change Iran's Behavior
Thursday, October 13, 2011
By: Helia Ighani - News
A panel of sanctions experts concluded that new sanctions legislation that Congress is considering could create a "very large, very sudden" increase in gas prices in the U.S. and abroad if passed.
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The Iranian American Experience: Overcoming Obstacles and Celebrating Success
Thursday, October 13, 2011
By: Sina Kashefipour
The second panel of the first annual NIAC leadership conference featured sanctions attorney and expert Erich Ferrari, former congressional candidate Darius Shahinfar, and NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi. The main theme that shined through in this panel was the importance of community and civic participation in the wider Iranian-American community.
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Experts Discuss U.S. Iran relations at NIAC Leadership Conference
Thursday, October 13, 2011
By: Loren White
As part of its first annual Leadership Conference last week, NIAC hosted an off the record panel for conference attendees featuring key leaders in the academic and political spheres in the United States and Europe working on Iran-U.S. foreign policy issues.
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The "Come to Jesus" Moment in US-Iran Relations
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
By: Reza Marashi & Trita Parsi - Opinion
If the assassination allegations are true, this deplorable act should be strongly condemned. To that end, the Beltway is already buzzing with calls for a "robust response" that will "send a strong message to Iran." But how?
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NIAC Statement on Alleged Terror Plot
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
Iranian Americans share with all Americans a deep commitment to keeping our country safe, and the actions of the individual indicted in the alleged plot in no way reflects the views of the broader Iranian-American community.
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U.S. Drawn Into Long-Running Iran-Saudi Feud
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
By: Alan Greenblat - NPR
NPR speaks with NIAC President Trita Parsi about the alleged Iranian assassination plot against the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S.
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Iranian Americans: Critical Link Between Washington and Tehran
Thursday, October 6, 2011
By: Stephen Kaufman, U.S. Department of State
"We need to understand that there are a whole lot of other people in Iran that we need to be dealing with, and have a much more sophisticated and expansive relationship [with], and that's the kind of relationship we can really only generate with Iranian Americans," Moran said.
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Analysts Say New Sanctions Bill Would Increase Gas Prices; Unlikely to Change Iran's Behavior
Thursday, October 6, 2011
By: Helia Ighani - News
A panel of sanctions experts concluded Tuesday that new sanctions legislation that Congress is considering could create a "very large, very sudden" increase in gas prices in the U.S. and abroad if passed.
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Iran's growing bluster spells danger
Sunday, October 2, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
The world has grown accustomed to Iranian bluster. But even by the standards of the Islamic Republic, Adm. Habibollah Sayari's call last week to deploy the Iranian navy near the U.S. coast is stunning. The Pentagon knows, of course, that Iranian war vessels won't come near America's shores any time soon.
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On Iran, Turn Rhetoric Into Results
Friday, September 30, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, has sent another letter to the Permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1) lead negotiator, Catherine Ashton, requesting fresh talks to bridge the longstanding divide.
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NIAC Calls for Release of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani
Friday, September 30, 2011
By: NIAC Statement
NIAC calls for the immediate release of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani. The charges of apostasy against Nadarkahni and the death sentence he faces represent a further erosion of human rights and rule of law in Iran, specifically the protection of religious minorities and religious liberty.
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Military and arms control experts call for dialogue with Iran
Friday, September 23, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Admiral Joe Sestak joined nonproliferation experts Mark Fitzpatrick and Greg Thielmann to discuss the need for engagement with Iran to resolve the nuclear issue and prevent a disastrous war.
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House Panel Examines U.S. Human Rights Approaches to Iran and Syria
Friday, September 23, 2011
By: Loren White
"I don't think we should give up efforts at engagement with the Islamic Republic," said Alireza Nader at a House hearing on Thursday. "I do think that it is a valuable tactic in terms of the United States achieving its objectives. I do think Iran's total diplomatic isolation benefits the regime because it isolates the people."
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NIAC Congratulates Freed Americans; Urges Release of Political Prisoners in Iran
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes the release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal from their 782-day detention in Iran's Evin prison. NIAC congratulates Josh, Shane and their families, and calls on Iran to release all political prisoners who remain detained.
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Judge: Harvard Can Keep Persian Artifacts
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
By: Laya Anasu, The Harvard Crimson
"We feel that cultural items should be appreciated by everybody. They shouldn't be seized. There's a need for justice and this is not the way to justice," Jamal D. Abdi, policy director for the National Iranian American Council said.
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Diplomats -- Not Just Journalists -- Should Raise Human Rights With Ahmadinejad - Huffington Post
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
Like any diplomatic effort, multi-level strategies - bilateral and unilateral -- maximize the chances for success. A more practical, real-world focus on human rights in Iran can include bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
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The coming Republican push on Iran - Salon.com
Sunday, September 18, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
Backed by Israel, it's the only foreign policy issue that unites the GOP
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Court Ruling Protects Persian Artifacts in Massachusetts
Friday, September 16, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
A ruling by a Massachusetts District Court yesterday will protect ancient Persian artifacts housed at Harvard University and Boston's Museum of Fine Arts from being seized as part of an attempt collect damages against the Iranian government.
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NIAC on CNN: Don't be fooled: MEK is a terrorist group
Monday, September 12, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi
(CNN) -- Is it possible that a terrorist organization that has killed Americans and tortures its own members could organize a massive lobbying campaign to manipulate U.S. national security decisions? It's happening before our very eyes.
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WikiLeaks Releases involving MEK
Friday, September 9, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
U.S. government cables revealed by Wikileaks include numerous references to the Mujahaddin e-Khalq including evidence that MEK threatens mass suicide as a bargaining chip at Camp Ashraf, engages in human rights abuses, continues its paramilitary training, and falsely presents itself as "democratic" to policymakers.
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Delisting MEK would be a disaster for U.S. national security and the Iranian pro-democracy movement
Friday, August 26, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
The Mujahadeen-e Khalq (MEK), a cult-like Iranian terrorist organization with a history of violence and no support among the Iranian people, has been paying U.S. politicians to help them get off the State Department's terrorist list. They are rallying in front of the State Department today to take the group of the terror list.
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CNN: Supporters of Iranian resistance group rally at State Department
Friday, August 26, 2011
By: NIAC News
"The MEK is pressuring the U.S. to turn its back on the millions of Iranians who have embraced nonviolence in the struggle for democracy," Parsi said, "to instead support an undemocratic terrorist organization."
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The Iran Sanctions Fallacy
Friday, August 26, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
NIAC's Research Director, Reza Marashi, takes on "the Iran sanctions fallacy" in Al Jazeera English. Marashi analyzes the effects of international sanctions that have exacerbated the pain of the middle class struggling with high levels of unemployment.
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Iranian-American Director Reza Badiyi Passes Away
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
By: Loren White
On August 22, 2011 Reza Badiyi, renowned television director, passed away at the UCLA Medical Center at the age of 81.
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Mujahedin Supporters Envision "Tit for Tat" Campaign Against Iran
Friday, August 19, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
The Iran Policy Committee argued that the MEK is not a terrorist organization, and that the group's "hands were tied" by the U.S. terrorist designation. But they suggested that delisting the MEK would enable it to commit attacks within Iran.
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"Iran: A Forgotten Glory" - A Young Artist's Legacy Lives On
Thursday, August 18, 2011
By: Parisa Saranj
"Iran: A Forgotten Glory" is the five-year effort of the young director Makan Karandish. Shot in more than sixty locations, this documentary is a rich source of information about Achaemenids and Sassanids, the two Great Persian Empires.
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Mujahedin Machine vs. The Iranian-American Community
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
By: Trita Parsi
The MEK and neo-conservative elements supporting them have for years been orchestrating attacks against prominent Iranian American individuals and institutions who do not subscribe to their views.
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Joint Expert Statement on Mujahedin-e Khalq
Thursday, August 11, 2011
By: NIAC News
Thirty-seven Iran experts, human rights defenders, and members of Iran's pro-democracy movement published a letter, featured today in the Financial Times, opposing the delisting of the Mujahedin-e Khalq.
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Iran Exile Group Should Stay on Terror List, Say Experts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
By: Anna Fifield, Financial Times
A group of US-based Iran experts including academics, former political prisoners and former officials are saying that removing the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), from the list of terrorist groups would a significant blow to the pro-democracy Green Movement in Iran.
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Huffington Post: Former U.S. Officials Make Millions Advocating For Terrorist Organization
Monday, August 8, 2011
By: Christina Wilkie, Huffington Post
The Huffington Post reveals how a designated terrorist organization, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), is using "front groups" to pay former U.S. officials large speakers' fees to advocate on behalf of the group.
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CS Monitor: Iranian group's big-money push to get off US terrorist list
Monday, August 8, 2011
By: Scott Petterson, Christian Science Monitor
The Christian Science Monitor talks to NIAC's Trita Parsi as part of its special investigation into the MEK and the paid speeches former U.S. officials have made on the MEK's behalf.
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Experts Warn Delisting Iranian Terror Group Would Carry Damaging Repercussions
Thursday, August 4, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
An expert panel convened today to discuss the potential repercussions of an pending decision by the State Department regarding the terrorist designation of the Iranian Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) organization.
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Wall Street Journal Quotes NIAC President
Friday, July 29, 2011
By: Jay Soloman, Wall Street Journal
There is also a concern that Iran might be escalating its conflict with the U.S. in response to the mounting international sanctions being placed on Tehran. "History shows that Iran never responds well to pressure, but escalates," said Trita Parsi, head of the U.S.'s National Iranian American Council.
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Al Jazeera Interviews Reza Marashi on Alleged Nuclear Scientist Killing
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi speaks with Al Jazeera on the alleged killing of Iranian nuclear scientist, Darioush Rezaie.
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Why Delisting the MEK Threatens Iran's Democracy Movement
Thursday, July 21, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
The unprecedented campaign in Washington to remove the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) from the U.S. list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations represents a critical threat to Iran's indigenous democratic movement.
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Despite Iran's Rejection, Human Rights Pressure Continues
Thursday, July 21, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Iran announced on Monday that it would not permit the recently appointed United Nations human rights monitor on Iran to enter the country to report on the human rights situation.
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Education through Art
Thursday, July 21, 2011
By: Jayhon Ghassem-Zadeh - News
Iranian-Americans are turning to the pen, brush and camera to express their ideologies and promote awareness of our rich culture, history, geography and the political/social inequities that exist in Iran.
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Truthout: War With Iran? US Neocons Aim to Repeat Chalabi-Style Swindle
Friday, July 15, 2011
By: Ali Fatemi & Karim Pakravan, Truthout
A segment of our political establishment that is chafing at the bit for a military attack on Iran has found their Iraqi National Congress, in the form of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization.
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Congressional Leaders Voice Support for MEK Violence
Monday, July 11, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Supporters of removing the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) from the U.S. terrorism list convened a hearing on Capitol Hill last week in which they justified the MEK's use of violence and even cult-like behavior in support of toppling the Iranian regime.
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Tell the U.S. Government to Say NO to Mujahedin
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Sometime in August, Secretary Clinton will decide whether to keep the Mujahedin-e Khalq on the US's terrorist list. This is a decision that will have significant implications for the Iranian-American community, the United States and the people of Iran.
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New Sanctions Do Not Prohibit Iranian Americans from Flying Iran Air
Friday, July 1, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Officials at the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control and State Department have confirmed to NIAC that indeed U.S. individuals may continue to purchase tickets and fly on Iran Air.
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Washington's Favorite Terrorists
Thursday, June 30, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis
In a matter of weeks, the MEK terrorist organization may succeed in getting removed from the terrorist list -- not as a result of any change of heart -- but as a result of an unprecedented multi-million dollar media and lobbying blitz.
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Iranian Students in U.S. Organize to Turn Visa Nightmare into Dream Come True
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - Profile
Powered by Skype and other tools, Iranian students from across the U.S. created a new group, MEVISA, dedicated to changing the single-entry visa policy.
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Iran: The Next Generation
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
By: Reza Marashi and Jason Rezaian - Analysis
For several weeks now, observers and analysts of Iran have been referring to an emerging rift between the Iranian president and the country's Supreme Leader. The recent back-and-forth between Ahmadinejad and Khamenei reflects a deeper generational shift.
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Ambassador Profile: Shawn Amoei - An Activist in the Making
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani
Shawn first began his activism work as a high school student in Texas when a friend of his who had grown up in the United States was deported to Mexico because he was undocumented.
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Former Ambassador to Iran Briefs Hill on Engagement and Democracy Opportunities
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
By: Jayhon Ghassem-Zadeh
On Monday, NIAC hosted former Italian Ambassador to Iran Roberto Toscano for a Congressional briefing entitled, "Iran: New Opportunities for Engagement and Democracy?"
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NIAC Hosts Iran Sanctions Information Session w/ Erich Ferrari
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
On June 28th 2011, author and Iran sanctions expert Erich Ferrari spoke about Iran sanctions and how they effect Iranian-Americans. This was part of NIAC's online webinar series.
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NIAC Deeply Concerned by Civilian Airline Sanctions
Thursday, June 23, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC is deeply concerned about today's announcement of United States sanctions against Iran Air. These sanctions fail to target the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and instead will punish and further isolate ordinary Iranians.
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Bolton Receives Warm Reception as He Tells Congress to Bomb Iran, Support MEK
Thursday, June 23, 2011
By: David Shams - News
"I've argued for [military strikes against Iran] for about three and a half years," John Bolton told the House Foreign Affairs Committee today. "It's a big mistake to conclude, as I believe the Administration has, that a nuclear Iran can be contained and deterred."
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Parisa Hafezi Receives Prestigious Award for Journalism
Thursday, June 23, 2011
By: Jayhon Ghassem-Zadeh - News
Hafezi is the first Iranian bureau chief working for foreign media in Tehran and the only non-westerner, female Reuters bureau chief in the Middle East. She continues to be instrumental in covering all matters in Iran, despite the profound occupational hazards that have threatened her life and the lives of her family members.
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The Turkey-Brazil-Iran Deal, One Year Later
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
One year after a deal to remove over one ton of nuclear fuel from Iran was rejected by the U.S., experts assessed why the deal was scuttled and what have been the resulting implications.
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U.S. Treasury Clarifies Sanctions Laws Regarding Food and Medicine to Iran
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
By: David Shams - News
The U.S. Treasury issued guidance on Monday that donations of food and medicine for the relief of human suffering are exempt from U.S. export sanctions against Iran. The guidance does not represent a change in policy, but rather is a formal clarification of existing laws and regulations.
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NIAC Welcomes Appointment of Human Rights Monitor, Calls for Iran to Cooperate
Monday, June 20, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes the appointment by the U.N. Human Rights Council of Ahmed Shaheed as the human rights monitor for Iran and calls on Iran to allow Mr. Shaheed to investigate Iran's human rights record without interference
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Podcast: Interview with Sarah Shourd
Friday, June 17, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Listen to NIAC's "Let's Talk Iran" podcast for an exclusive interview with American hiker, Sarah Shourd.
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Bush White House Implicated in Smear Campaign Against NIAC Advisory Board Member
Thursday, June 16, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
A former top CIA official under the Bush Administration revealed that the White House may have been directly involved in a neoconservative campaign to discredit Iraq war critic and NIAC Advisory Board Member Professor Juan Cole.
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Watch: Maziar Bahari Discusses Imprisonment, How Iranian Americans Can Support Human Rights
Thursday, June 16, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC presents an exclusive interview (in Persian) with award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, and human rights activist Maziar Bahari. His newest book, Then They Came for Me: A Family's Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival, chronicles the 118 days he spent in a six-by-twelve-feet prison cell in Tehran's notorious Evin prison.
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The New International Focus on Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, June 16, 2011
By: Dokhi Fassihian - Analysis
The establishment of a UN human rights monitor on Iran represents hard-won leverage by the international community to press for change.
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Experts Warn Against "the Military Option"
Friday, June 10, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
"Until we have exhausted the diplomatic route, and I don't think we have, it is not possible to say it won't work," said Thomas Pickering, a career U.S. Ambassador and former Representative to the United Nations.
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As Sanctions Ratchet Up, Iranian Americans Bear Increasing Burdens
Friday, June 10, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
The civil rights organization Asian Law Caucus released, The Impact of U.S. Sanctions Against Iran on You, which lays out some of the effects of sanctions on ordinary Iranian Americans and provides guidance for how to navigate the maze of new and existing restrictions.
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NIAC Commends Targeted Human Rights Measures Against IRGC, Basij
Thursday, June 9, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC commends today's announcement that the Obama Administration is designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Basij paramilitary, Iran's national police and its chief for U.S. financial and visa restrictions due to their involvement in human rights abuses against the Iranian people.
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Release Josh and Shane -- and All Prisoners of Conscience in the Islamic Republic
Monday, June 6, 2011
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
Today, I carry the torch of a rolling hunger strike for Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, two American journalists who have been detained in Iran for more than twenty months without a trial.
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Why sanctions against Iran won't work
Saturday, June 4, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
For decision-makers in Tehran, the heart of the matter is how they perceive that the West will (and will not) react to its foreign policy posturing in general and the nuclear question in particular. The Iranian narrative can be summarized as follows: Former President Mohammad Khatami's détente failed, so Iran must now deal with the West from a position of strength.
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Israeli Prime Minister's Washington Visit Reignites Threats of War and New Sanctions
Friday, June 3, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Prime Minister Netanyahu's calls for military threats on Iran drew a standing ovation from the House and Senate, which introduced new legislation to endorse Israeli military strikes and impose an oil embargo on Iran.
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Joint Letter to Congress on New Iran Sanctions Bills
Thursday, June 2, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC and leading Iranian-American, Jewish-American, arms control, democracy, human rights and pro-peace organizations called on the House and Senate to oppose or demand significant changes to new Iran sanctions legislation.
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NIAC Condemns the Killing of Haleh Sahabi
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing today of Haleh Sahabi and calls on Iran's government to release all prisoners of conscience and end its campaign of systematic repression.
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NIAC Organizing Visa Policy Q&A with State Dept.
Friday, May 27, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
In an effort to assist Iranian students who want to, or are currently studying in the U.S., NIACampus is hosting an interactive webinar Thursday with officials from U.S. Department of State for a question and answer session.
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Building on the Student Visa Victory: the Work and Opportunities Ahead
Thursday, May 26, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
The Iranian student visa fix is a profound example of how, in the absence of sweeping solutions in U.S.-Iran policy, there remain seemingly small but immensely important steps the U.S. can take to build goodwill with the Iranian people.
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NPR: Political Problems Mounting For Iran's Ahmadinejad
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
By: Mike Shuster, NPR
"There are no good guys in this fight, but there can be a good outcome if this further weakens them and enables the political spectrum in Iran to expand rather than shrink, which is exactly what it's been doing in the last 10 years," Parsi says.
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NIAC Ambassador: A Leader within the Iranian-American Community
Monday, May 23, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani
"A community of immigrants is always struggling with identity issues and its place in society. The key is to believe that we are making a difference and I do believe that with all my heart," said Annahita Mahdavi, NIAC Ambassador.
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Obama Fixes Visa Policy for Iranian Students
Friday, May 20, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC applauds the Obama Administration's decision to repeal the Single-Entry Visa policy for Iranian students. The decision will expand opportunities for Iranians to study in the US at a time when record numbers of Iranian youth seek to escape repression in Iran.
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House Unveils Bill to Expand Sanctions, Impose Oil Embargo on Iran
Thursday, May 19, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Top members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee have introduced new legislation designed to implement new "crippling sanctions" against Iran, including an embargo on Iranian oil exports that would bring the U.S. closer to imposing the types of sanctions carried out against Saddam Hussein's Iraq.
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NIAC Welcomes New Additions to the Board of Directors
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
By: Lily Samimi
"The Iranian American community is an energetic, successful, and vital member of the American family. It is my hope that NIAC will continue to grow its membership, foster deeper ties to policymakers and the American public at large, and expand active participation in the democratic process, "said Dr. Shokooh Miry, NIAC Board Member.
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The Geopolitical Battle for the Arab Street
Monday, May 16, 2011
By: Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi - Analysis
NIAC's Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi examine the growing rivalry between America-Israel-Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey for dominance on the Arab Street in Cairo Review of Global Affairs.
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Reuters: Iranians surf shark-infested, state-controlled web
Saturday, May 14, 2011
By: Robin Pomeroy, Reuters - News
Reuters quotes NIAC's Reza Marashi about the Iranian government's efforts to "quarantine" its population from the global Internet.
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Administration Officials Emphasize Multilateral Successes on Iran as Congress Considers New Unilateral Sanctions
Friday, May 13, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
As Congress prepares a new round of unilateral Iran sanctions, two top State Department officials discussed the Obama administration's approach to Iran's human rights situation last Wednesday before the Middle East subcommittee of Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
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Urge Obama to Fix the Single-Entry Visa Policy for Iranian Students Once and For All
Thursday, May 12, 2011
By: NIAC Action Alert
Our call for the U.S. to fix the Single-Entry visa policy is gaining ground. Take action now to build on this momentum so that Iranian students in the U.S. are no longer prevented from visiting their family, attending academic conferences, or leaving the country without losing their visa.
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PARSA CF Awards Major Grants to Civic Engagement Organizations
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
By: PARSA Community Foundation
Following its grants to IAAB and IHF, and as a part of its Mehrgan 2010 Grant Cycle, PARSA Community Foundation is pleased to announce a series of strategic grants to Iranian-American organizations promoting civic engagement and civil liberties protection.
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Analysis: Human Rights Component of New Iran Sanctions Effort is Far Too Limited
Monday, May 9, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) has introduced the "human rights component" of what will be a "massive" Iran sanctions package expected in time for the AIPAC conference later this month.
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California Democrats Endorse Iranian Student Visa Fix, Human Rights
Friday, May 6, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
The California Democratic Party voted overwhelmingly to build bridges between the American and Iranian peoples and to express its support for the nonviolent human rights and democracy movement in Iran at its annual convention in Sacramento this weekend.
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Azadeh Shahshahani - Defending Our Civil Rights
Thursday, May 5, 2011
By: Lily Samimi
Anti-immigrant prejudice coupled with constant discrimination facing our community due to events unfolding in the Middle East, does not provide an easy playing field for immigrants' rights and civil rights lawyers. However, there is one person that continues to vigorously fight for our civil rights.
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The Islamic Republic's Emerging Cyber War
Saturday, April 30, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
While foreign-inspired virus attacks command the attention of policymakers and pundits in the West, the Islamic Republic's long-term cyber war strategy is slowly succeeding.
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Iranian Nuclear Issue Predicted to Reemerge as U.S. Presidential Campaign Begins
Friday, April 29, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani - News
While uprisings in Arab states have dominated much of Washington's conversation about the Middle East this year, Geoffrey Kemp of the Center for National Interest predicted that Iran's nuclear program, and the potential for U.S. military confrontation, will return soon as a major campaign issue.
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Controversial NSEERS Program Terminated
Friday, April 29, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani - News
On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security terminated its controversial NSEERS (National Security Entry-Exit Registration System) program. The NSEERS program mandated the registration of all young males from over 20 specially designated countries, including Iran, who came to the U.S. on temporary visas.
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NIAC Hosts Shirin Ebadi for Discussion on Human Rights, Engagement, and War
Thursday, April 28, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Speaking before an audience of NIAC members this past Saturday, Dr. Shirin Ebadi encouraged international focus on the human rights situation in Iran and warned that war, or threats of an attack on Iran, would be devastating for the country's indigenous human rights and democracy movement.
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NIAC Ambassador - Defending the Iranian American's Voice
Thursday, April 28, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani
NIAC Ambassador, Sepideh Mortazavi, hopes to educate Iranians more about the political process in order to make the Iranian American community's voice heard clearly before political decisions are made.
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NIAC Hosts Shirin Ebadi for In-Depth Conversation on Iran Policy & Human Rights
Monday, April 25, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC hosted a forum on Iran policy and human rights with Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi on Saturday April 23rd in McLean, VA.
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New Legislation Targets Iranian Civilian Flights
Thursday, April 21, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) recently introduced H.R. 1655, a bill that would strip the President's authority to allow civilian aircraft parts and repairs to be sent into Iran to prevent humanitarian tragedy.
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Stop Congress from Targeting Iranian Passenger Planes
Thursday, April 21, 2011
By: NIAC Action Alert
Take action to oppose new legislation that would strip President Obama's authority to allow civilian aircraft parts and repairs to be sent into Iran to prevent humanitarian tragedy.
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NIAC Ambassador Strives to Connect the Younger Generations
Thursday, April 21, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani
"Our history has been filled with experiences of loss and disempowerment, and I believe getting involved in our community can help us work through some of the adverse effects of our recent history and to gain a stronger sense of belonging," said Nasrin Rahimieh.
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Senator Kyl Calls for Harsher Sanctions to "Assist" Iranians
Friday, April 15, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani - News
Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) called for harsher sanctions against Iran this week, saying that regular Iranians would be willing to suffer if the U.S. makes the case that such punishment is intended to help them.
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Heritage Foundation Calls for Harsher Sanctions, Regime Change
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
Panelists at a Heritage Foundation event called for the US to impose harsher sanctions backed by a "credible threat of force" against Iran.
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NIAC Launches Student Initiative: NIACampus
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC believes in giving Iranian-American students the support they need to succeed. For the first time, these students will have a one-stop-shop for information as well as a way to connect with their peers on campuses across the country.
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Iranian-American Reflections from the Campaign Trail
Thursday, April 7, 2011
By: Nobar Elmi - News
NIAC spoke with Mark Ameli who ran for a seat as a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge in the largest county in United States. Mark's reflections from the campaign trail provide good insight into the high stakes game of politics.
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Senator Graham Calls for Military Strikes on Iran if Sanctions Fail
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) reiterated his call for the US to "neuter" Iran through military action if sanctions fail to stop its nuclear program.
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Inspections-Based Solution to Nuclear Issue Assessed at NIAC Capitol Hill Briefing
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC hosted Charles Ferguson, President of the Federation of American Scientists, a Congressional briefing on Friday entitled "Iran's Nuclear Program: Can an Inspections-Based Solution Work?"
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Former Italian Ambassador to Iran Discusses Opportunities for Pro-Democracy Movement
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani - News
Roberto Toscano, former Italian Ambassador to Iran, discussed the political and social dynamics that the Green Movement must address to be successful at the Wilson Center on Monday.
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Panel Debates Opportunities for Iran Engagement
Monday, April 4, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
The merits of engaging Iran were debated by panelists last week at the launching of the Atlantic Council Iran Task Force's second publication, "'Strategically Lonely' Iran Exploits Opportunities for Regional Influence".
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How Obama Can Reach the Iranian People: Start With Visas
Friday, April 1, 2011
By: Jamal Abdi and Trita Parsi - Opinion
There are a number of important steps the President can take to build goodwill with the Iranian people, such as addressing the Single Entry Visa policy for Iranian students.
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Reform in the Iranian Electoral System
Friday, April 1, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
Yasmin Alem, author of a new publication on the Iranian electoral system, led a panel examining Iran's elections processes and discussing potential reforms.
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US Court Overturns Ruling on Persian Artifacts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
By: Voice of America
Voice of America cites NIAC's contention that ancient Persian antiquities are part of the cultural heritage of Iran and not the property of the Iranian government - and should not be subject to seizure in US lawsuits.
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Court Decision a Reprieve for Persian Artifacts
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iranian Americans and the museum community concerned about the possible seizure of precious Iranian artifacts won an important reprieve in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals today.
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Subsidy Reform & Regime Resilience in Iran
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
Though still in its infant stages, subsidy reform demonstrates the interrelationship between Iran's economic realities and the government's efforts to remain in control.
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Experts: Nonviolence, Human Rights Focus are Best Options for Iran's Democracy Movement
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani - News
"Violence can achieve short-term results quickly, but after that has been achieved, then problems arise," said Roberto Toscano, Italian ambassador to Iran from 2003 to 2008.
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Yahoo News: U.N. rights body votes to appoint Iran human rights monitor
Thursday, March 24, 2011
By: Laura Rozen
Yahoo News reports on the establishment of a UN human rights monitor on Iran and NIAC's efforts to support this measure.
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U.S. Engagement Delivers Concrete Action to Support the Iranian People
Thursday, March 24, 2011
By: David Elliott - Opinion
The international community took its strongest action to-date in support of human rights in Iran today, in a major victory for President Obama's policy of engagement at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). Yet, this accomplishment did not come without controversy.
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NIAC Applauds Today's Establishment of Human Rights Monitor on Iran
Thursday, March 24, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) strongly supports today's successful vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) to establish an independent UN human rights monitor on Iran.
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Proposal at U.N. Body Puts Focus on Iran's Human Rights Record
Friday, March 18, 2011
By: Jeff Baron, America.gov
America.gov's Jeff Baron writes about how diplomats and rights activists spoke at NIAC's human rights conference in support of a critical multinational effort to push for human rights in Iran.
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The Atlantic: A New Opportunity for the U.S. to Promote Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, March 17, 2011
By: Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi
NIAC's Reza Marashi and Trita Parsi present three ideas for how President Obama can support human rights in Iran and leverage the Arab uprising in The Atlantic.
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US and Swedish Officials Outline Human Rights Initiative at NIAC Conference
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
"This effort is not about grandstanding or showdown, but about action on a practical step that we hope will lead to change over time," declared U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Suzanne Nossel, discussing efforts now underway at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to establish a human rights monitor on Iran.
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Holding Iran Accountable for its Human Rights Record
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
By: Joanne Levine, U.S. Department of State
Deputy Assistant Secretary Suzanne Nossel spoke today on Capitol Hill at an event sponsored by the National Iranian American Council to make the case for creating a Special Rappateur on Iran at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
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NIAC Commends UN Human Rights Council Efforts on Iran
Monday, March 14, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC commends efforts underway at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) to productively address the continued campaign of human rights abuses in Iran.
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Congress Clashes over U.S. Participation at the Human Rights Council
Friday, March 11, 2011
By: Sarah Ravani - News
Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee clashed over U.S. participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) last week.
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NIAC Conference: Answering the Iranian People's Call for Human Rights
Thursday, March 10, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC's human rights conference will feature Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Suzanne Nossel, Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafström, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairman Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Nazila Fathi of the New York Times.
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Outstanding Iranian-American Students Selected as Summer Fellows
Thursday, March 3, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
This year, NIAC received a record number of applications from very qualified Iranian-American students from across the country. After careful consideration and much internal deliberation, we are proud to announce the selected students for the 2011 Summer Fellowship Program.
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Answers to Common Questions Surrounding Inheritances in Iran
Thursday, March 3, 2011
By: Erich Ferrari, Ferrari Legal
Although seemingly a difficult task, managing an inheritance in Iran can be done and done legally. With the right knowledge and a proactive approach you can successfully transfer your inheritance from Iran.
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Clinton Testifies on Iran Sanctions, Nuclear Enrichment, and the MEK
Thursday, March 3, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before two Congressional hearings that featured a series of pointed exchanges regarding Iran's nuclear program, US sanctions, and the terrorist designation of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK).
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Arrest of Iranian Opposition Leaders Further Demonstrates Need for International Efforts
Monday, February 28, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Iranian opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi and reiterates its call for the international community to take serious steps to address human rights violations in Iran.
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The Role of Brazil and Turkey in Nuclear Negotiations with Iran
Friday, February 25, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
An expert panel convened at the Wilson Center to assess the dynamics surrounding the May 2010 "Tehran Declaration" brokered by Brazil and Turkey, and the role those countries can play going forward.
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Experts Discuss Impact of Iran Sanctions
Thursday, February 24, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
"We don't really have evidence at this stage that sanctions work," said Brookings Institution senior fellow Suzanne Maloney on Friday. "They haven't produced compromise, even though ... the sanctions regime is far more muscular than it has ever been."
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NIAC Commends Targeted Human Rights Measures
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC commends today's announcement that the Obama Administration is designating Basij Commander Mohammed Reza Naqdi and Tehran Prosecutor General Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi for US financial and visa restrictions due to their involvement in human rights abuses against the Iranian people.
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Iran Raises The Stakes: The Istanbul Talks & Iran's Political Psychology
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Analysis
The political psychology of talks with the P5+1and fluid facts on the ground throughout the region hardened Iran's stance during talks in Istanbul.
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NIAC Expands Ambassador Program
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
Thanks to the overwhelming support from our members, we are pleased to announce the expansion of our Ambassador Program.
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Give Back this Norooz
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC is proud to announce the first of what promises to be an annual tradition of unity, community and giving back the National Iranian-American Day of Service.
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Sen. Lieberman Presents Plan for Confronting Iran in Speech to AIPAC
Thursday, February 17, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
Senator Joe Lieberman spoke before the AIPAC Board of Directors on Tuesday about confronting Iran, stating that "we must be prepared to do whatever is necessary to prevent the unacceptable."
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US Officials Offer Little Clarity On Unintended Consequences of Iran Sanctions
Thursday, February 17, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
Senior State and Treasury Department officials convened last week to discuss the implementation of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act (CISADA) of 2010, but failed to offer concrete guidance to a large audience of legal professionals trying to navigate the complex legislation.
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CBC Video: Iran Uprising
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
By: CBC News Now
CBC News Now interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi about the recent demonstrations in Iran.
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NIAC Applauds Senate Call for Human Rights Monitor
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC applauds Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) and 23 other Senators who today called for the Obama Administration to work with the international community to establish an independent UN human rights monitor on Iran when the UN Human Rights Council convenes this March.
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CNN Video: Could Iran be the next Egypt?
Monday, February 14, 2011
By: Brian Todd, CNN
CNN interviews NIAC President Trita Parsi on protests in Iran and the government's efforts to crush them.
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Take Action to Help Stop Human Rights Abuses in Iran
Friday, February 11, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
The threats, abuses, and political killings in Iran must stop. The UN has a chance to finally take serious measures to help stop these horrific abuses. Take action now and you add your voice to the call for serious action on human rights in Iran at the UN.
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Neoconservative Film Makes Case for Crippling Sanctions, Military Action against Iran
Thursday, February 10, 2011
By: Todd Ruffner - News
"Iran is at war with the United States, and we are not responding," declared Michael Ledeen at the February 8th screening of a new film, Iranium, on Capitol Hill. The film calls for "crippling sanctions" against Iran and asserts that "if economic pressure is not successful then military force may be utilized."
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Experts Debate Iran Options, Reject Military Confrontation
Friday, February 4, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
Foreign policy and non-proliferation experts convened yesterday to discuss "principled and pragmatic" solutions to dealing with Iran.
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Independent UN Experts Call for Moratorium on Death Penalty in Iran
Friday, February 4, 2011
By: David Elliott - News
Two independent UN experts called for Iran to halt executions on Wednesday, warning that there had been a dramatic surge in death sentences carried out in the absence of internationally recognized safeguards for fair trails.
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NIAC Joins IABA, Coalition in Amicus Brief for Iranian American
Friday, February 4, 2011
By: NIAC News
On August 16, 2010, Iranian-American Mahmoud Reza Banki was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and ordered to forfeit $3.4 million for making family remittances to Iran.
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Iranian Americans Laying the Groundwork for Community's Future
Friday, February 4, 2011
By: Nobar Elmi - News
What started off as a casual conversation on the importance of preserving the Iranian culture for future generations has slowly taken shape into an organized group known as the Iranian American Community Center (IACC).
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Experts Debate Iran Options, Reject Military Confrontation
Friday, February 4, 2011
By: Sarah Oliai - News
Foreign policy and non-proliferation experts convened yesterday to discuss "principled and pragmatic" solutions to dealing with Iran.
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Expert Panel Contends Diplomacy, Verification Solution Can Resolve Iranian Nuclear Issue
Friday, January 21, 2011
By: Todd Ruffner - News
A panel of nuclear nonproliferation and foreign policy experts explained the necessity of serious diplomacy with Iran and outlined concrete steps for a solution to the nuclear issue.
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Leading Diplomats, Experts and Organizations Call on Obama to Reinvigorate Diplomacy with Iran
Thursday, January 20, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
On the eve of talks between the P5+1 and Iran in Istanbul, a diverse group of leading diplomats, experts, and organizations have called on the Obama Administration to reinvigorate diplomacy with Iran.
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The Heavy Costs of War with Iran
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
By: Reza Marashi - Opinion
Political memory in the United States can be remarkably short. At the end of the Bush administration and throughout the 2008 presidential campaign, it became clear that the majority of Americans wanted U.S. domestic and foreign policies to change for the better.
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Stanford Distances Itself From Professor's Discriminatory Remarks
Thursday, January 13, 2011
By: NIAC News
Stanford University has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by a faculty member regarding the prospects for Iranians to be admitted to the school.
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How U.S. Laws Can Affect Your Personal Affairs in Iran
Thursday, January 13, 2011
By: Special Contributor, Farhad R. Alavi
U.S. sanctions against Iran are very strict and comprehensive. Most day to day activities are regulated by OFAC, which is tasked with enforcing the Iranian Transactions Regulations (ITR), a body of regulations governing the trade in goods, services, and technology between the United States and Iran.
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NIAC Welcomes New Program Associate
Thursday, January 13, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC is thrilled to announce our new Program Associate, Lily Samimi who will be assisting in our efforts to promote a strong, cohesive Iranian-American community.
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Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions Demonstrate Need for Serious International Efforts
Monday, January 10, 2011
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns today's sentencing of prominent human rights lawyers Nasrin Sotoudeh and Shiva Nazar Ahari, and the December sentence handed down against Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi.
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NIAC Calls for Stanford to Address Professor's Discriminatory Anti-Iranian Remarks
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC has called on Stanford to take disciplinary measures and to clarify the university's position regarding racially discriminatory remarks made about Iranians by a professor.
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Our 2011 New Year's Resolutions
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
By: NIAC Staff
Welcome back from the holiday break. As we begin 2011, we at NIAC stopped to reflect upon the years past and brainstorm about the year ahead. A strong nine years in, we have a lot to be proud of and thankful for. We've crossed many roads, jumped many hurdles and we've only just begun.
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RFERL: Salehi Stands In As Iran's New Foreign Minister -- But For How Long?
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
By: NIAC In the News
NIAC President, Trita Parsi talked with Robert Tait at Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty about acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi's role in pushing for Iran's nuclear program and developing relations with neighboring Arab countries.
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Congressional Gridlock Blocks Progress on Iranian Single-Entry Student Visas
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
By: NIAC News
A report requiring the Obama administration to investigate how to increase opportunities for Iranian students to study in the US was stripped from the defense bill that passed Congress.
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NIAC Commends Serious Proposal to Help Prevent War in Defense Authorization
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC strongly supports the advancement of a Congressional provision regarding a potential Incidents at Sea agreement between the US, Iran, and other states to avoid military confrontation in the Persian Gulf.
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Reuters: Iran looks to Turkey for support in nuclear dispute
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
By: NIAC In the News
Jon Hemming at Reuters discussed Iran's efforts to gather support from Turkey on Iran's nuclear program. NIAC President, Trita Parsi shared his views on Iran's position on talks with P5+1 countries.
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Iran's Human Rights Situation Receives Much Concern, Little Action at UN Human Rights Council
Monday, December 20, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iran was the top country of concern at the United Nations Human Rights Council over the past year, yet the body has failed to take any concrete steps to address Iran's human rights situation.
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Pro-Iran War Resolution Fizzles but Further Push for Military Options May Be on Horizon
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
A resolution introduced by 47 House Republicans endorsing Israeli military strikes on Iran will expire at the end of they year, but there are signals that a new Congress may renew a push for war with Iran.
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NYT: Iranian Leader Suddenly Fires Top Diplomat
Monday, December 13, 2010
By: NIAC In the News
William Tong at the New York Times discussed President Ahmadinejad's recent move in firing Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki. NIAC President, Trita Parsi, expressed his take on Ahmadinejad's sudden move.
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Scholar Discusses Tension Between Ahmadinejad and the Majlis
Friday, December 10, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
According to Bahman Baktiari, President Ahmadinejad is facing an unprecedented level of confrontation with the Majlis--Iran's Parliament--on key topics including economic and foreign policy.
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Mom's Against Poverty Granted US Approval for Humanitarian Work in Iran
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Mom's Against Poverty, a humanitarian organization based in the United States that is focused on advancing the quality of life for children, has received permission from OFAC to start work in Iran.
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The US Navy's Dangerous Name Game in the Persian Gulf
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
In a move that threatens to exacerbate tensions in a region already pushed to the brink, the US Navy recently circulated an official directive to its personnel to refer to the Persian Gulf by the propaganda term "Arabian Gulf."
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A Message from the President
Monday, December 6, 2010
By: Trita Parsi
NIAC has come a long way from our humble beginnings in 2002. During this time, we have grown a nationwide network and made important gains for the community.
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New Sanctions, Delisting MEK from Terror List, and War Options Top House Committee's Iran Agenda
Friday, December 3, 2010
By: NIAC News
As the House of Representatives prepares to switch from Democratic to Republican control in January, signals of the coming Iran agenda were on display at a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing Wednesday.
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NPR: Leaks Cast Doubt Over U.S. Intent On Iran Diplomacy
Friday, December 3, 2010
By: NIAC In the News
NIAC's Research Director Reza Marashi discussed what the Wikileaks cables reveal about Obama's Iran diplomacy efforts on NPR's Morning Edition.
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Major New Grant Awards Will Help Build the Capacity of Iranian-Americans
Thursday, December 2, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC has received three major grant awards totaling $446,000 from the Parsa Community Foundation, the leading philanthropic organization serving the Iranian-American community.
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WikiLeaks: US-Iran Relations "Now What" Moment?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
By: Reza Marashi
As negotiations in Geneva commence this weekend, it would be wise for both sides to utilize lessons learned -- from the previous round of diplomacy, and from the WikiLeaks debacle -- to maximize the chances for successful diplomacy.
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Video: NIAC President and Board Member Discuss Wikileaks and War with Iran on MSNBC
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Trita Parsi and Juan Cole appeared on MSNBC to discuss revelations from the Wikileaks release of US diplomatic cables and the implications for US policy, the Middle East, and preventing war with Iran.
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Iran's Nuclear Slowdown Discussed by Experts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Top experts at a briefing hosted by the Arms Control Association (ACA) discussed "The Status of Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs."
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NIAC President on NPR to Discuss Consequences of Wikileaks for US Iran Policy
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
By: NPR's To The Point
Trita Parsi was a guest on NPR's 'To the Point' and discussed what recent Wikileaks revelations will mean for future choices regarding US engagement with Iran. (Dr. Parsi's segment begins at 16:08.)
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NIAC Seeking Program Assistant
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is seeking a Program Assistant to provide necessary programmatic, logistical, technical and administrative support for NIAC's events in locations across the country
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Iraq War Architect Rejects Iran Engagement, Advocates for US-led "Regime Change"
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Speaking at an event on Monday, the Chairman of Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee under President Bush called diplomatic solutions regarding Iran "nonsense" and called for a shift to US-led regime change.
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Iranian-American Organizations Host Leadership Summit
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
Some of the most active Iranian-American organizations recently met to identify the Iranian-American community's most pressing needs and to coordinate to ensure fluid communication, while recognizing each other's independence and individual viewpoints.
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MEK Supporters in Congress Turn up Pressure on Administration to Take Group off Terrorist List
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
By: NIAC News
Efforts in the House of Representatives to press the Obama Administration to remove the Mujahadeen-e-Khalq (MEK) from the United States list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations have accelerated in the past week.
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Experts Urge US to Recalibrate Iran Engagement Efforts
Friday, November 19, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
With negotiations with Iran expected to commence soon, the Stimson Center and the US Institute of Peace this week released a report offering recommendations for a successful engagement strategy.
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NIAC Renews Call for UN Human Rights Monitor on Iran
Thursday, November 18, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes today's advancement of a United Nations resolution concerning the situation of human rights in Iran but is deeply disappointed that the resolution fails to establish a mandate for an independent human rights monitor on Iran.
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Conference Focuses on "Regime Change" in Iran through U.S., Western Intervention
Thursday, November 18, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
On Wednesday, the neoconservative group Freedom Watch held a conference "to help convince the new Congress ... to push harder for U.S. and western intervention to remove this dangerous radical Islamic regime before it is too late."
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Lieberman to Push for Iran War Resolution?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
Senator Joe Lieberman on Tuesday signaled that the incoming Congress may consider endorsing war with Iran.
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NIAC Members Vote Overwhelmingly to Oppose War, Support Human Rights
Monday, November 15, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The National Iranian American Council recently conducted its annual Member survey to help establish NIAC's priorities for the coming year.
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Questions Linger About Nokia Siemens Involvement in Iran
Monday, November 15, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Ali Herischi, attorney representing Isa and Mehdi Saharkhiz in a lawsuit against Nokia Siemens Networks, along with members of the global community dispute Nokia's allegations that they have ended their involvement with the Iranian government.
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NIAC Staff Members Coauthor "Silencing Iran's Twitterati"
Friday, November 12, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is proud to have the work of several NIAC staff members featured in the new book, Media, Power, and Politics in the Digital Age: The 2009 Presidential Election Uprising in Iran.
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Want to Defuse the Iran Crisis?
Friday, November 12, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi and Reza Marashi - Opinion
NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi and President Trita Parsi outline five lessons for US negotiators at the upcoming P5+1 talks with Iran in Foreign Policy magazine.
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The Washington Diplomat Profiles NIAC President
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
By: Michael Coleman (The Washington Diplomat)
The independent monthly newspaper, The Washington Diplomat, profiled NIAC President Trita Parsi for its "People of World Influence" feature.
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United 4 Iran: Send an E-Letter for Safe Release of Iranian Human Rights Lawyer
Monday, November 8, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi urges all to send an e-letter for the safe release of Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh.
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Republican Iran Saber Rattling is Bad for National Security and Harmful for Iranian Human Rights Defenders
Sunday, November 7, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC deplores Senator Lindsey Graham's dangerous rhetoric calling for the US to "neuter" Iran through military action
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Time for Obama to call his opponents' bluff on Iran
Friday, November 5, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
With Republicans now sharing the burden of governing in the next Congress, President Obama has an opportunity to define the terms of the Iran debate instead of spending two more years capitulating to a Democratic Congress worried about appearing weak or out of sync with hardliners on the Iran issue.
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Rights Advocates Discuss the Future of Human Rights and Democracy in Iran
Thursday, November 4, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Human rights activists, scholars, journalists, and diplomats converged at the Roshan Center for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland to discuss the future of Iran's human rights movement.
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NIAC Gravely Concerned By Reports of Imminent Execution in Iran, Urges Systematic International Approach
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
Amid renewed fears that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani may be facing imminent execution, NIAC reiterates its call for the United States to work with members of the international community to establish a strong international mechanism to address Iran's ongoing human rights crisis.
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Experts Agree that Nuclear Issue Should Not Distract From Human Rights
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
The Iranian government is "taking advantage of the nuclear program" to distract western governments from the issue of human rights, according to Mojtaba Vahedi.
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First Iranian-American to Interview Obama Presses Tough Issues
Friday, October 22, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
When BBC Persian reporter Bahaman Kalbasi became the first Iranian-American reporter to be granted an interview with President Obama, he knew Iranians and Iranian Americans wanted answers to many tough questions.
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U.S. Department of State Hosts NIAC President Dr. Trita Parsi in Saudi Arabia
Thursday, October 21, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Dr. Parsi was invited to speak and share his expertise on U.S.-Iranian relations and Iranian politics during the first week of October at several events in Riyadh, Dharan and Jeddah.
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Analysts Debate the Iran-Israel-US Triangle
Thursday, October 21, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
American, Iranian, and Israeli commentators shared their perspectives on the relationship between all three countries at a round table sponsored by the US Institute for Peace, discussing the impact of sanctions and the potential for war.
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House, Senate Candidates Take a Stand on Issues Important to Iranian Americans
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
NIAC recently surveyed Senate and House candidates in key races where there are large Iranian-American populations to help Iranian-American voters make informed voting decisions this November.
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Sanctions Pull Rug From Under Iran (Mianeh)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
By: Jason Rezaian
Journalist Jason Rezaian reports on the effects of new US sanctions on Persian carpets and discusses the reinstated ban with NIAC's Policy Director.
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Majd Reflects on Civil Rights, Sanctions and the Iranian Challenge for Democracy
Monday, October 18, 2010
By: Lily Samimi - News
Hooman Majd discussed his new book, The Ayatollah's Democracy: An Iranian Challenge, which reveals the perspectives of top officials and members of the opposition in the weeks and months that unfolded after June 12.
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NIAC Welcomes New Director of Community Outreach & Programming
Friday, October 15, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is very excited to announce the newest member of our team who will help lead our efforts to promote a strong, cohesive Iranian-American community that is actively engaged on important issues and celebrates its cultural roots.
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State Department Updates Iran Travel Warning
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
The State Department renewed its travel warning for Iran, cautioning United States citizens on dangers of visiting the country.
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NIAC Works to Prevent Banking Sanctions from Hitting Innocent Iranian Americans
Friday, October 8, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
As efforts to isolate Iran's financial industry from the international community escalate, Iranians and Iranian Americans are increasingly running into new banking difficulties due to new US financial sanctions.
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Senior American Diplomat Rejoins NIAC Advisory Board
Friday, October 8, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC is pleased to announce Ambassador John Limbert's return to NIAC's Advisory Board following the completion of his tenure as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iran at the US Department of State.
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NGOs quietly press for access to Iran (Christian Science Monitor)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
By: Ariel Zirulnick
Despite intensified sanctions on Iran, US-based nongovernmental organizations are trying to prove that they should be allowed to work in the country. The process is daunting enough that many groups give up.
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A Perfect Example of Smart Sanctions Versus Dumb Sanctions
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi
Two very different developments on the Iran policy front came out of Washington today: the enactment of targeted human rights sanctions and a new proposal for sanctions aimed at civilian flights that could endanger innocent Iranians. NIAC's policy director discusses the stark choices ahead on sanctions, human rights, and war.
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In New Iran Sanctions Bill, Congressman Targets Iranian Passenger Planes
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
By: David Elliott - News
Congressman Brad Sherman is planning to introduce new sanctions aimed at Iranian civilian flights, which could exacerbate Iran's already abysmal flight safety record. Hundreds of civilian passengers on Iranian flights have been killed in plane crashes in the past decade.
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NIAC Welcomes Obama Effort Targeting Human Rights Abusers in Iran
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes President Obama's signing of an Executive Order that imposes targeted sanctions on Iranian government officials responsible for human rights violations against the Iranian people.
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Reporter Explores Iran Behind the Headlines
Friday, September 24, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
Scott Peterson, a reporter for the Christian Science Monitor who has visited Iran thirty times in the last fifteen years, discussed his new book, Let the Swords Encircle Me: Behind the Headlines of Iran.
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Senators Call for UN Human Rights Monitor on Iran
Thursday, September 23, 2010
By: David Elliott - News
A bipartisan group of Senators are urging the Obama Administration to undertake serious efforts to address Iran's human rights crisis at the United Nations this fall. The group, led by Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging the Obama Administration to work to pass a resolution at the United Nations establishing a human rights monitor for Iran.
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BBC World Today Radio Interviews NIAC Research Director
Thursday, September 23, 2010
By: BBC World Today Radio
BBC World Today Radio interviews NIAC Research Director Reza Marashi on Ahmadinejad's trip to the UN, Secretary of State Clinton's remarks on Iran, and the release of hiker Sarah Shourd.
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Top Official Addresses Iran Sanctions Concerns, Says US Leverage Increasing
Thursday, September 23, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
Under Secretary of the Treasury Stuart Levey discussed the administration's view that US leverage for a diplomatic solution with Iran is increasing. He also addressed concerns about the negative impact of sanctions on the Iranian people.
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Experts Debate Whether a Nuclear Iran Could Be Deterred
Thursday, September 23, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie - News
Three prominent experts discussed the limitations of military options in stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons at the Woodrow Wilson Center last week.
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Iran's Foreign Policy Blunders
Thursday, September 23, 2010
By: Patrick Heffner - News
Dr. Shireen Hunter, director of the Islamic Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, spoke at Georgetown University this past Thursday about Iran's foreign policy missteps and the dangerous trajectory of the United States' policies.
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Video: Prevent War With Iran!
Friday, September 17, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
A special message from Reza Aslan about the threat of war between the US and Iran and how we can prevent such a disastrous outcome.
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NIAC Calls on Obama Administration to Support a UN Human Rights Monitor on Iran
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council calls on President Obama to support the establishment of a UN human rights monitor on Iran at the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly to report on violations taking place inside the country.
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It's Time for Obama to Support a UN Rights Monitor on Iran
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
By: Dokhi Fassihian
Over the past year, the Obama Administration has missed successive opportunities to bring real international pressure on the Iranian government to address the severe human rights crisis gripping the country.
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NIAC Calls for Release of Shiva Nazar Ahari
Thursday, September 2, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns the imprisonment of Iranian human rights activist Shiva Nazar Ahari and reiterates its call for the Iranian government to release all political prisoners, including Ms. Ahari, who are being held in contravention of Iran's constitutional international legal obligations.
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Stop the War Talk
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
By: Reza Aslan & Bernard Avishai, New York Times Op-Ed
The New York Times - The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington, purportedly to be part of the Obama administration's relaunch of peace negotiations. But the urgent talk is of war, thanks to Jeffrey Goldberg's much-discussed Atlantic Monthly cover article, which faithfully reproduced the logic of Israeli military and political leaders.
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Iranian American's Campaign for Irvine City Council Reinforced by Long Record of Civic Participation
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Since moving to Orange County 16 years ago, Iranian American Shiva Farivar has played an integral role serving the community and working to open new doors for the next generation of Iranian Americans. Her dedication to her community culminated in her decision to run for Irvine City Council on this November's ballot.
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Video: Mohammad Abdolahi Profiled by BBC
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Mohammad Abdolahi, a young immigration activist who was born in Iran but has called the US his home since age three, may face deportation.
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Iranian American Congressional Staffer Blazing Trail for Future Leaders
Thursday, August 19, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
As one of just a handful of Iranian-American staffers on Capitol Hill, Morad Elmi's career is an example of the remarkable steps our community's young generation has taken in recent years to advance in new fields and find innovative routes to success. Recently named a "Hill Staffer to Watch in 2010," Morad's success came after bypassing more traditional professions.
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Rep. Sherman Wants to Help Ahmadinejad Punish Innocent Iranians
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
Iran's rulers hardly need assistance to make the lives of Iranians miserable. Iranians are suffering mightily under their government's flagrant human rights abuses, political repression, and economic mismanagement but, writing in the Hill last week, Representative Brad Sherman argued that punishing the Iranian people is exactly what the US should do.
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NIAC Condemns Alleged Torture of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani
Thursday, August 12, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC calls on the Iranian government to comply with its international human rights obligations and to suspend Ashtiani's death sentence, as well as the sentences of all other Iranians who have been tortured to elicit false confessions or who have otherwise not been provided fair trials.
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Neocon War Plans Undermine Iranians' Quest for Democracy
Thursday, August 12, 2010
By: Shawn Amoei - Opinion
Bombing Iran would do nothing short of destroy Iran's chances for democracy. Neoconservatives who argue an attack on Iran would do wonders for the Green Movement are pushing an idea that is not just wrong, but dangerous.
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Video: End the Unfair Treatment of Iranian Students
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Iranian students studying in the US should not have to choose between their family and their future. But this is the unfortunate reality under the US Single-Entry Visa policy.
Watch the video produced by NIAC and Iranican, and take action to fix this harmful policy.
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Iranian American Company Promotes Healthy Living
Thursday, August 5, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Iranian American Bibi Kasrai's creative ways to battle obesity and promote respect for one's body are making waves in this coastal Southern California city. Her company, Harvard Cookie Girl, LLC (HCG), has not only been sought out by parents, kids and schools but by Nickelodeon as well.
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The Senate Calls on Iran to Release Three Detained Americans
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
By: Shahrzad Safavi - News
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution yesterday calling for the "immediate" and "unconditional" release of three American hikers being detained in Iran.
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The Republican back door to war with Iran
Friday, July 30, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
Foreign Policy Magazine - A game plan to draw the United States into a third war in the Middle East may be quietly unfolding before our eyes.
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Testing for Iranian Students Reinstated but Sanctions Concerns Linger
Thursday, July 29, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
Exams that are required for students to study abroad have been reinstated in Iran after being disrupted temporarily by US and UN sanctions.
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Exciting Changes at NIAC This Summer
Thursday, July 29, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The key to NIAC's success lies in its dedicated membership and its talented staff. This summer, we have been joined by some new talents, as well as had our existing staff members get accepted to the best graduate schools in the country.
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Iranian Americans Named to The Hill's 50 Most Beautiful People 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iranian Americans Alexis Latifi and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) have been profiled in The Hill's 50 Most Beautiful People 2010. Every year, The Hill, a local media outlet specializing in news from inside the Beltway, chooses 50 individuals who work on Capitol Hill be they Senators, Representatives or staffers deemed good looking
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Don't Let Congress Green-Light Attack on Iran
Friday, July 23, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Nearly one third of the Republican Caucus in the House of Representatives has introduced a resolution giving Israel a green light to attack Iran. H.Res.1553 declares unwavering support for Israel to "use all means necessary," to "eliminate nuclear threats" posed by Iran. Take action to oppose this dangerous measure.
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Resolution Green-Lighting Israeli Strikes on Iran Introduced by House Republicans
Friday, July 23, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi
The Huffington Post - Republicans in the House of Representatives have introduced a measure that would green-light an Israeli bombing campaign against Iran.
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Is a Nuclear Deal Still Possible?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
By: Shawn VL - News
Washington, DC - "Is a nuclear deal still possible? The deal is of course possible but is it likely? Not anytime soon," according to Michael Adler at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Monday. Adler examined the current standoff between Washington and Tehran over the nuclear program, along with the West's demand that Iran give up uranium enrichment activities.
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Can Obama Keep his Promise to Iran's Youth?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi
Late last week, it was revealed that young Iranians looking to attend college abroad are now facing serious impediments because of new sanctions. In placing "pressure" at the center of his Iran policy, every other element of the President's Iran strategy is being subsumed by a singular focus on punitive actions, including the President's "outstretched hand" promises to the critical demographic of Iranian youth.
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Urge President Obama to Keep His Promise to Iranian Students
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Young Iranians are being blocked by new sanctions from studying abroad. President Obama promised to expand opportunities for Iranian students, not restrict them. Urge the President to honor his promise.
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Oklahoma Politicians Stand Up for Iranian People
Friday, July 16, 2010
By: Shawn Amoei - News
What's happening in Oklahoma? That's the question many Iranian Americans might be asking themselves after a number of Oklahoman politicians recently stepped up to advocate for policies that would support the Iranian people by relieving unintended pressure placed on them by U.S. sanctions.
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Steadfast Efforts by Iranian-American Community Lead to Suspension of Insulting Ads
Monday, July 12, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Following a public campaign by NIAC that received national attention and was reported on by CNN and Voice of America, the American Values Network announced that it is suspending a controversial ad campaign that proclaimed, "Iran is making a KILLING."
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NIAC Hosts Members for Inside Look at Latest Developments in Washington
Monday, July 12, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC members across the nation today joined NIAC staff for an off-the-record conference call featuring Dr. Forough Parvizian-Yazdani, who represented NIAC at the signing of Iran sanctions at the White House on July 1.
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One Woman's Call to Civic Engagement
Monday, July 12, 2010
By: Shahrzad Safavi
Amidst growing political apathy, Ellie Abdi has chosen to be active. As a County Committee Leader Ellie is a vocal advocate of increasing voter turnout and civic participation.
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Ostad Takes Office as First Female President of Iranian American Bar Association
Monday, July 12, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
On June 29, Iranian-American attorney Karen Ostad began her tenure as the first female president of the Iranian American Bar Association (IABA), a nonprofit organization that has 1,500 members nationwide.
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NIAC Welcomes Successful International Efforts to Halt Stoning Execution
Thursday, July 8, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
"Today's decision demonstrates why it is so critical for the U.S. and the international community to engage publicly on the issue of human rights in Iran," said Jamal Abdi, NIAC Policy Director.
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Happy Independence Day
Sunday, July 4, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
On behalf of the National Iranian American Council's staff and board, we wish you, your family and friends a happy Independence Day.
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Obama Signs Sanctions Law, Highlights Measures Called for by NIAC
Friday, July 2, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The President yesterday signed new sanctions into law aimed broadly at the Iranian economy. NIAC is opposed to this measure because it will punish innocent Iranians instead of targeting Iran's government. The final bill did include some of the measures NIAC has actively worked to support, which were highlighted by the President during the bill's signing ceremony.
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"My Conversation with President Obama Yesterday"
Friday, July 2, 2010
By: Forough Parvizian-Yazdani
NIAC Board Member Forough Parvizian-Yazdani had the honor of talking to President Obama in the White House yesterday. Here is the message she shared about her experience.
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NIAC Urges Obama to Publicly Press Iran to Halt Execution of Zeinab Jalalian
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council is gravely concerned by reports that the Iranian government plans to execute Zeinab Jalalian, and urgently calls on President Obama to raise this issue publicly and to press Iran to halt the execution.
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Iranian-Kurdish Activist Faces Threat of Imminent Execution
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
By: Shawn VI - News
Zeinab Jalalian, a 27 year old Iranian-Kurdish activist, is reportedly in imminent danger of being executed after being convicted of Moharebeh, or waging war against God, in a trial that has been roundly condemned as unfair and unjust by human rights defenders in Iran and around the world.
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California Group Advocates Universality of Human Rights
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie - News
Majid Baradar founded the 12Petals Media Group to help foster and promote a culture of universal human rights around the world. The organization aims to refute the claim that human rights differ in the East and West and to advocate for democracy and universal human rights from their base in California.
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Congress Passes Sweeping Sanctions Against Iran
Thursday, June 24, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The House and Senate voted Thursday to impose sweeping new sanctions against Iran, sending the legislation to the President's desk for approval. Proponents have called the legislation the "toughest Iran sanctions ever proposed," while critics argue it will do nothing to halt the Iranian nuclear program and that Congress should have eased sanctions that punish innocent Iranians.
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House Says Iran is Using Nuclear Program to Distract from Human Rights Abuses
Thursday, June 24, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution today marking the one-year anniversary of Iran's June 12, 2009, elections. The resolution condemns the human rights abuses of Iran's government, calls for "freedom and democracy for the people of Iran," and condemns Iran's "continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability."
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Congress moves forward with 'crippling sanctions' (and misses opportunity to support Iranians)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
On Monday, the latest version of Congress's sanctions bill was unveiled just in time to be passed and sent to the president's desk by July 4. But while lawmakers have attempted to reconcile the pain that these new sanctions will impose on ordinary Iranians with Congress's claims of support for the people of Iran, this bill remains a blunt instrument that perpetuates the sanctions-only framework that has dominated the United States' Iran policy for decades.
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NIAC Deeply Concerned by Congressional Sanctions Agreement
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
While the Agreement contains some positive measures called for by NIAC to punish Iranian human rights abusers and ease restrictions preventing Iranians from accessing the Internet, these measures do not negate the fact that the bill imposes further suffering upon the people of Iran at their greatest moment of need and perpetuates a failed US sanctions policy that has hindered the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.
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Analysis: Obama's Pursuit of Sanctions Came at Expense of Human Rights
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
By: David Elliott - Analysis
The Huffington Post - The Obama Administration made a conscious decision to forgo a major push on human rights in Iran so as to not distract from the all-important UN sanctions push, according to multiple officials who've worked with the Administration on Iran's human rights crisis.
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NIAC Releases Transcript of June 17 and Nov. 4, 2009 Conferences
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The complete transcript for NIAC's two 2009 Capitol Hill Policy Conferences is now available. The conferences, held on June 17, 2009 and November 4, 2009, were titled "The US & Iran: Between Elections and Enrichment" and "The US & Iran: Human Rights, Diplomacy, & Sanctions," respectively.
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Relief International Offers Fellowships to Iranian-American Students
Monday, June 21, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie - News
Relief International, an Iranian-American aid organization that provided humanitarian relief to Iran after the Bam earthquake, is now offering four fellowships to qualified students of Iranian descent who are interested in international development and committed to humanitarian relief.
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NIAC's Guide to Attending a Town Hall Meeting
Monday, June 21, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Town halls are a great opportunity to communicate directly with your elected officials and an important way for Iranian Americans to make sure our representatives in the House and the Senate hear directly from us about the issues our community cares about most.
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Bill Targeting Iranians Seeking Visas Stalls in Congress
Thursday, June 17, 2010
By: Sanaz Yarvali - News
The Stop Terrorists Entry Program (STEP) Act, a controversial piece of legislation targeting Iranians seeking American visas, appears to have stalled in Congress in the face of vocal opposition from the Iranian-American community and harsh media criticism.
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Treasury Expands Iran Blacklist Amid Sanctions Push
Thursday, June 17, 2010
By: Shawn Amoei - News
The US Treasury Department updated its sanctions blacklist yesterday as a first step in implementing the recently passed fourth round of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran.
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NIAC Releases Video of March 10, 2010 Capitol Hill Conference
Thursday, June 17, 2010
By: NIAC Release
Complete video coverage is now available for NIAC's March 10, 2010 Conference held on Capitol Hill titled: "Iran at a Crossroads: Assessing a Changing Landscape."
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Green Movement Honored with NED 2010 Democracy Award
Thursday, June 17, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie - News
The National Endowment for Democracy honored the Green Movement of Iran with the 2010 Democracy Award last Thursday. At the award ceremony, various experts helped shed light on the complex hopes and challenges of the Iranian people in their struggles for democracy.
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NIAC Board Member Highlights Iran's Human Rights Abuses at UN
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - News
On June 10th, the United Nations Human Rights Council held a review of Iran's human rights record as part of the Universal Periodic Review process. Member states and stakeholder organizations participated in the review, including NIAC Board Member Dokhi Fassihian and journalist Omid Memarian.
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NIAC Applauds Senate and Administration's Calls for Human Rights in Iran, Now Urges Action
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council applauds efforts in the US Senate and at the UN Human Rights Council to highlight and condemn Iran's shameful human rights record in observance of the one-year anniversary of Iran's disputed election.
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America's Future Partners: Turkey and Iran?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
By: Shawn Amoei - News
Stephen Kinzer spoke Monday at the New America Foundation to shed some light on the history of Turkey and Iran that most people don't know and offer his vision for a strategic realignment in the Middle East.
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NIAC Calls on Iran to End Abuses, US to Engage on Human Rights Ahead of Election Anniversary
Friday, June 11, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
As the one-year anniversary of Iran's 2009 presidential elections approaches, the National Iranian American Council reiterates its call for the government of Iran to end its campaign of repression and implores the United States and the world community to not neglect the Iranian people's struggle for human rights.
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NIAC Congratulates Winning Iranian-American Candidates
Friday, June 11, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie
NIAC congratulates Iranian Americans Siavash Barmand and Andy Manssourian on winning their elections in California Tuesday. Both now have a great opportunity to serve their communities and make a mark in public life.
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Experts Explore Iran's "Political Purgatory"
Friday, June 11, 2010
By: Shawn Vaziri
"The old Iran, the status quo ante is dead, in my view. But it has a lot of poison in it; it has a lot of ability to do harm," Abbas Milani said on Tuesday, speaking alongside Karim Sadjapour and Gary Sick on a panel moderated by NPR's Steve Inskeep at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
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Congressmen working with MEK to remove terrorist designation
Thursday, June 10, 2010
By: David Elliott
Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) held an event today to introduce a resolution calling for the Obama administration to remove the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran [MEK] from the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
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Packed Crowd for NIAC Hill Briefing on Iran One Year After Election
Thursday, June 10, 2010
By: Shahrzad Safavi
NIAC held a briefing on Tuesday with over 80 Congressional staffers to discuss the Green Movement and the anniversary of the 2009 presidential election, the nuclear fuel swap proposal, and US and UN sanctions against Iran.
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Fmr. Bush Adm. Officials Argue Iran Strike May Be Necessary
Thursday, June 10, 2010
By: Shawn Amoei
"Containment is an illusion," declared Elliott Abrams during a panel discussion on Tuesday hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC). Abrams spoke alongside former Bush State Department official Nicholas Burns as the two unveiled a new report on whether an Iran armed with nuclear weapons could be contained.
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U.N. Sanctions, U.S. Fuel Swap Response are a Setback to Resolving Iran Issues
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council is concerned that today's passage of United Nations Security Council sanctions may indicate the Obama Administration has abandoned its commitment to diplomacy with Iran.
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Senate Bill is a Major Step Forward for Students Seeking Single-Entry Visa Fix
Monday, June 7, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iranian students studying in the United States will soon be one step closer to being able to visit their families, attend international conferences, and travel abroad thanks to key language inserted into the Senate's National Defense Authorization Act.
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BBC Persian Covers NIAC's Efforts to Address Bus Ad Campaign
Monday, June 7, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
BBC Persian covered NIAC's efforts to address a controversial ad campaign running on buses in the nation's capital. These ads create a toxic political environment that could help pave the path to war with Iran.
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The Week in Green Episode 26: NIAC President Dr. Trita Parsi
Monday, June 7, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC Advisory Board Member and "The Week in Green" Host Prof. Hamid Dabashi interviews NIAC President Dr. Trita Parsi about the discourse in US politics over the Iranian nuclear negotiations.
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NIAC Welcomes New Additions to Advisory Board, Board of Directors
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
NIAC proudly welcomes Prof. Hamid Dabashi and Prof. Scott Lucas to the Advisory Board, and Dr. Paymaun Lotfi, Prof. Karim Pakravan, Dr. Forough Parvizian-Yazdani, and Nora Valenzuela to NIAC's Board of Directors.
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Reuters: Powers should consider Iran fuel offer: experts
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
By: Reuters
World powers should seriously consider a newly-drafted fuel swap plan for Iran to part with some of its nuclear material, even if it is not perfect, a group of high-profile experts said in a statement organized and distributed by NIAC.
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NIAC Announces Summer 2010 Public Service Fellow Roshan Alemi
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie - News
NIAC is proud to announce its Summer 2010 Public Service Fellow, Roshan Alemi. A rising junior at Wellesley College, she will be interning at the offices of Senator Mark Warner of Virginia and Rep. Jim Moran (VA-08). Her internships will expose her to Capitol Hill culture and the legislative process.
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Iran, Nonproliferation Experts Support Fuel Swap as Basis for Engagement
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
Today, a group of Iran experts and non-proliferation experts are releasing a statement urging Western powers to use the recently-negotiated fuel swap deal as a first step towards a larger agreement on Iran's nuclear issue and beyond.
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CNN: Iranian-American group: Ad sends a wrong, dangerous message
Thursday, May 27, 2010
By: Charles Keyes, CNN
CNN has published a story highlighting NIAC's work to address a controversial ad campaign running on buses across the Eastern Coast, which creates a toxic political environment that could help pave the path to war with Iran.
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Southern California Iranian Americans Gharib and Manssourian Run for Office
Thursday, May 27, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Southern California Iranian Americans Dr. Siavash Gharib and Andy Manssourian, Esq. are running for elected office in the June 8 California Election. Gharib is campaigning to be Los Angeles County's next Assessor, and Manssourian, Deputy District Attorney of Orange County, is running for Superior Court Judge.
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Support the Dream Act
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
The Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) would save young people like Mohammad from the threat of deportation and provide Iranians who came to the US as children, before they had a choice, with a pathway to citizenship.
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24-Year Old Iranian Faces Deportation, Execution for Leading Protest for Immigration Reform
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie
Mohammad Abdollahi has lived in the United States for twenty-one years and considers himself an American. But after participating in a sit-in for immigration reform, he now finds himself facing imminent deportation to Iran.
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NIAC Calls for Removal of Insulting Ads that Contribute to Atmosphere of Fear
Monday, May 24, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi
Throughout the East Coast, buses have been plastered with the face of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on billboards that scream menacingly "Iran is making a KILLING." But the ads are not from a hawkish group calling for war against Iran, rather they are the work of a progressive organization calling for passage of environmental legislation.
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NIAC Memo: Iran's Nuke Deal Irritates Washington
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis
ABC News - A noticeable irritation can be sensed in Washington. After months of investing in a new UN Security Council resolution and an escalation of the conflict and apparently winning agreement among the permanent members of the council for such a measure, two emerging powers had the audacity to intervene and find a solution.
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NIAC Memo: The Turkey-Brazil-Iran deal: Can Washington take 'yes' for an answer?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Foreign Policy Magazine - The Brazilian-Turkish diplomatic breakthrough with Iran has taken Washington by surprise. Clearly, the geopolitical center of gravity has shifted-five years of EU-led negotiations led nowhere while the new emerging powers Brazil and Turkey only needed a few months to produce a breakthrough.
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NIAC Members Chat with Advisory Board Member Reza Aslan
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
On Wednesday, May 13, NIAC held its first Member's only chat with Advisory Board Member Reza Aslan. The conversation discussed issues ranging from sanctions on Iran to the status of the Green Movement to the upcoming film, Prince of Persia.
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Vote This Primary Season!
Monday, May 17, 2010
By: Michelle Moghtader
Although participation in US general elections is low, turn-out in the primaries is even lower, particularly during mid-term elections. However, the reduced voter participation during the primaries provides the Iranian-American community with a unique opportunity to influence the process far beyond their relative numbers.
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"Not one, not two ...they were five" by Simin Behbahani
Monday, May 17, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is pleased to present a new poem by the Lioness of Iran, Simin Behbahani. A champion of human rights, Behbahani is in Iran and has been banned from leaving the country. Prof. Fatemeh Keshavarz of Washington University of St. Louis provided the translation.
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The Week in Green Episode 23: NIAC Advisory Board Member Reza Aslan
Friday, May 14, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC Advisory Board Member and "The Week in Green" Host Prof. Hamid Dabashi interviews Reza Aslan, a fellow NIAC Advisory Board Member, journalist and scholar of religions. Aslan is the author of the critically acclaimed No God but God, and his latest book is Beyond Fundamentalism.
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NIAC Holds Capitol Hill Briefing on Internal Political Situation in Iran
Thursday, May 13, 2010
By: Setareh Tabatabaie - News
NIAC held a briefing yesterday for three Members of Congress and nearly 50 Hill staffers, discussing internal political factions in Iran as well as the developments in the country within the past year.
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Oklahoma Legislature Stands With Iranian People
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
NIAC recently unveiled a brand-new tool for Iranian Americans to take action--the mehmoonak. To date, NIAC members have hosted mehmoonaks in four Congressional districts, where they organized letter-writing campaigns to their elected representatives, making a tremendous impact.
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NIAC Condemns Iranian Executions Ahead of Election Anniversary
Monday, May 10, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns in the strongest possible terms the execution of five political prisoners on May 9 by the Iranian government.
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Video: Trita Parsi on The Century Foundation Panel
Monday, May 10, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC President Dr. Trita Parsi spoke on a panel at The Century Foundation's "Turning Back the Bomb: Hard Cases & Grand Designs." The panel also featured Amb. Gerard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Christine Wing of NYU, and Randy Rydell of the United Nations.
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Video: Trita Parsi Interview With Mehdi Jedinia on WIN TV
Friday, May 7, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC President Trita Parsi went on the Friday Roundtable on the Washington International Network, for an interview by journalist Mehdi Jedinia. The video of the full interview is available here.
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Shirin Neshat: Creating Art in a Politicized World
Friday, May 7, 2010
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
How can you be an Iranian artist without addressing politics? You can't, or at least that's what Shirin Neshat, Iranian-American director of Women Without Men, would say.
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Since When Is Iran a Champion For Women's Rights?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
By: Anne Bayefsky - Opinion
FoxNews.com -- In an effort to prevent Iran's election to the Commission, the National Iranian American Council reported prior to the meeting: "in the past year, Iran...has charged women who were seeking equality in the social sphere...with threatening national security...
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The Week in Green Episode 22: Prof. Cornel West
Thursday, May 6, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC Advisory Board Member and "The Week in Green" Host Prof. Hamid Dabashi interviews Princeton University Prof. Cornel West. The longtime civil rights advocate discusses the lessons Green Movement activists can take from the American Civil Rights Movement, as well as the strategies he thinks its supporters should adopt in the year ahead.
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Military Strikes May be Necessary say Congressional Iran Sanctions Negotiators
Thursday, April 29, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - News
Congress' march to impose new sanctions on Iran entered the final stretch yesterday afternoon, with Members of the House and Senate convening a public meeting at the Capitol to reconcile differences between broad sanctions measures passed by each chamber.
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NIAC Releases March 10, 2010 Conference Transcript
Thursday, April 29, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is pleased to release the transcript for the March 10, 2010 Conference "Iran at a Crossroads: Assessing a Changing Landscape." The Conference was convened to address the latest issues facing US-Iran relations such as: the future of Iran's opposition movement, the rising prospect of military action, and the result of increased sanctions on the Green Movement.
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Iran, Gender Discrimination, and the UN's Women's Commission
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
By: NIAC Board Mem. Dokhi Fassihian, Hadi Ghaemi, and S.B. Anderlini
The Iranian regime must have a real sense of humor. In a year when their human rights abuses reached ever lower depths with an exponential rise in political prisoners, prison rapes, torture and executions, the regime tried to get a prime spot on the UN Human Rights Council.
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Is the Sanctions Debate Justifying the Military Option?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - Analysis
To an outsider, it may seem like Washington is united in favor of imposing new sanctions on Iran. But, like in Iran itself, the internal wrangling over this question among Washington policymakers is much more complex and divided by factions than one may assume.
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Report: Iran's bid for UN human rights panel seat fails
Friday, April 23, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - News
The Iranian government's appalling human rights record will not be rewarded with a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council, with reports indicating that Iran will no longer seek election to the Council this May.
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The Hill: Changing Course on Iran Sanctions
Friday, April 23, 2010
By: Patrick Disney and Lara Friedman - Opinion
The debate over U.S.-Iran policy should not be boiled down to a question of how much more damage we can do. Rather, smart power dictates that the U.S. use every tool available, including those that have been taken off the table, such as lifting certain sanctions.
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What You Need to Know About Congress' Iran Sanctions
Thursday, April 22, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Analysis
This morning, the House voted to begin Conference with the Senate to finalize an Iran sanctions bill to send to the President. Many questions remain about what is next, here are some key resources to help you navigate the process.
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Listen: Iran, the Bomb, and American Policy
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - Analysis
NIAC President Trita Parsi appeared today on NPR to discuss U.S. policy options for Iran on the KCRW radio show "To the Point".
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NGO Coalition Calls on U.S. to Lift Ban on Humanitarian Relief for Iranians
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC led a coalition of humanitarian relief and human rights organizations that called on the U.S. government today to allow American NGOs to undertake humanitarian projects in Iran.
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The Stand With the Iranian People Challenge
Thursday, April 15, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is issuing a challenge to the entire Iranian-American community: don't let the Iranian people be forgotten. Tell your elected representatives in Washington that they can't ignore the Iranian people any longer. Stand up for their rights, and Stand With the Iranian People!
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The Contradictory Voices of the Washington Times
Thursday, April 15, 2010
By: NIAC Statement
The Washington Times ran an editorial Wednesday morning accusing Voice of America's Persian Service which is currently jammed by the Iranian authorities of being biased in favor of the very government that opposes its reporting. As part of the attack against VOA, Washington Times also made false accusations against NIAC.
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CNN Reports on Hamed Haddadi, the NBA's 1st Iranian Player
Thursday, April 15, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
CNN's Richard Roth reports from New Jersey on the only Iranian player in the NBA - the Memphis Grizzlies' Hamed Haddadi. As the season comes to a close, Roth reflects on Haddadi's past few months and how he has exposed his teammates to Persian food and culture. (Video)
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Tell President Obama to Fix the Single-Entry Only Policy for Iranian Students in the US
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Iranians studying in the U.S. cannot visit their family or travel abroad without losing their student visa, even in the case of emergency. Tell President Obama this must change.
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Columbia to Host Forum on New Media and Social Change in Iran
Monday, April 12, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
On Saturday, April 17 Columbia University's Center for the Study of Democracy, Toleration and Religion (CDTR) will host an interactive forum featuring, among others, NIAC President Trita Parsi, Newsweek Correspondent Maziar Bahari, New York Times Reporter Nazila Fathi, and former head of Daftar Tahkim Vahdat Ali Afshari.
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NIAC President Trita Parsi on VOA's Persian News Network
Friday, April 9, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The full video of NIAC President Trita Parsi's interview with the Voice of America's Persian News Network is now available for viewing, both here at niacouncil.org as well as on Youtube.
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NIAC's 2010 Truthout on Andisheh TV
Thursday, April 8, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
As part of NIAC's 2010 Truthout campaign, Trita Parsi recently did an interview with Andisheh TV to address and counter the many lies spread about NIAC. The video of the full interview is available here.
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Former NIAC Intern Crowned Miss Gem City in Illinois
Monday, April 5, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Earlier this year, Aisan made it to the final round of Miss Chicago but was crowned second runner-up. Persisting, she signed-up for another competition in Quincy, Illinois, where last weekend she achieved her goal, being crowned Miss Gem City!
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Iranians No Longer Targeted Automatically for Extra Airport Screening
Friday, April 2, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iranian nationals and individuals traveling from Iran will no longer be automatically subjected to additional security measures when flying to the U.S.
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Inside Washington: NIAC's Battle to Save the Persepolis Tablets
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The campaign to save the Persepolis Tablets is quietly gaining momentum, as NIAC and some of the nation's top universities work to protect thousands of priceless cultural artifacts at risk of being seized by lawyers and auctioned off to the highest bidder.
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Amanpour is Being Attacked Because She's Iranian
Thursday, March 25, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - Opinion
The Huffington Post - Since the hostage crisis in 1979, Iranian Americans have experienced the scorn and derision of bigots who reduce a proud and ancient heritage to the reprehensible actions of Iran's theocratic government.
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War with Iran by Any Other Name
Thursday, March 25, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
The Huffington Post - This week may be looked back on as the pivotal moment when war with Iran entered the mainstream of political thought in the Obama era. "Bomb Bomb Iran" may be finally crossing over to the pop charts.
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Congressman to Introduce Resolution Supporting Israeli Strike on Iran
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - News
A draft resolution is circulating among members of the House of Representatives that endorses an Israeli military attack on Iran "if no other peaceful solution can be found within reasonable time."
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Open Letter to GOP Reps on Their Refusal to Wish Iranians a Happy Norooz
Monday, March 22, 2010
By: Trita Parsi - Opinion
The Huffington Post - Two lawmakers from Florida, Representatives Jeff Miller (R-FL) and Bill Posey (R-FL), chose to vote against the Norooz Resolution, effectively stating that they don't wish 300 million Norooz celebrators worldwide a happy new year.
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U.S. Congress Officially Recognizes Norooz
Monday, March 22, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council applauds the Senate which, just moments ago, unanimously approved the Norooz Resolution (S.Res.463), granting official recognition for Norooz for the first time in Senate history.
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BBC Persian Covers NIAC's Efforts to Pass Norooz Resolution
Monday, March 22, 2010
By: BBC Persian
BBC Persian carried a live interview from Capitol Hill with NIAC Board members Dokhi Fassihian and Trita Parsi on the historic passage of the Congressional Norooz resolution.
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Norooz Resolution Gains Momentum in the Senate
Friday, March 19, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced a resolution honoring Norooz in the Senate.
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Norooz Resolution to be Introduced in the Senate Today
Thursday, March 18, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) are planning to introduce a Norooz Resolution in the Senate today!
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House Passes Historic Norooz Resolution
Monday, March 15, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council applauds the passage moments ago by the House of Representatives of H.Res.267, the Norooz Resolution, and commends Representative Mike Honda (D-CA) for championing this historic resolution.
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NIAC Condemns Iran Death Sentences
Monday, March 15, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council condemns in the strongest possible terms today's issuance of six death sentences by Tehran Prosecutor General Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi for individuals accused of involvement in Ashura protests.
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Census 2010 Forms Are On Their Way to Your Homes, Don't Forget to Complete and Return Them
Monday, March 15, 2010
By: Iranians Count 2010 Census Coalition Statement
The Iranians Count 2010 Census Coalition would like to remind everyone that the 2010 Census forms are expected to start arriving in your homes between March 15-17.
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Congress Slated to Vote on Norooz Resolution Next Week
Friday, March 12, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
Iranian-Americans' Efforts on Historic Measure Pay Off!
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NIAC Conference Highlights Demand for Human Rights of Iranian People
Friday, March 12, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News
The National Iranian American Council once again hosted a full house in the Dirksen Senate Office Building Wednesday for its policy conference titled "Iran at a Crossroads: Assessing a Changing Landscape."
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Broad Strategic Outlook Vital for US to Avoid Iran Confrontation
Friday, March 12, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
A look at the afternoon panel discussion at NIAC's policy conference, entitled "The US and Iran: Back to Confrontation?"
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Moms Against Poverty Supports SWIPA
Thursday, March 11, 2010
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
Moms Against Poverty supports the Stand With the Iranian People Act as a means to help lift obstacles which are inhibiting them from performing charitable work in Iran.
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Ask Congress to Recognize Norooz in Time for the New Year
Thursday, March 11, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Help bring the Norooz Resolution up for a vote before March 20!
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NIAC Applauds Administration's Correction of Harmful Internet Sanctions
Monday, March 8, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council applauds today's Treasury Department decision to reverse harmful policies barring U.S. Internet communication software from being available to Iranians.
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NIAC Urges Swift Action on Internet Freedom
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News
NIAC sent a letter today to the Director of the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) calling for a general license to support Iranians' access to information and communication tools online
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Iranians Count 2010 Census Coalition Launches Iranianscount.org
Monday, March 1, 2010
By: Iranians Count 2010 Census Coalition
Los Angeles, CA - The Iranians Count 2010 Census Coalition ("ICCC") is continuing its proactive role to ensure that statistics for the Iranian-American community are accurately reflected in the upcoming 2010 United States Census ("Census"). Currently comprised of 30 organizations spread throughout the United States, ICCC today launched itsofficial website, Iranianscount.org, as an informational resource for the community. ICCC has also produced two Public Service Announcements ("PSA") to help raise awareness about the importance of participating in the Census and how to accurately fill out Census forms to assure that Iranians/Iranian Americans can be counted for.
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A Blueprint for Ending Human Rights Abuses in Iran
Sunday, February 28, 2010
By: Sam Shoamanesh and Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Harvard International Review - Sam Sasan Shoamanesh and Dr. Trita Parsi call for a list of internal and external measures to improve the human rights situation in Iran, originally published in the Harvard International Review.
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House Commission Hears Recommendations for Human Rights in Iran
Friday, February 26, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - News
NIAC President Trita Parsi testified before the House Human Rights Commission, urging lawmakers to place a greater emphasis on the human rights issue in dealing with Iran.
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Congressional Testimony of Trita Parsi on Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, February 25, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi
NIAC President Trita Parsi testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission today about the human rights situation in Iran. His written testimony is available here.
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House, Senate Propose New Human Rights Sanctions on Iran
Thursday, February 25, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News
Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman have introduced legislation to impose sanctions on individuals in Iran guilty of human rights abuses following the June 12 election.
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UN General Assembly Recognizes Norooz
Thursday, February 25, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News
The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution recognizing the Persian New Year, Norooz, as an "International Day" celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide.
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Tragedy in Haiti: Our Turn to Give Back
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
By: Nayda Lakelieh - News
As Iranian Americans, we cannot help but be reminded of the devastating Bam earthquake in 2003, when the world turned its attention on how to help Iranians affected by the quake. Now is our time to give back.
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Bam 6.6 Highlights Humanity in Tragedy, Need for Easing of Humanitarian Restrictions
Friday, February 19, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
In Bam 6.6: Humanity Has No Borders, Iranian American director and producer Jahangir Golestan-Parast presents a new dimension to the tragedy that beautifully highlights Iranian culture and hospitality in ways rarely experienced by non-Iranians.
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Allegedly Labeled "Terrorist," Iranian-American Businessman Sues for Defamation
Friday, February 19, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
"I can't believe you are buying from that terrorist. He is from Iraq, and he is funneling money back to his family and other terrorists. I have a brother over there and what you're doing is helping kill my brother."
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Shadi Sadr Testifies at the UN on Her Imprisonment
Monday, February 15, 2010
By: Shadi Sadr
Iranian lawyer and women rights' defender Shadi Sadr testified on Friday February 12 at the United Nations regarding her arrest and detention in July 2009.
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Senate Condemns Rights Violations, Calls for UN Focus
Friday, February 12, 2010
By: Layla Armeen - News
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution yesterday condemning human rights violations in Iran and urging the UN Human Rights Council to fully investigate the events following last June's presidential election.
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NIAC Public Service Fellowship
Thursday, February 11, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is pleased to announce its fifth annual Public Service Fellowship.
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NIAC Calls on Iranian Government to Respect Rights of Iranian People
Thursday, February 11, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
Washington, DC - Ahead of large public demonstrations expected on 22 Bahman (Feb. 11), the National Iranian American Council calls on the Iranian government to heed the demands of the Iranian people and to respect their universal rights, including the right to dissent, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and peaceful protest.
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NIAC Memo: We Must Not Ignore Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, February 11, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Opinion
Now more than ever, the narrow nuclear focus must be set aside and renewed attention given to the state of human rights in Iran. It is literally a matter of life and death.
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EU and US call on Iran to Uphold Human Rights on February 11
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
The United States and the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday, calling on the Iranian Government to fulfill its universal human rights obligations and expressing concern that increased violence may occur in the coming days.
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NIAC Memo: How Washington Can Help the Greens in Iran
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
By: Alireza Nader and Dr. Trita Parsi
Torn between the fear of ending up on the wrong side of history by being too cautious and the fear of ending up undermining the pro-democracy movement by being too aggressive, Barack Obama's administration is playing a difficult balancing act.
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SWIPA "Perfect" Abdo Tells House Committee
Friday, February 5, 2010
By: Nayda Lakelieh - News
"Iran is a sovereign state whose people are struggling bravely for their own freedom. It is natural and right for us to want to support their struggle. The question is how?"
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Iranian American 2010 Census Project Coalition Gains Momentum
Thursday, February 4, 2010
By: Iranian American 2010 Census Coalition
The Iranian American 2010 Census Project proudly announces the addition of Andisheh Center, Association of Iranian American Professionals of San Diego, Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats, Empowered Women United, Iranican, Iranian Studies Group at MIT, Persian Center and Persian Cultural Club to its list of coalition partners.
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Jonbesheh Rahe Sabz (Jaras) Praises NIAC for Promoting Civic Participation
Monday, February 1, 2010
By: Jaras
Jaras website (Jonbesheh Rahe Sabz / Rahesabz.net), one of the principal websites of the Green Movement, published a feature article in Persian yesterday praising NIAC for its work to expand civic participation among Iranian Americans.
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NIAC Condemns Iranian Executions
Thursday, January 28, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian government's execution of political dissidents Mohammad Reza Ali Zamani and Arash Rahmani Pour today.
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NIAC Deplores Senate Vote to Sanction Iranian People
Thursday, January 28, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council deplores today's Senate passage of S.2799, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2009.
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Obama Administration Officials' Statements on Iran Sanctions
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
A collection of Obama Administration officials' statements on the record regarding Iran sanctions.
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NIAC Weighs in on Senate Sanctions Bill
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
By: NIAC Staff - News
With the Senate expected to approve comprehensive Iran legislation, S.2799, in the coming weeks, NIAC has released a guide offering suggested changes to the legislation that would bring the bill more in line with the Obama Administration's strategy.
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The Latest Tool for Iran's Opposition: iPhone Apps
Monday, January 25, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - Opinion
The Huffington Post - Iranians will soon have a new tool at their disposal to broadcast their protests and their government's repression to the outside world.
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King County Republican Party Denounces STEP Act
Monday, January 25, 2010
By: Nayda Lakelieh - News
The King County Republican Party of Washington has denounced Rep. Gresham Barrett's (R-SC) legislation to prevent Iranians from getting U.S. visas as the "wrong bill for America."
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Analysis: H.R. 4303 - The Stand with the Iranian People Act
Monday, January 25, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - Analysis
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced H.R. 4303, the Stand with the Iranian People Act (SWIPA), to support the Iranian people's democratic movement by ensuring that America's Iran policy imposes pressure on the Iranian government--not the innocent Iranian people.
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Norooz Resolution Closer Than Ever to Passing Congress
Friday, January 22, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Congress won't bring the Norooz Resolution up for a vote unless your Representative hears from you-we need just two more Representatives to cosponsor this measure for it to receive a vote in Congress.
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Iranian 9/11 Hero: STEP Act a Mistake
Thursday, January 21, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
When Shahram Hashemi saw an airplane fly into the second World Trade Center building and smoke spewing from the first tower, he knew it wasn't an accident. As others fled the scene, Shahram found himself running toward the epicenter of the worst terrorist attack ever seen on American soil.
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Clinton to Speak on Internet Freedom in Repressive Regimes
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
By: Patrick Disney - News
Washington, DC - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will deliver a speech tomorrow on global Internet freedom, in which she is expected to discuss the vital role the Internet has played for the Iranian opposition movement. According to the State Department, the speech will lay out the Administration's strategy for "protecting freedom in the networked age of the 21st Century."
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Iranian American Running for Contra Costa County District Attorney
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Elham (Elle) Falahat always knew she wanted to be a prosecutor. The experiences of her youth showed her that in the midst of injustices, the voice of reason and law must be resolute. So when her friends in the legal community called on her to run for District Attorney of Contra Costa County (Northern California), she was ready to go.
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Documentary on First Female Iranian Olympian to Premiere at Sundance
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Fatima Geza Abdollahyan had just arrived back at her hotel in Amsterdam when she sat down to read her emails. After a long day at a documentary film festival, her tired eyes scanned the "Received From" column, finally coming to rest on "Sundance Festival 2010." "Oh," she thought to herself, "this must be the rejection letter."
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NIAC Urges Iranian Government to Abandon the Path of Violence and Oppression
Thursday, January 14, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council calls on the Iranian government to heed the productive proposals of leading opposition figures and abandon the path of violence and oppression.
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Tell Congress to Stop the STEP Act
Thursday, January 14, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Last week, NIAC united the Iranian-American community against Congressman Gresham Barrett's (R-SC) plan to reintroduce the Stop Terrorist Entry Program (STEP) Act, a bill he originally introduced in 2003 that sought to deport all non-immigrant Iranians in the US and ban Iranians from entering the US.
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NIAC Memo: Ancient Persian Legacy Still Plays Role in Revolutionary Iran
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
By: Prof. R. K. Ramazani - Analysis
The crackdown on protesters on December 27, 2009 in Iran, which killed a number of people, touched off unprecedented criticism of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the country's supreme leader, who is seen as ruling by divine approval.
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Breaking: Language to Deport Iranians Dropped from STEP Act
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
Congressman Gresham Barrett's (R-SC) office has confirmed to NIAC that he will drop language aimed at deporting non-immigrant Iranians from the U.S. when he reintroduces the Stop Terrorists Entry Program (STEP) Act today.
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NIAC Delivers 5,000 Letters Protesting Legislation to Deport Iranians
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
By: NIAC Press Release
UPDATE: In all, NIAC obtained the signatures of over 5,000 people who signed letters to Rep. Barrett opposing the STEP Act.
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Open Letter to Congressman Gresham Barrett on his plans to deport all Iranian visa holders
Saturday, January 9, 2010
By: Dr. Trita Parsi
The Huffington Post - Congressman Barrett, The National Iranian American Council and the Iranian-American community is outraged by your plan to reintroduce legislation mandating the deportation of thousands of Iranian students and workers who came to this country legally in search of education, liberty and a better way of life.
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Freer and Sackler Galleries' 14th Annual Iranian Film Festival Debuts
Friday, January 8, 2010
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Galleries' 14th Annual Iranian Film Festival features five new films and a special presentation by Abbas Kiarostami. The film festival runs all month from January 8 to February 21.
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Do Sanctions Work?: Iran, Proliferation, and US Policy
Friday, January 8, 2010
By: Matt Sugrue - Analysis
The Huffington Post - This report briefly compares two different forms of sanctions, and makes a tentative assessment about which types of sanctions could be applied to Iran with the most positive results.
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Stop Congressman Barrett's Bill to Deport Iranians
Thursday, January 7, 2010
By: NIAC Staff
If you are an Iranian in the US on a work visa or a student visa, Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) thinks you are a national security threat and should be deported.
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Congressman Introducing Legislation to Bar & Deport Iranians from U.S.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
By: David Elliott - News
Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC) has announced his intention to reintroduce legislation that would prohibit "the admission of aliens from countries designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism as well as Yemen to the United States."
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How New Airport Security Measures May Affect You
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
By: Jamal Abdi - News
On January 4, 2010, in response to an alleged December 25 bombing attempt on an international flight arriving in Detroit, the US Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) put new security measures into effect that will impact passengers on US-bound international flights.
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U.S. Decides to Punish Iranian Regime, Not People
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
By: David Elliott - Analysis
The Huffington Post - The continued demonstration of strength by the Iranian opposition has not only showed the increasing isolation of Iran's ruling elite, but also helped cement a dramatic policy shift that has been quietly taking shape in the White House.
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NIAC Applauds Shift Toward Targeted Sanctions
Thursday, December 31, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes the Obama administration's decision to pursue targeted sanctions on Iran's leaders rather than indiscriminate sanctions that would contribute to the suffering of the Iranian people.
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NIAC calls for Disarmament of Basij Paramilitary to Ensure Security for Iranian Citizens
Thursday, December 31, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) strongly condemns the campaign of intimidation being carried out by the Iranian government against its citizens through the Basij paramilitary. NIAC calls on the Iranian government to disarm the Basij immediately and to end the violent repression of the Iranian people.
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NIAC in the News
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is working hard to provide Iranian Americans a strong and respectable voice in America, as well as to speak forcefully in defense of the Iranian people as they courageously stand up for their rights.
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Senate, UN Resolutions Condemn Rights Abuses in Iran
Monday, December 28, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Last Tuesday, the United States Senate passed a resolution, "Condemning the Government of Iran for restricting and suppressing freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly, and for its human rights abuses, and for other purposes."
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NIAC Strongly Condemns Violence against Iranian Protesters during Ashura
Sunday, December 27, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council strongly condemns the unlawful violence used against Iranian protesters and mourners during Ashura over the weekend. The Council also welcomes the White House's condemnation of the "unjust suppression of civilians in Iran seeking to exercise their universal rights."
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NIAC Memo: Has Iran Reached a Breaking Point?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
By: Dr. Rouzbeh Parsi and Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
With the government growing increasingly desperate - and violent - the new clashes on the streets in Iran may very well prove to be the breaking point of the regime. If so, it shows that the Iranian theocracy ultimately fell on its own sword.
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NIAC Memo: Anatomy of a Nuclear Breakthrough Gone Backwards
Monday, December 21, 2009
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Less than three months after rising expectations on the possibility of a breakthrough in the negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, hopes of sealing a deal that would transfer the bulk of Iran's low-enriched uranium abroad have dissipated.
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White House Statement on Ayatollah Montazeri's Death
Monday, December 21, 2009
By: The White House
We express our condolences on the passing of Iranian cleric Grand Ayatollah Montazeri. He was known and internationally respected for his unwavering commitment to universal rights. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who seek to exercise the universal rights and freedoms that he so consistently advocated.
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Social Network or Sanction? Let's Tweet About It
Friday, December 18, 2009
By: Mohammad Modarres - News
"Despite all the hype no one is organizing any revolutions over Twitter," said Ethan Zuckerman, of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University.
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NIAC Holds Capitol Hill Briefing on Human Rights Situation in Iran
Friday, December 18, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
On December 11, NIAC held a briefing for members of Congress and their staff, discussing the current state of the pro-democracy movement in Iran, and exploring ways in which human rights can be incorporated into US diplomacy with Iran.
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NIAC Efforts to Reform Sanctions on Internet Tools for Iranians Successful
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes the decision by the Obama Administration to waive provisions of US sanctions that have kept important tools for online communication out of the hands of the Iranian people.
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House Approves Gasoline Embargo
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
By: Matt Sugrue - News
The U.S. House of Representatives last night passed the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194) by a vote of 412 12, with 4 voting present.
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Some in Congress Get Smart on Iran
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
By: Patrick Disney - Opinion
The Huffington Post - Two new bills offer a new way forward on Iran. The Stand with the Iranian People Act (SWIPA), led by Rep. Keith Ellison, and the Iranian Digital Empowerment Act (IDEA), led by Rep. Jim Moran, both seek to redefine how Congress approaches the Iran issue, in favor of a smarter, more holistic strategy.
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House Subcommittee Hears Reservations on Sanctions Ahead of Vote
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
Ahead of a vote on so-called "crippling" sanctions, the House Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on National Security held a hearing on a new way forward regarding Iran sanctions.
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The Stand With the Iranian People Act
Monday, December 14, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
The Stand with the Iranian People Act (SWIPA) changes the course on decades of failed US policies that have hurt the Iranian people and inadvertently contributed to their repression.
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NIAC Lauds Introduction of Bills Helping the Iranian People
Monday, December 14, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes today's introduction of H.R. 4303, the Stand with the Iranian People Act, in the House of Representatives, and applauds the bill's sponsors Representatives Keith Ellison (D-MN) and William Delahunt (D-MA).
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U.S.-Iran Policy Up for Debate
Friday, December 11, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
"If we approach diplomacy with the same sustainability, with the same stamina, with the same dedication, with the same determination, that we would pursue a military confrontation then we would see a different picture."
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Amnesty International Releases Report Documenting Iran's Human Rights Abuses
Friday, December 11, 2009
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Amnesty International released a report yesterday documenting the Iranian government's human rights abuses before, during and principally after the 12 June election--calling them the "worst in 20 years."
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Congress Votes on New Iran Sanctions Next Week
Friday, December 11, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote next Tuesday on H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (IRPSA). The bill, sponsored by House Foreign Affairs Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA), is expected to pass easily.
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Obama Should End Silence on Human Rights Abuses in Iran
Monday, December 7, 2009
By: Trita Parsi and Dokhi Fassihian - Opinion
The Huffington Post - Before nuclear diplomacy moves towards a premature ending, the Obama administration must act quickly to reinvigorate its human rights agenda.
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Reporters Without Borders Launches Campaign To Support Iranian Journalists
Monday, December 7, 2009
By: Bardia Mehrabian and Arsalan Barmand - News
Iranian authorities regard photographers as spies," said "EM," an Iranian photojournalist who has recently sought refuge in France with the help of Reporters Without Borders.
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Dr. Nader Vadiee Named New Mexico Professor of the Year
Monday, December 7, 2009
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute's (SIPI) Dr. Nader Vadiee of the Advanced Technical Education Department has been named New Mexico's 2009 Professor of the Year.
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Post-Election Iran: On the Streets and In the Prisons
Thursday, December 3, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
As a prisoner of Iran's Intelligence Ministry, Iason Athanasiadis witnessed a cultural struggle which he says is "by far the most important aspect of what is going on in Iran today if you want to understand it."
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Iranian American to Start White House Internship
Thursday, December 3, 2009
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Combiz Abdolrahimi always knew he wanted to work in government and policy. While other Iranian-American children were grooming themselves to pursue careers in law, medicine, architecture and engineering, Combiz was debating politics with grown adults.
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Senate Denounces Treatment of Baha'is in Iran
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
By: Matthew Sugrue - News
The Senate passed a resolution yesterday condemning the persecution of Baha'is by the government of Iran.
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BBC Investigates Neocon Attacks on NIAC
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
By: BBC Persian
BBC Persian investigated recent politically motivated attacks on NIAC. Watch the report here.
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Connecticut Iranian American A Symbol for Civic Participation
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Although Nina Mohadjer's bid for a seat on the Connecticut Board of Education was 110 votes short, she has since turned her full attention to another cause, one that she has been involved in for over two years: the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Relay for Life.
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Iranian American Farid Khavari Running for Governor of Florida
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
Running as a Democrat, Farid has garnered support from across the aisle as well, which he attributes to the fact that his platform and policies do not adhere to one political party but to all Americans.
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NIAC Joins Campaign to Make Neda Time Magazine's "Person of the Year"
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
The campaign to nominate Neda for Time's Person of the Year began with ordinary people in Iran. NIAC wants to amplify their voice and enable you to do the same.
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NIAC Welcomes Fox's On-Air Apology to Haddadi
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes the on-air apology issued by Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith following their derogatory remarks about Iranian NBA basketball player, Hamed Haddadi.
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NIAC Welcomes Senate Passage of Iran Human Rights Resolution
Friday, November 20, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council applauds the Senate's passage yesterday of S.Res.355, which condemned Iran's deplorable human rights record, urged the restoration of meaningful human rights to all of Iran's citizens, and called for an immediate release of those wrongfully imprisoned in violation of their rights.
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Iranian American Survey Shows Support for Human Rights, Diplomacy over More Sanctions
Thursday, November 19, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
A recent poll of the Iranian-American community by the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) reveals greater concern for the domestic affairs of Iran and large support for human rights and democracy.
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BAIAD's Official Statement about Recent Attacks on NIAC
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
By: BAIAD
As an organization that has been working with Iranian-American grassroots for years on issues of great importance to this constituency, BAIAD finds the accusations against NIAC just as baseless as trying to link the groups behind these accusations to the Iranian government.
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NIAC Stand's by its Record of Pursuing Peace Through Diplomacy
Friday, November 13, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC is proud of its work to advance US national security through a smarter and more effective policy on Iran. NIAC rejects the insinuations made by Washington Times that its activities are in violation of tax laws, the Foreign Agents Registration Act and lobbying disclosure laws.
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Iranian American 2010 Census Coalition Mobilizes
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
By: Iranian American 2010 Census Coalition
The 2010 United States Census (the "Census") provides the Iranian community in the United States the opportunity to stand up and be counted.
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Texas Rep. Introduces Resolution Supporting Iranian People's Struggle for Rights
Thursday, November 5, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) has introduced a resolution expressing continued support for the Iranian people as they stand up for freedom, human rights, and fundamental elements of democracy.
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Human Rights and the Battle for Iran
Thursday, November 5, 2009
By: Bardia Mehrabian - News
"It is in the national interest of the United States to press the human rights issue in Iran," said Professor Mehrzad Boroujerdi as part of the first of two panel discussions at NIAC's Capitol Hill conference yesterday.
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NIAC And J Street, Progressive Foreign Policy Groups, Become Political Targets
Thursday, November 5, 2009
By: Sam Stein, Huffington Post
In the usually wonky world of non-profit issue-advocacy organizations, a decidedly political campaign has been waged against foreign policy institutions that promote diplomacy over militarism.
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Experts Suggest Patience, a "Grand Agenda" for Iran Talks
Thursday, November 5, 2009
By: Matt Sugrue - News
"If the only thing [the United States] talks about with the Iranians is the nuclear issue, then our efforts to get out of the last thirty years of futility will fail," said Ambassador John Limbert, a former hostage in the US Embassy in Tehran and currently a professor at the US Naval Academy.
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Truth Out 2010: Setting the Record Straight
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Ever since NIAC has become a recognized and effective voice for the Iranian-American community in Washington DC, opponents of NIAC's efforts have engaged in a defamation campaign, seeking to silence the organization by falsely connecting it to the Islamic Republic.
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NIAC Condemns Prison Sentence for Iranian American Scholar
Thursday, October 29, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns the Iranian Justice Ministry's decision to sentence Iranian American Kian Tajbakhsh to 12 years in prison.
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The Struggle to Save the Persepolis Artifacts Continues!
Friday, October 23, 2009
By: Matt Sugrue - News
For three and a half years, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) has been the vanguard Iranian-American organization in the struggle to save the Persepolis Collection from forever disappearing into the hands of unknown bidders.
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House Denounces Treatment of Baha'is in Iran
Friday, October 23, 2009
By: Matt Sugrue - News
The House of Representatives passed a resolution yesterday condemning the persecution of Baha'is by the government of Iran.
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NIAC Condemns Prison Sentence for Iranian American Scholar
Thursday, October 22, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns the Iranian Justice Ministry's decision to sentence Iranian American Kian Tajbakhsh to 12 years in prison
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The "Year of Iran" Continues at the Smithsonian
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery takes us deep into the heart of divinity in Iran and Turkey during the 16th and 17th centuries in another fanciful exhibition entitled Falnama: The Book of Omens.
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2010 Truth Out Campaign
Friday, October 16, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
As NIAC's successes have increased, so have the unjustified attacks. This is not unique to our community, in fact, smear attacks have become increasingly common in America- just look at the attacks on Obama and the current health care debate.
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NIAC Condemns Executions, Recent Human Rights Violations in Iran
Thursday, October 15, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns a decision by the Iranian Justice Ministry to impose death sentences on three Iranians for allegedly participating in post-election protests.
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NIAC Welcomes US-Iran Talks and the Inclusion of Human Rights
Thursday, October 15, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes the successful first meeting between representatives of the permanent five members of the Security Council plus Germany and Iran yesterday.
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Iranian Scholars Urge US to Address Iran's Human Rights Violations
Thursday, October 8, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
108 scholars from the Iranian Diaspora have issued a statement about US-Iranian negotiations, recognizing the need for talks while emphasizing "a constructive dialogue with Iran must address the Iranian regime's recent brutalities."
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Iranian Filmmakers Get "Up Close and Personal" in LA
Thursday, October 8, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
A delegation of prominent Iranian filmmakers will make their way to Los Angeles next week to present and discuss a series of Iranian films from October 9-16.
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NIAC Defeats Iran War Resolution: Blockade Bill Shelved by Congress
Saturday, October 3, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
The National Iranian American Council, working in partnership with a coalition of grassroots NGOs successfully defeated a Congressional resolution that would take a decisive step towards war with Iran.
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Norooz Recognized by UN Calendar
Friday, October 2, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
The petition to include Norooz on the UN calendar has finally succeeded and is now officially recognized by the United Nations.
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Battle Over Persepolis Antiquities
Friday, October 2, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Panel with Stanford's World Association of International Studies & Friends of Persepolis Fortification Archive Project (PFAP)
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Former NIAC Associate pens op-ed in Washington Post
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Ali Scotten, a former intern at NIAC, was published with co-author Andrew Albertson in today's edition of the Washington Post. Their featured op-ed, titled "A Human Rights Lever for Iran," highlights the need to address the postelection human rights violations against the Iranian people.
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Will the Focus at the UN Be on Ahmadinejad's Human Rights Abuses?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Opinion
The Huffington Post - When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad comes to the UN this week, his biggest fear will be that the visit will be marred by international condemnations over election fraud and the massive human rights abuses taking place in Iran under his watch.
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Interview: Protesting Against Ahmadinejad at the UN
Monday, September 21, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
Bitta Mostofi of Where is My Vote? - NY is an organizer of the upcoming event "Voices for Iran: No to Ahmadinejad, Yes to Human Rights - Rally at the UN," coinciding with Ahmadinejad's visit to the UN on September 23.
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Nina Mohadjer Announces Candidacy for Municipal Office of Board of Education in Ridgefield, CT
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
By: Mohammad Modarres - News
"When it comes to our children's education, there is nothing more important. It is the driving engine in our community," said Ms. Nina Mohadjer who announced her candidacy for the Municipal Office of the Board of Education in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
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NIAC Urges for Human Rights to be Included in Diplomacy with Iran
Monday, September 14, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
On October 1, the P5+1, consisting of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, are scheduled to begin talks with Iran. The National Iranian American Council strongly urges that human rights play an important role in these talks.
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Christiane Amanpour Launches New Show
Monday, September 14, 2009
By: Llyod Chebaclo
Washington, DC - Christiane Amanpour, CNN's Chief International Correspondent of Iranian descent, debuts her new self-titled program "Amanpour" on September 21,2009. "I want this show to stir the global conscience," said Amanpour of her new series focusing on international political and cultural leaders.
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Shirin Neshat Wins Best Director at Venice Film Festival
Monday, September 14, 2009
By: Lloyd Chebaclo - News
Shirin Neshat, Iranian photographer and video director won the Best Director Silver Lion for her directorial debut "Women Without Men" at the 2009 Venice Film Festival.
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NIAC Memo: To Talk or to Sanction - Obama's Iran Dilemma
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
After masterfully - and unilaterally - changing the atmospherics between the two countries to make it more conducive to the success of diplomacy, while pushing back pressure from Israel and Congress to impose artificial deadlines for any negotiations with Iran, hardliners in Iran pulled the rug from under the feet of President Barack Obama.
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NIAC Memo: IRGC Commander Acknowledges Military Involvement in Election Politics
Monday, September 7, 2009
By: Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Islamic Revolution's Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari's speech on September 2, delivered in front of early military leaders of the Iran-Iraq War was the first public acknowledgment of IRGC's direct involvement in the elections and the crackdown.
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Iranian American Nasim Pedrad joins SNL
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
Nasim Pedrad, one of the few Iranian American comedians, is the newest hire at SNL. She joins the cast this fall after appearances on ER and Gilmore Girls.
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Throwing Ahmadinejad a Lifeline
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
By: Prof. Hossein Askari and Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
In an effort to squeeze Iran into submission over its nuclear policy, Congress and the White House are edging toward a gasoline embargo. This would do nothing to force Iran into submission. In fact, it would be a blessing for the hard-line government to once again be able to point to a foreign threat to justify domestic repression and consolidate its base at a time when opposition to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is increasing among conservatives.
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NIAC's Membership Speaks Up: Delay Diplomacy, Oppose Broad Sanctions
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
As a grass-roots organization representing Americans of Iranian descent, NIAC depends on feedback and surveys of its membership to determine its priorities and inform its directions.
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Seattle Iranian Americans Get Involved
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Seattle Iranian Americans attended a NIAC event on July 11 with Congressmen Jim McDermott (WA-7) and Adam Smith (WA-9) as well as Congressional candidate Suzan DelBene.
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NIAC Condemns 'Show Trials' and Campaign of Repression in Iran
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council condemns the mass "show trial" of opposition figures and systematic abuse of detainees by Iranian authorities which have led to numerous deaths and injuries in custody.
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Treasury rejects freezing Iran visitors' bank accounts
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
The United States Treasury has amended the way it enforces Iran sanctions to prevent the freezing of U.S. bank accounts of persons visiting Iran. The new regulations will protect Iranian Americans and others who travel to Iran from having their accounts frozen simply for being in Iran.
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Iranian American Organizations Unite to Form Iranian American 2010 Census Project Coalition
Friday, July 31, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Mindful of events in Iran following the June 12th presidential election, your voice as an Iranian American will matter even more. Decision makers and Americans nationwide are looking to our community for advice and direction.
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NIAC Memo: The case for a tactical pause with Iran
Thursday, July 30, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
No one said diplomacy with Iran would be easy. And now, before it even started, the Iranian election crisis has left Tehran politically paralyzed and Washington without a clear diplomatic path ahead.
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Now is our chance to save the Persepolis tablets!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Right now, the Senate is considering legislation that would prevent attempts to confiscate and auction off some of the most powerful symbols of Persian civilization. This legislation is designed to protect the priceless artifacts from Takht-e-Jamshid and all the other Persian artifacts under attack.
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Microsoft Continues to Ban Windows Live Messenger in Iran, Citing US Sanctions
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
By: Parisa Ghobbeh - News
In the midst of the post-election unrest in Iran, Microsoft has continued its ban on Windows Live Messenger service, citing US sanctions. The ban, which was instituted last year, discontinued Instant Messenger services in certain countries subject to United States sanctions, including Iran.
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NIAC Calls for the Release of Kian Tajbakhsh, an End to Political Detentions and Abuse
Monday, July 13, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns the arrest and imprisonment of Kian Tajbakhsh, an Iranian-American intellectual who was taken from his home in Iran and jailed late last Thursday.
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Iran at a Crossroads: NIAC Member Survey
Monday, July 6, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, DC - The violence erupting in the aftermath of the Iran elections has left very few around the world untouched. At NIAC, we have followed the developments extremely closely and have been at the forefront of the debate in the U.S. on how our government should respond. Thanks to your help, NIAC is recognized as one of the key groups shaping U.S. policy towards Iran.
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NIAC Memo: Reading Independence Day in Iran
Monday, July 6, 2009
By: Wm. Scott Harrop R.K. Ramazani - Analysis
When Americans celebrate the 4th of July, they often forget that the core purpose of the famous document penned by Thomas Jefferson was to declare independence from Great Britain. Had the colonies failed in that struggle for freedom to govern themselves, the Declaration of Independence's famous "unalienable" rights to equality, liberty, and life would have been rendered not self-evident.
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Iran at a Crossroads: NIAC Member Survey
Monday, July 6, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
The violence erupting in the aftermath of the Iran elections has left very few around the world untouched. At NIAC, we have followed the developments extremely closely and have been at the forefront of the debate in the U.S. on how our government should respond.
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Camp Ayandeh 2009: From Building Trust to Becoming a Team Leader
Sunday, July 5, 2009
By: Leyla Serway
Games of vasati under blue skies, evening celebrations of Iranian holidays, and music of the daft and tombak - these activities only begin to describe the week of Camp Ayandeh 2009.
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Act to Stop the Violence in Iran
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Iranian Americans and people all over the world have been touched by the courage of the Iranian people--and horrified by the violence used against them. Throughout the recent crisis, NIAC has been in contact with the White House almost daily to convey the views of our community, and policymakers have been listening.
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NIAC calls on Iranian Government to end political detentions and violence against protesters
Monday, June 29, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran since the country's disputed elections on June 12.
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Update on efforts to save the Persepolis artifacts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Yesterday, significant progress was made toward protecting the Persepolis tablets and other Persian artifacts under threat. Key stakeholders came out in support of the Burris amendment, but ultimately it was withdrawn at the 11th hour after one member raised a concern about the technical implications of the amendment.
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NIAC Welcomes Obama's Strong Condemnation of Violence by Iran's Government
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council welcomes President Obama's condemnation of human rights abuses by the Iranian government and its use of violence against peaceful protesters.
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NIAC Memo: What Obama Must Do Now On Iran
Monday, June 22, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Tehran is being rocked. Convinced that the landslide victory of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad June 12 was a fraud, hundreds of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets. Clashes with security forces have left at least 19 dead, according to the official count.
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NIAC Calls for New Election in Iran
Saturday, June 20, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council strongly condemns the government of Iran's escalating violence against demonstrators and reiterates its demand that the government cease using lethal force against unarmed protesters and bystanders. The only plausible way to end the violence is for new elections to be held with independent monitors ensuring its fairness.
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Amnesty International Denounces Khamenei's Remarks
Friday, June 19, 2009
By: Parisa Ghobbeh
Amnesty International released a statement today denouncing Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks regarding the Iranian post-election demonstrations. Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa program stated, "We are extremely disturbed at statements made by Ayatollah Khamenei which seem to give the green light to security forces to violently handle protesters exercising their right to demonstrate and express their views."
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NIAC condemns post-election violence
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council condemns the Iranian government's use of violence against demonstrators in Tehran and cities across Iran. "We condemn the violations of the human rights of the Iranian people," said NIAC President Trita Parsi.
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Iran Election Violence: What Should the US Do?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, DC - As the dramatic events in Iran continue to unfold, the thoughts and concerns of all of us here at NIAC are with the Iranian people and with the loved ones of all Iranian Americans who have been affected by the events of the last few days.
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The Big Apple Raises $110,000 to Protect the Persepolis Tablets
Thursday, June 11, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iranian-Americans from the New York tri-state area exceeded NIAC's fundraising goals and helped raise over $110,000 to go towards NIAC's efforts to protect the Persepolis Artifacts on May 30th at the Asia Society in Manhattan.
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Photos from NY Fundraiser for Persepolis
Thursday, June 11, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Photos from NIAC's New York Fundraiser to save the Persepolis Tablets.
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IAAB's Camp Ayandeh 2009- Community Building for Iranian-American Youth
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
By: Nahid Dashtaki - News
On June 28 to July 5, 2009 the Iranian Alliances Across Boarders (IAAB) will be holding their annual Camp Ayandeh. This camp is one of community building, leadership training, and cultural awareness for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.
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NIAC Memo: Ahmadinejad's Little Helpers
Monday, June 8, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
The Democratic House Leadership plans to put the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 up for a vote just days ahead of the Iranian presidential election, a move that could strengthen Iranian hardliners
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Rep. Honda Introduces Bill to Unite Immigrant Families
Thursday, June 4, 2009
By: Parisa Ghobbeh - News
Today, Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) introduced the "Reuniting Families Act," which would give green card holders the same rights as citizens to bring their spouses and children to the US.
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Supreme Court Case can Decide Fate of Persepolis Tablets
Friday, May 29, 2009
By: Ehsan Tabesh - Analysis
As the U.S. District Court decides the fate of thousands of historic Persian artifacts, the U.S. Supreme Court will soon determine whether U.S. citizens can sue the newly formed Republic of Iraq for the misdeeds of the former Saddam Hussein regime.
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Darius Shahinfar Announces Candidacy for Albany Chief City Auditor
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
By: Nashab Farhiktah - News
Darius Shahinfar announced his candidacy for Albany Chief City Auditor yesterday. Shahinfar, whose father immigrated to the United States in 1959, was previously a regional representative for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and captivated the attention of the Iranian-American community during his bid for New Yorks 21st Congressional District. I
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NIAC Memo: Why Iran's Presidential Race Could Make a Difference
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
By: Babak Rahimi - Analysis
Iran's presidential election is promising to be a major showdown. In what is shaping up to be a highly contested - yet limited - political arena, the upcoming election arrays competing factions that range from pragmatic conservatives to liberal reformists.
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Clinton Against Imposing New Iran Sanctions For Now
Friday, May 22, 2009
By: David Elliott - News
Washington DC - "How we proceed with sanctions depends upon on how the engagement works," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Congress Wednesday.
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Rep. Harman Retracts Statement on Iran, Expresses Regret
Thursday, May 21, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) welcomes Rep. Jane Harman's retraction and clarification of her statement regarding the "separation" of Iran's ethnic groups and regret for the concern it caused.
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NIAC Responds to Rep. Harman's Disturbing Comments
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Washington DC - Following the inflammatory comments by Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA) earlier this month, NIAC has sent a letter expressing outrage at the Congresswoman's suggestion that Iran should be "separated" along ethnic lines.
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Marjan Seirafi-Pour Protecting and Promoting the Iranian Identity for the Future
Monday, May 18, 2009
By: Nahid Dashtaki - News
"For the sake of our kids, we need to promote and protect our Iranian identity," declared Marjan Seirafi-Pour who has been inducted into the Oklahoma State Textbook Committee to improve the understanding of the Middle East today in Oklahoma schools.
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From the Big Apple to the Bluegrass State, Iranian Americans Get Involved
Thursday, May 14, 2009
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
"I'm politically vocal and informed, but I'm not politically active," expressed a frustrated participant before the start of NIAC's Demystifying Democracy Workshop-Seven Ingredients of Influence in NY on April 26th at Columbia University.
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Congress pushing new sanctions; supporter says "Iranians are going to die" if passed
Monday, May 11, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Tell Congress to Support Our Diplomats, Not New Sanctions
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Iran Condemned for Child Execution
Friday, May 1, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Delara Darabi was executed earlier today in Rasht prison for a crime committed when she was under the age of 18. According to Amnesty International, her lawyer was not informed about the execution, "despite the legal requirement that he should receive 48 hours notice."
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NIAC protests US military's use of the incorrect term "Arabian Gulf"
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
In his April 1 testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, America's commander of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan used the politically divisive term "Arabian Gulf" several times. NIAC has learned that General David Petraeus' usage of this term is reflective of official US military policy, despite the recognition by all other US Government agencies that this term is incorrect.
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House committee passes Iran divestment bill
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
The House Financial Services Committee unanimously approved by voice vote this morning H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009. The bill authorizes state and local governments to divest public funds from companies doing business in Iran.
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Darius Shahinfar to Speak at NIAC's NY Workshop
Thursday, April 23, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Darius Shahinfar, the first generation American of Iranian descent who captivated the attention and interest of the Iranian American community from coast to coast during his campaign for the Democratic nominee for New York's 21st Congressional District will be speaking at NIAC's Demystifying Democracy Workshop this Sunday at Columbia University.
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NIAC Memo: Why Roxana?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Tehran's sentencing of Roxana Saberi to eight years of prison for spying has shocked people inside and outside the country. At a time when President Barack Obama is seeking a dialogue with Tehran, what kind of a signal does Roxana's sentencing send, especially given that the trial failed to meet the basic standards set by international conventions to which Iran is party?
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Iranian-American Plastic Surgeon Volunteers around the Globe
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Many areas around the world today rely on doctors coming from outside and helping the local population. Iranian-American plastic surgeon Kaveh Alizadeh is one of the doctors that has chosen to dedicate much of his time to volunteering in different areas in need, working throughout Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
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NIAC Condemns Iran's Jailing of Iranian-American Journalist
Sunday, April 19, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
Washington, DC - The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemns the government of Iran's dubious trial and jailing of Roxana Saberi. On Saturday, Saberi was convicted by an Iranian court on charges of espionage and given an eight-year prison sentence.
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Iranian woman fearful of execution for crime committed as juvenile
Thursday, April 16, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Delara Darabi, 22, who has been detained in Rasht Prison since 2003 after being sentenced to death for a crime she committed at the age of 17, is "at imminent risk of being executed," according to her lawyer and Amnesty International.
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NIAC Partnering with U.S. Dept. of Commerce for 2010 Census
Thursday, April 9, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
As the largest grassroots Iranian-American organization with a presence in all 50 states, NIAC is partnering with the United States Department of Commerce to increase awareness within our community about the 2010 Census.
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Iranian-American Surgeon Gives Service Without Borders
Thursday, April 9, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
Press Dakota - Dr. Allen Sossan, a reconstructive spinal and orthopedic surgeon, usually splits his medical time between Yankton and Norfolk, Neb. However, for the last few years he has had a bit longer commute -- to Tehran, Iran.
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Iranian American Mohammad Movassaghi wins American Chemical Society award
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
The National Iranian American Council congratulates Iranian American Mohammad Movassaghi for winning a 2009 ACS (American Chemical Society) Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award in chemistry.
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NIAC Welcomes Secretary of State's Appeal for Missing Americans in Iran
Thursday, April 2, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
"We ask Iran to use its facilities to determine the whereabouts and ensure the quick and safe return of Robert Levinson, and grant the release of Roxana Saberi, and permission to travel for Roxana Saberi and Esha Momeni," said Secretary of State Clinton.
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NIAC Sponsors the 4th International Conference on the Iranian Diaspora
Monday, March 30, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Please join NIAC at the bi-annual Conference on the Iranian Diaspora. The conference brings together scholars, students, and members of the global community to discuss the current state, accomplishments, and future of the Iranian Diaspora community.
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Iranian Garage Band Finds Audience in America
Friday, March 27, 2009
By: Aisan Raisdana - News
Less than three years ago, Raam, Kami, Kodi, Jam and Pooya of the band Hypernova were playing small shows in their friends' basements in Tehran. After a taxing journey to the US, in the spring of 2007, the band landed one show at the Fat Baby Bar in New York and has since witnessed an overnight transformation to become the leader of the Iranian rock movement.
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Mountain in Bakhtiar Region in Iran Named After American nurse
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
By: Aisan Raisdana - News
Washington DC - Last year, family members of Helen Jeffreys Bakhtiar, an American nurse who served in Iran in the 1930s and 50s, learned that a mountain had been named in her honor in the Bakhtiari region of Iran.
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LA Times: LA's Iranians Welcome Persian New Year - and Obama's Overture to their Homeland
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
By: Martha Groves, LA Times - News
Los Angeles, CA - Along Westwood Boulevard south of Wilshire Boulevard - a.k.a. "Tehrangeles" - Iranian merchants on Friday had reason beyond the Persian New Year's holiday to shout out cheerful greetings to friends and customers.
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NIAC's Norooz 1388 Washington, DC Metro Area Fundraiser
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Pictures from NIAC's Norooz 1388 DC Fundraiser!
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Iranian Americans Raise $50,000 to Preserve Persepolis Artifacts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
The Iranian-American community came together to celebrate the coming of Norooz and support NIAC's continued efforts to protect the Persepolis tablets and support diplomacy, on March 7, 2009 in Mclean VA.
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NIAC Memo: Did Tehran Really Rebuff Obama?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Some western reports have characterized Ayatollah Khamenei's response to President Obama's Norooz message as a rebuff, but a closer reading suggest otherwise.
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Thank President Obama for his wonderful Norooz message and ask him to protect the Persian tablets
Friday, March 20, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
President Barack Obama's historic Norooz message recognized the greatness of Iranian civilization, the contributions of Iranian Americans to America, and that threats cannot resolve the differences between Iran and the US. The President also declared that he wishes to end the last thirty years of enmity and move towards constructive US-Iran ties.
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NIAC Wishes A Happy and Prosperous Norooz to All
Thursday, March 19, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
NIAC wishes a happy and prosperous Norooz to all. Take the opportunity this year to ask Congress to pass the Norooz resolution championed by Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA).
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NIAC's Amicus Brief to Save Persepolis Tablets Available for Download
Thursday, March 19, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Last week, the National Iranian American Council presented a brief Amicus Curiae to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District Illinois Eastern Division in a lawsuit that seeks to seize and auction off thousands of historic Persian artifacts of substantial historical importance currently on display at the University of Chicago.
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First-Ever Norooz Resolution Introduced in House of Representatives
Thursday, March 19, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
NIAC welcomes a resolution introduced today by Rep. Michael Honda (D-CA), which honors Norooz and wishes a happy New Year to the Iranian-American community and the people of Iran. The resolution, H.Res. 267, is the first of its kind to be introduced in the House of Representatives.
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Five minutes to Midnight? Congress Debates Iran Divestment
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
By: Emily Blout - News
Congress began deliberations on the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 in the first hearing held by the House Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade.
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Urge Congress to Pass First-Ever Norooz Resolution
Monday, March 16, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
NIAC is very pleased to announce that Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA-15) is about to introduce a Congressional resolution recognizing Norooz, expressing appreciation for the contributions of Iranian Americans to American society, and wishing both Iranian Americans and the people of Iran a prosperous new year.
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Building Iranian-American Influence in Colorado
Monday, March 16, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Over 40 Iranian-American Coloradoans attended NIAC's Demystifying Democracy workshop sponsored by the Parsa Foundation on March 8th. Participants of all ages were forced to question previously held beliefs about influence and power in the American political system.
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Appeal for Protection of Persian Artifacts Reaches New Heights
Thursday, March 12, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Today, the National Iranian American Council presented a brief Amicus Curiae to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District Illinois Eastern Division in a lawsuit that seeks to seize and auction off thousands of historic Persian artifacts of substantial historical importance currently on display at the University of Chicago.
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NIAC President Trita Parsi Testifies Before House Financial Services Subcommittee
Thursday, March 12, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Dr. Trita Parsi, President of the National Iranian American Council, testified this morning before the House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade.
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Support NIAC's Persepolis Fund!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Donate to NIAC's Persepolis Fund and help protect the priceless Persepolis tablets at Chicago University!
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Iranian American Ross Mirkarimi Appointed to California Coastal Commission
Monday, March 9, 2009
By: Aisan Raisdana - News
Ross Mirkarimi, San Francisco County Supervisor, has been appointed to the California Coastal Commission for a two-year term by Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), Chair of the California State Senate Rules Committee.
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NIAC Memo: Iraqi Provincial Elections - What Tehran Has Lost
Thursday, March 5, 2009
By: Babak Rahimi - Analysis
The Iraqi provincial elections have been largely interpreted as a serious blow to Iran. While it signals a major defeat for Iran's hardliners, it is actually a significant strategic victory for its pragmatists.
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Apply Now for a White House Internship!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
What better way to learn how government works than in the White House itself? This is an exciting opportunity for Iranian-American students to learn the inner working of the administration while gaining valuable leadership skills.
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NIAC Condemns Incarceration of Iranian-American Journalist
Monday, March 2, 2009
By: NIAC Statement
Washington, DC - The National Iranian American Council strongly condemns the recent arrest and incarceration of Iranian American Roxana Saberi and Iran's continuing pattern of human rights violations and targeting of the Iranian-American community. The Iranian-American community is deeply saddened and troubled by this event.
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Don't Punish American Workers
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Today, the Washington Times published a Letter to the Editor co-written by NIAC's Patrick Disney and Bill Reinsch of the National Foreign Trade Council.
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Ask President Obama to prevent the auction of priceless Persepolis artifacts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
By: NIAC Staff
At a time of hope when President Barack Obama has commended our heritage, saying "The Iranian people are a great people, and Persian civilization is a great civilization," a court in Chicago is about to confiscate and auction off some of the most powerful symbols of that civilization: priceless artifacts from Takht-e-Jamshid.
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NIAC Memo: On Iran, Begin with the End in Mind
Sunday, February 22, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi and Stanley Weiss - Analysis
Only 15 minutes into his term as president, Barack Obama did what his predecessor had refused to do for eight years. He reached out to Iran. His outreach was stronger and swifter than many had expected. It was a wise move, but there should be little surprise that Tehran has yet to fully respond. It won't.
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House Resolution Sheds Light on Iran's Violation of Baha'is Religious Freedom
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
By: Sahar Jooshani - News
Last Friday, Representative Mark S. Kirk introduced H. Res. 175, "condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights."
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NIAC Memo: Can Khatami Make a Comeback?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Iran's former President, the soft-spoken Mohammad Khatami, ended months of speculations and revealed his bid to challenge the current Iranian President - the not-so-soft-spoken Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - in the upcoming Presidential elections in June.
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NIAC Memo: What Mutual Respect Means to Iran
Thursday, February 5, 2009
By: Prof. R.K. Ramazani - Opinion
In her first remarks to reporters on Jan. 27, new Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reiterated President Barack Obama's determination to explore ways to engage Iran.
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Bill offers redress to victims of terrorist watchlist
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
By: David Elliott
Washington, DC - The United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow individuals who are wrongly delayed or prevented from boarding a flight because their names are similar to ones on the terrorist watchlist to take action to prevent the problem from reoccurring. The Fair, Accurate, Secure and Timely (FAST) Redress Act of 2009 (H.R. 559) was introduced on January 15, 2009, by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY). The terrorist watchlist now contains over 1.1 million names. "With so many different names on the list, it is not surprising that every single day, countless Americans are misidentified as terrorists," said Clarke.
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Women's right defender imprisoned in Iran
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
Last Thursday, Alieh Eghdam Doost, who was arrested for demonstrating in the June 12, 2006 Hafte Tir Square protest against discriminatory laws, was taken under guard from her home in Fouman City, Iran to the Revolutionary Courts Office of Implementation of Sentences to serve a mandatory 3 year prison sentence. This will be the first sentence implemented in the case of a women's rights activist in Iran.
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NIAC welcomes appointment of Iranian American Vali Nasr to Obama Administration
Thursday, January 29, 2009
By: NIAC Press Release
The National Iranian American Council welcomes Iranian-American Professor Vali Nasr's appointment as senior advisor to special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, which he has confirmed to Foreign Policy magazine, and we congratulate Dr. Nasr on his upcoming role in the Obama administration.
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NIAC Memo: Israel, Gaza and Iran: Trapping Obama in Imagined Fault Lines
Thursday, January 15, 2009
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
In talking about the assault on Gaza, neo-conservative pundits and Israeli hardliners have relied on a familiar frame. The fighting in Gaza, they say, is a struggle between Israel and so-called "moderate" Arab states (namely, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia) on the one hand, and Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas on the other. In reality, Israel is fighting Iran in Gaza, the argument reads. These imagined Manichean fault lines defy logic and reality.
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Martin Luther King Day of Service
Thursday, January 15, 2009
By: NIAC Staff - News
In order to honor Dr. Martin Luther King's extraordinary vision and the incoming administration's commitment to volunteerism, NIAC staff and volunteers will be participating in volunteer projects in the DC Metropolitan area.
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Transcript of NIAC's November conference on Capitol Hill available for download
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
By: Hormoz Rashidi
Read more:The full transcript of NIAC's Capitol Hill conference "Can Obama Untangle the Iranian Challenge?: Prospects for a New Iran Policy" with Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE), Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Chairman John Tierney (D-MA), Ambassador James Dobbins, Joseph Cirincione and Dr. Farideh Farhi is now available for download.
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International organizations condemn Ebadi persecution
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
By: Aisan Raisdana - News
The headquarters of Shirin Ebadi's Center for the Defense of Human Rights was shut down on December 21 by Iranian authorities just hours prior to a commemoration ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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Merrill Lynch to pay $1.55 million for anti-Iranian discrimination
Monday, January 5, 2009
By: Emily Blout - News
Merrill Lynch & Co. agreed to pay $1.55 million to resolve a U.S. government lawsuit accusing the securities firm of discriminating against an Iranian employee.
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Iran Raids Human Rights Center
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
By: Hormoz Rashidi - News
Iranian authorities raided the office of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and her Center for Defenders of Human Rights yesterday, seizing computers and confidential information about clients.
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Iranian-American Doctor Opens Free Clinic in Salt Lake City
Thursday, December 18, 2008
By: Hormoz Rashidi - News
Iranian immigrant Dr. Mansoor Emam moved to the United States as a teenager with a dream to study medicine and give back to the country that had given him so much. His dream finally came true when he opened his first free clinic, the Maliheh Free Clinic in Salt Lake City, named after his deceased grandmother, Maliheh Abdollahi.
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Update: SBA 8 (a) FAQs
Friday, December 5, 2008
By: NIAC Staff - News
Find answers to all your questions about SBA 8(a) status for the Iranian-American community.
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NIAC Forges Ahead in SBA Struggle
Friday, December 5, 2008
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is forging ahead with its campaign to achieve SBA 8 (a) benefits for Iranian-American small business owners. The nation's largest Iranian-American organization is enlisting the cooperation of other ethnic minority groups and reaching out to Iranian-American organizations to bring the issue before the public and Congress. If granted, Iranian-American entrepreneurs would be eligible to compete with other minority communities for lucrative government contracts and services.
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NIAC Memo: Why Diplomacy and Sanctions Don't Always Mix
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
The debate in Washington is no longer whether to negotiate with Iran, but how, when and in what sequence such negotiations should take place. This, however, does not mean that talks will occur or that they will succeed. This is partly due to an unchang-ing feature of the political land-scape in Washington--the reliance on economic sanctions to look tough and to gain leverage.
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NIAC Memo: The Battle for Iran
Sunday, November 30, 2008
By: Dr. John Tirman - Analysis
The battle for Iran is on - for Iran policy, that is - and a ferocious contest is in store. The combatants are former policy makers, scholars, and think tanks. They are issuing position papers and holding press conferences. On the front line of the contest are those with carrots and those with sticks, the ages-old choice in foreign affairs. Fortunately, history and circumstances provide a clear preference.
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Through New Partnerships, NIAC Effectively Gets Out the Iranian-American Vote!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
Thanks to new technologies and partnerships, NIAC's voter registration and Get Out The Vote (GOTV) activities reached unprecedented levels in 2008. NIAC made a total of 113,000 targeted phone calls, e-mails and postcards encouraging Iranian Americans to vote in the primaries and general elections, and to register Iranian-American voters.
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NIAC Memo: Iran's About Face on the Status of Forces Agreement
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
By: Dr. Babak Rahimi - Analysis
The recent approval of the security pact by the Iraqi Cabinet, which would require Washington to withdraw its forces by the end of 2011, marks a new development in U.S.-Iran relations.
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Lawmakers, Experts agree on diplomacy with Iran
Thursday, November 20, 2008
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
The current US debate on Iran is not between those arguing for a pre-emptive military strike and those who do not. Rather, the debate is between those advocating talking first and bombing next, and those who believe no talks are needed before the bombing takes place.
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NIAC Congratulates President-elect Barack Obama
Thursday, November 6, 2008
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC congratulates President-elect Barack Obama on his historic victory on November 4, 2008. This victory represents many 'firsts' for the United States of America. One of the most important 'firsts' is the overwhelming success of a campaign that chose to elevate the public discourse by rejecting the politics of destruction. President-elect Obama avoided using the kind of personal attacks that have become too common in American political discourse and proved that running a positive, issues-based campaign can be a success.
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NIAC Memo: Why US-Iran Talks Are Good for Israel
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
By: Prof. Mark Katz - Analysis
The recent Russian intervention in Georgia has made an American rapprochement with Iran highly desirable for the United States. Israel has long opposed such a rapprochement, but this would also serve its interests too. Here's why.
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NIAC calls on Iranian authorities to honor the human rights of Esha Momeni
Friday, October 31, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
Esha Momeni, a graduate student at the School of Communications, Media and Arts at California State University, Northridge was arrested in Tehran on October 15, 2008 and detained in section 209 of Iran's Evin Prison - an area under the control of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence.
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NIAC Memo: How to stop an Iranian bomb
Friday, October 31, 2008
By: Dr. Trita Parsi and Andreas Persbo - Opinion
Ever since Iran publicized its nuclear fuel cycle plans in 2003, western experts have tried to downplay its rate of progress in nuclear engineering.
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NIAC Memo: Who Can Unseat Ahmadinejad?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
This election is different. Ahmadinejad will run and he will be the man to beat. At the same time, the extent to which Ahmadinejad's mismanagement of the economy and his office has become part of the Iranian political discourse is unprecedented.
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Iranian-American student arrested in Iran, groups call for release
Friday, October 24, 2008
By: Patrick Disney - News
A graduate student from California State University-Northridge has been imprisoned in Iran for more than a week, with calls for her release going unheeded by Iranian authorities, according to rights groups and media reports.
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Iran Backtracks on Vow to Cease Juvenile Executions
Sunday, October 19, 2008
By: Rebecca Schiel - News
Iran's state media outlet announced Wednesday that the practice of executing juveniles will be ended. Additionally, juveniles who had been sentenced to death and are awaiting execution would have their sentences commuted to life with the possibility of parole. The Iranian judiciary later backtracked and said that only executions for drug offenses will be ended.
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NIAC Memo: Finding Options on Iran
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
On the eve of his departure from political life, outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Olmert delivered a stinging parting shot - putting under question not only the wisdom of holding on to Palestinian land, but also the feasibility of an Israeli military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.
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Last-Minute Iran Sanctions Pass House
Sunday, September 28, 2008
By: Patrick Disney - News
In a last-minute legislative maneuver, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) introduced H.R. 7112, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2008 on Thursday and ushered its passage through the House late Friday evening.
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NIAC MEMO: IAEA Declares a Gridlock with Iran
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
With the exception of one potentially important nugget about the possibility of Iran drawing on "foreign expertise" in conducting experiments on a detonator suitable for an implosion-type nuclear weapon, the latest IAEA report offers little that is different from its previous report.
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Darius Shahinfar loses Democratic Primary in NY-21
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
By: Babak Talebi - News
Darius Shahinfar, the first generation American of Iranian descent who captivated the attention and interest of the Iranian-American community from coast to coast, lost his bid to be the Democratic nominee for New York's 21st Congressional District last night.
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The UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights Condemns Juvenile Executions in Iran
Thursday, September 4, 2008
By: Rebecca Schiel - News
The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights at the UN spoke out on the juvenile executions in Iran in a statement this week saying "These executions appear to be in clear violation of international law which contains an absolute prohibition of the death penalty for juvenile offenders."
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Iranian Women's Rights Advocates Score Stunning Victory
Thursday, September 4, 2008
By: Rebecca Schiel - News
After experiencing severe criticism and opposition from women's rights advocates, the "Family Protection Bill" was sent indefinitely back to the Judiciary Commission of the Iranian Parliament. It looks as though in this battle, Iran's women's rights activists have been triumphant.
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NIAC Statement on Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, August 28, 2008
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council expresses grave concern about the human rights situation in Iran and urges the government of Iran to respect the internationally recognized rights of its citizens.
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NIAC position on Human Rights in Iran
Thursday, August 28, 2008
By: NIAC Statement
NIAC has issued a position statement on the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. The statement expresses grave concern about the human rights situation in Iran and urges the government of Iran to respect the internationally recognized rights of its citizens.
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Amnesty International Condemns Iran for Youth Execution
Thursday, August 21, 2008
By: Hormoz Rashidi - News
Amnesty International condemned Iran for the July 19 hanging of Reza Hejazi and called on Tehran to halt all executions of juvenile offenders in accordance with International Law. Hejazi was executed in Isfahan central prison for his involvement in a murder when he was 15 years old.
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Newsweek: Iran's Star Students Rush to America
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
By: NIAC Staff - News
Renowned Iranian-American journalist and NIAC member Afshin Molavi has an interesting article in Newsweek magazine this week. The article describes how the Iranian government's failure to provide jobs and opportunities in Iran have caused some of the country's best and brightest to emigrate to the United States and become part of the Iranian-American community here.
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Amnesty International condemns human violations against Kurds in Iran
Friday, August 1, 2008
By: Farid Zareie - News
Amnesty International recently published a 57-page report condemning the cultural discrimination and human rights abuses that the estimated 12 million ethnic Kurds living in Iran face. The report cites dozens of cases where alleged Kurdish criminals were subjected to flawed trials, inadequate defense, and excessive penalties including numerous cases where the defendants were sentenced to death.
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Iranian American Bar Association Urges Reversal of Florida Law
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
By: Farid Zareie - News
The Iranian American Bar Association called for a recent Florida law hindering travel to Iran to be reversed. SB 1310 was approved by Governor Charlie Crist on June 23 this year. Much confusion has reigned as to whether the law already had come into effect or whether it was being held up in court. The full text of the IABA press release can be found below.
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The Risk of a US-Iran Proxy War
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
By: Julia Murray - News
NIAC held a briefing yesterday on Capitol Hill to shed light on the risk of a possible proxy war between the USA and Iran through various sectarian and political groups in Iran and Iraq, including the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK). The event featured Col. Sam Gardiner (Ret.), an expert on strategy and military organizations.
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Libertarian Presidential Candidate Stresses Engagement With Iran, Diplomatic Talks "Long Overdue"
Monday, July 28, 2008
By: Arsalan Barmand - News
In a statement released Thursday morning, the Libertarian Presidential Candidate Bob Barr urged the Bush Administration to begin talks with Iran. "The U.S. should move forward and initiate direct discussions with Tehran. As famed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill told us, 'it is always better to jaw-jaw than to war-war," he said.
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Mass Executions at Evin Prison in Iran
Monday, July 28, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
According to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, 29 executions by hanging occurred on Sunday morning at Evin Prison in Tehran. An article from the BBC reports the prisoners had been charged with a wide array of crimes including murder, rape, armed robbery and drug trafficking.
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NIAC Memo: IRGC Reshuffling Aimed at Boosting Political Role
Sunday, July 27, 2008
By: Prof. Babak Rahimi - Analysis
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the independent elite military force, has recently undergone a major transformation in its command authority with the apparent aim of boosting its political role in Iran. The new leadership assigned by the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, includes key appointments to the newly formed thirty-one command units of the Revolutionary Guard.
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Iran Human Rights Violations Continue New Cases of Stoning and Arrests
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
New developments in Iran's foreign policy have yet again allowed its human rights violations to go widely unreported. As of July 15, the BBC had reported Iran plans to stone "at least" eight women and one man for various sex crimes, ranging from adultery to incest and prostitution. The lawyers representing the women have warned that all nine people could be executed at any moment despite a 2002 moratorium on stoning ordered by Iranian judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi. It is believed that at least three people have been executed by stoning in Iran since the supposed suspension.
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Will Iran Freeze?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Upon his return to Iran from Geneva Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, was quite clear in only one respect. Responding to a question from the Iranian press, he stated that in Geneva there was no discussion of Iran's suspension of uranium enrichment. Jalili is right. The Geneva talks were not supposed to be about suspension.
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Iranian Civil Society Urges US to End "Democracy Fund," Ease Sanctions
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
By: Patrick Disney - News
A group of Iranian scientists, humanitarians, and social service workers has sent a letter to President Bush and members of Congress urging them to abolish the controversial "Iran Democracy Fund" and to ease US sanctions on Iran. According to the group, this will allow greater collaboration through people-to-people exchange and strengthen the cultural and educational ties between our two countries
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World Archaeological Congress: No War with Iran
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
By: Julia Murray - News
Last week the World Archaeological Congress (WAC) issued a resolution that discouraged the use of American force in Iran. The resolution also urged the archaeological community to resist US military requests to hand over a list of historical Iranian sites that should be avoided in the case of air strikes. What is unclear, however, is whether this pronouncement is in anticipation of requests for such information about Iran or if archaeologists have been approached by the US government already.
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NIAC Welcomes Sen. McCain's Appointment of Iranian-American Liaison
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes the McCain campaign's appointment of a special coordinator for Iranian American outreach. McCain's is the first presidential campaign in history to create a specific position for the purpose of reaching out to the Iranian-American community.
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NIAC Memo: Reading Solana in Tehran
Monday, July 7, 2008
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Conciliatory noises from Tehran over the nuclear issue have left Washington and Brussels baffled, and unconvinced of Iran's intentions. Having grown accustomed to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's uncompromising language, Tehran's new tone has raised more suspicion than hope among cynics in Western capitals.
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Washington Times Op-Ed -- HConRes 362: Blockading Iran to war
Sunday, July 6, 2008
By: Prof. Cyrus Bina and Col. Sam Gardiner - Opinion
Markets have been watching every move of President Bush and the Israeli government to decipher whether war with Iran is in the making. Few expected, however, that the equivalent of a green light for war would come from our Democratic-controlled Congress. That is what Congress is preparing to do through a resolution calling for a de facto naval blockade in the Persian Gulf to prohibit Iran from importing refined petroleum products.
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The Alternative to an Israeli Attack on Iran
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
By: Shlomo Ben-Ame and Trita Parsi - Opinion
In an op-ed in the Christian Science Monitor on July 2, 2008, former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami and NIAC President Trita Parsi argue that there is no military solution to the Iranian nuclear stand-off and that the tendency to view consequences of war with great optimism and challenges of diplomacy with great skepticism must be corrected.
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NIAC Memo: Beneath Bravado, Iran Prepares for US Attack
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
A recent interview with the commander of the Islamic Revolution's Guard Corps (IRGC) reveals important details regarding the current state of thinking in Tehran about Iran's preparation for an attack and its assessment of US and Israeli capabilities
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Transcript of "Breaking the Stalemate" Conference on Capitol Hill available for download
Monday, June 30, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
Full transcripts of NIAC's Capitol Hill conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate: Finding the Nuclear Fix in the Wake of the Majlis elections" with Senator Dianne Feinstein, Ambassador Tom Pickering and Dr. Hans Blix is now available for download.
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Background on Persepolis Artifact Case
Friday, June 27, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
Due to a March 31, 2008 Federal District Court ruling in Massachusetts, Iranians around the world are feeling their grip on their heritage loosen. Artifacts from the ancient city of Persepolis and archeological site, Chogha Mish that are currently on display by Harvard University and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston are now on the chopping block. Due to the court case, Rubin et al v. Islamic Republic of Iran, these artifacts can now be sold on behalf of several plaintiffs seeking to recover $259 million in court-awarded damages against the government of Iran. The following is a brief background of the artifact case and its proceedings.
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NIAC memo: Why Tehran Will Reject the New Incentive Package
Thursday, June 19, 2008
By: Dr. Babak Rahimi - Analysis
Iran's likely rejection of the new incentive package to halt the country's nuclear enrichment program has opened a new chapter in Tehran's successive transgression of nuclear demarcations.
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NIAC Memo: Who Is Making Tehran's Iraq Policy?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
One of the most curious aspects of reporting on Iran is the never-ending search for finding the one person that "really" makes policy.
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NIAC Memo: The Implications of Ali Larijani's Election
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
By: Dr. Babak Rahimi - Analysis
The election of Ali Larijani as the new speaker of Iran's parliament marks a major development within the faction-ridden politics of the Islamic Republic.
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NIAC Memo: Larijani's Election Can Boost Congressional Diplomacy
Thursday, June 5, 2008
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Iranian Nobel prize laureate Shirin Ebadi has long argued that the United States and Iran need to have a dialogue with each other at three different levels: between their executive branches, between their civil societies and between their legislatures.
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Iran Sentences Juvenile Offender to Death, Defies International Treaties
Thursday, June 5, 2008
By: Caroline Tarpey - News
Iranian citizen Mohammad Feda'i faces execution for a murder he committed in reported self-defense when he was 17 years old. According to an alert by Amnesty International, Feda'i was "convicted after an unfair trial" in which his testimony was inadequately reviewed and for which he did not have full and fair legal representation. "As a state party to both the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Iran has undertaken not to execute juvenile offenders: those convicted of crimes committed when they were under the age of 18," Amnesty International reports. The judges' written verdict acknowledged that Feda'i committed murder in self-defense and did not have "adequate" representation. Yet, the judges handed down a death sentence in the same document.
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Iranian NGOs to U.S.: "Don't Send us Money."
Monday, June 2, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
Massachusetts Representative Bill Delahunt ended the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight hearing by echoing words he heard from Iranian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in response to increased American pro-democracy funding: "We hear from Iran, for example, 'don't send us money, it stigmatizes us.'"
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Human Rights Situation in Iran Continues to Deteriorate, Groups Report
Thursday, May 22, 2008
By: Patrick Disney - News
Iran continues to rank second in the world for executions, according to Amnesty International, with 317 people put to death last year. That figure nearly doubled the number of prisoners executed in Iran the previous year. Only China performed more executions in 2007.
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Avner: For Israel, Military Option Still on the Table
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
On Tuesday, May 21 NIAC held its monthly congressional briefing which covered the interlacing relationship between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The briefing included an opening statement by Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Congressman John Conyers (MI-D), during which he emphasized the importance of avoiding a third war with a Muslim State, adding that another war would have constitutional implications.
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NIAC Memo: How (not) to Win the Hearts and Minds of Iranians
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
By: Prof. Babak Rahimi - Analysis
One of the oddest consequences of U.S. sanctions toward Iran is how it has compelled ordinary Iranians, particularly pro-democracy elements, to help strengthen the Islamic Republic's claim to rule.
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Heritage a Key Element for Shahinfar
Thursday, May 15, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
Iranian American Darius Shahinfar, contender for the Democratic nomination for New York's 21st Congressional District seat vacated by Rep. Michael McNulty, has proudly embraced his Iranian background. On his campaign website, he showcases a 6 minute long video in which he embraces his father's Iranian background and says that he is "proud of his heritage."
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NIAC Files Defamation Lawsuit against Hassan Daioleslam
Thursday, May 15, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
On April 30, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) filed a lawsuit against Hassan Daioleslam in response to his defamatory articles about NIAC.
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Trita Parsi Wins 2008 Council on Foreign Relations' Silver Medal Arthur Ross Book Award
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC President Trita Parsi has received the 2008 silver medal from the Council on Foreign Relations' (CFR's) Arthur Ross Book Award for his work, Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States (Yale University Press). The prize is the "the most significant award for a book on international affairs." Endowed by the late Arthur Ross in 2001, the award honors nonfiction works that help change our understanding of important events, critical issues, and/or foreign policy problems.
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Iranian American Student Sues Georgetown University for Ethnic Profiling
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By: Caroline Tarpey - News
Iranian American Georgetown University graduate student, Kambiz Fattahi (GRD '08), filed suit against the university on April 29 in response to his forced removal from the university's 2007 commencement ceremony.
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NIAC Memo: Can P5+1 Offer Break the Nuclear Stalemate?
Saturday, May 10, 2008
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
The P5+1 -- the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany -- will present Tehran with a secret incentive package in the next few days to convince Iran to suspend its enrichment program and enter negotiations.
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NIAC Selects 2008 Public Service and Journalism Fellow!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
By: Pamela Maeda - News
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.
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Parsi: Clinton's "obliterate Iran" statement irresponsible
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
By: NIAC Statement
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.
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Shirin Ebadi answers questions
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
By: NIAC Staff - News
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.
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NIAC Welcomes Creation of First Iranian-American Lobby
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
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.
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NIAC Memo: Helping the Mullahs, Hurting the Poor
Monday, April 28, 2008
By: Babak Rahimi - Analysis
U.S. and European sanctions are not only failing to achieve their stated aims, they are also strengthening an Iranian government that has become more despotic since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
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Video of NIAC's Senate Conference Panel I
Thursday, April 24, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC's Senate conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate" is now available on youtube. Below are the clips from Panel I: New Majles, New Challenges?
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Video of NIAC's Senate Conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate"
Thursday, April 24, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
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.
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Video of NIAC's Senate Conference Panel II
Thursday, April 24, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC's Senate conference "Breaking the US-Iran Stalemate" is now available on youtube. Below are the clips from Panel II: Beyond Zero Enrichment - Finding the Nuclear Fix.
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NIAC Conference: Feinstein urges "robust diplomacy" with Iran without preconditions
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
By: Shadee Malaklou - News
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.
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NIAC Conference: Majles elections won't make nuclear compromise easier
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
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.
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NIAC Conference: Blix, Pickering propose nuclear compromise
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
By: Ali Scotten - News
"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.
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Shahinfar Runs for Congress
Thursday, March 27, 2008
By: Babak Talebi - News
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'.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wishes Iranian Americans a happy Nowruz
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
By: NIAC Staff - News
In a letter addressed to her constituents, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, wishes the Iranian-American community a happy Nowruz. In the letter, Pelosi commends Iranian Americans for their contributions to US society, from "business to government to nonprofit and cultural organizations."
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NIAC Memo: Will Iran's New Majles Pose a Challenge to Ahmadinejad?
Monday, March 17, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Iran's parliamentary (Majles) elections finally took place on Friday March 14. Despite a conservative win, chances are that the new Majles will provide a tougher political landscape for Ahmadinejad on economic grounds but not on nuclear and foreign policy issues.
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NIAC enlists major law firm to protect Persian Tablets
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
By: Shadee Malaklou - News
To defend the cultural heritage of Iranian Americans, NIAC has secured pro bono representation from a major law firm to protect thousands of priceless artifacts from Persepolis that are at risk of being auctioned away.
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International support for sanctions, military action against Iran declines
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
By: Shadee Malaklou - News
Support for tough measures against Iran's nuclear program has declined sharply in the United States, according to a BBC World Service Poll released March 11. In the wake of Admiral William Fallon's resignation from the US Central Command, the poll is a reassuring reminder that Americans still do not favor a US military strike on Iran.
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NIAC Memo: IAEA'S Latest Iran Report: Time to Move on
Friday, February 29, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
The latest IAEA safeguards report on Iran's nuclear activities is an important report that brings an end to almost all the technical issues that in the past five years have concerned the IAEA regarding Iran's declared civilian nuclear program.
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Human Rights and Islam in Iran
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
By: Daniel Robinson - News
At a February 15 briefing at the Women's Foreign Policy Group, Dr. Abdulaziz Sachedina, argued that the U.S. must pursue dialogue with Iran, and that dialogue must start with the human rights question. We cannot remain indifferent to any culture or community that fails to respect human rights for any person," he said.
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Legal Dance on Persepolis Artifacts Continues
Monday, February 18, 2008
By: Arash Hadjialiloo - News
For the past few months, the legal proceedings surrounding the sale of Persian artifacts on loan to American museums and universities had remained mostly dormant. That is, until, revelations occurred on three separate fronts of the issue. In the case of the Northern Illinois case Rubin et al. v IRI, two very separate developments have occurred. On March 29, new plaintiffs emerged seeking the clay tablets from Persepolis which are already targeted by the victims of a 1997 Jerusalem attack, Rubin et al. these additional plaintiffs want to lay claim to the artifacts so as to sell them and receive payment for a $2.7 billion decision in their favor.
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NIAC Protests Google's Use of Divisive Terms for the Persian Gulf
Thursday, February 7, 2008
By: NIAC Press Release
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. In 2004, NIAC successfully convinced the National Geographic Society to correct their online maps and the 9th edition of their Atlas.
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NIAC Memo: On the Hazards of Over-Interpreting Iranian Politics
Monday, January 28, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
The relationship between Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and various presidents of Iran has always been a fascinating topic particularly for those looking into Iran from the outside.
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Questions Remain about Iran Democracy Fund
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By: Emily Blout - News
In a controversial move last month, Congress appropriated $60 million for a package of State Department programs designed to "promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Iran," in part, by funding the activities of Iranian dissident groups.
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NIAC Memo: How to Prevent War at the Strait of Hormuz?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
By: Prof. R. K. R.K. Ramazani - Analysis
The recent naval encounter between the US and Iran extended their cold war for the first time to the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Such incidents could escalate into armed conflict, with catastrophic consequences for the world economy, especially the price of oil.
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NIAC Memo: Will Naval Incident Undermine Bush's Iran Message?
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
t is by now almost routine. With recurring frequency, U.S. leaders tour the Middle East depicting Iran as the region's greatest threat. As such, President George W. Bush's visit to the Middle East this week has historic precedent.
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NIAC Memo: Iran's "Unduly Provocative" Act against the US Navy?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Unduly provocative" was the term used by Vice Admiral Kevin J. Cosgriff, who commands U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, to characterize the incident that just took place between the Islamic Revolution's Guard Corps and the US Navy
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NIAC memo: Breaking Israel's Strategic Paralysis on Iran
Monday, December 31, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Israel is in state of strategic paralysis. Its longstanding policy on Iran - depict Tehran as a global threat, pressure Washington to prevent Iran from going nuclear, and evade an American-Iranian dialogue - has been dealt a severe blow by the recently released National Intelligence Estimate.
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NIAC Memo: US - Iran Dialogue Key to Regional Stability?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
One day after he identified Iran as a grave threat to regional security even without nuclear weapons, Defense Secretary Robert Gates received a friendly advice from one of Washington's key allies in the region.
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NIAC Memo: Iran in the Shadow of Annapolis
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
In light of the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran released last week, the Bush administration's choice to exclude Iran from the Annapolis meeting in late November looks all the more foolhardy.
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NIAC Memo: Is the Iran NIE a Blessing in Disguise for Israel?
Friday, December 7, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
The U.S. National Intelligence Estimate's assertion that Iran currently does not have a nuclear weapons program has caused much frustration in Israel.
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NIAC Memo: Can the NIE Evade the Risk for War?
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
The conclusions of the 2007 NIE should undermine any legitimacy the idea of military action has had in the United States and be seen as part and parcel of the debate that has been going on the in the United States between promoters of coercive diplomacy and military action
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NIAC Memo: An Inconvenient Reality: Sunnis Remain Source of Most Foreign Fighters in Iraq
Friday, November 30, 2007
By: Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
The Bush Administration continues to ignore the realities of the Iraq insurgency's makeup in its bid to pressure Iran
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NIAC Memo: U.S. Sanctions on Iran: Will They Work?
Friday, November 23, 2007
By: Prof. R.K. Ramazani - Analysis
The Bush administration's latest unilateral sanctions on Iran are likely to fail. The debate over whether or not these sanctions will work has so far focused on economic considerations. Psychological and political factors, however, are more important.
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NIAC Memo: Seven Myths about Iran
Thursday, November 15, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
The ill-informed foreign policy debate on Iran contributes to a paradigm of enmity between the United States and Iran, which limits the foreign policy options of future US administrations to various forms of confrontation while excluding more constructive approaches.
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NIAC Memo: Factionalism and Iran's Ruling Elite: Reality or Illusion?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
It behooves U.S. policy makers to take note of factional struggles in Tehran when developing effective policies that protect U.S. interests and advance U.S. goals, particularly when seeking to alter Tehran's behavior.
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NIAC Memo: Assessing the Iran-IAEA Nuclear Workplan
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajee - Analysis
With the unexpected resignation of chief Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani from his post this week, Iranian factional politics once again threaten to obstruct recent progress made in Iran's negotiations with the IAEA.
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NIAC Memo: A Sober Analysis of Iran
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Despite a fixation on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's hardline statements, Iran's rhetoric has only translated into actual policy when Tehran deemed that its ideological and strategic imperatives coincided
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NIAC Memo: Bush Indictment of Iran Tops Usual Rhetoric
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
The George W. Bush administration has seemingly taken advantage of the Congressional recess to escalate tensions with Iran.
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NIAC Memo: Terror Label for Guard Corp Entrenches US-Iran Enmity
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
The White House's decision to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization could deal a double blow to efforts to utilize diplomacy with Iran to stabilize Iraq.
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NIAC Memo: A New Cold War with Iran?
Monday, August 13, 2007
By: Dr. John Tirman - Analysis
We often hear that the US-Iran confrontation is a new Cold War, but the standoff is not like the US-Soviet conflict and it could be dangerous to think that it is
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NIAC Memo: Success in U.S.-Iran Security Talks Requires Balanced View
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
he United States and Iran met yesterday in Baghdad to discuss the security situation in Iraq, building on a groundbreaking initial meeting in May. This time, despite a more tense dialogue, a tangible gain has emerged.
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NIAC Memo: Iran's Security Outlook
Friday, July 13, 2007
By: Dr. Farideh Farhi - Analysis
Widespread apprehension attended the June 2005 election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, at least among those Iranians who had approved of the country's direction under the reformist clerics led by President Mohammad Khatami.
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NIAC Memo: Iraq - One-Sided Focus on Iran's Role Counterproductive
Thursday, July 12, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
Too often overlooked in the U.S.-Iran policy debate is the reality that for either the U.S. or Iran to achieve their objectives in Iraq, the other must be relatively successful as well. It is this complexity and interdependence that underscores the danger of painting U.S.-Iran relations in Iraq as a zero-sum game.
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NIAC Makes Progress in Defamation Case with VOA Persian
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
By: NIAC Staff - News
Voice of America's Persian Service has agreed to no longer provide a platform for proponents of US-Iran war who have waged a campaign of defamation against NIAC
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NIAC Memo: Might the U.S., Iran Cooperate on Al-Qaida?
Thursday, June 21, 2007
By: Prof. R. K. Ramazani - Analysis
Talks between America and Iran in Baghdad will mark the first official thaw in U.S.-Iranian relations, frozen since 1980. More importantly, the talks could lead to a vital partnership between Washington and Tehran against al-Qaida, the greatest single terrorist threat in the world today.
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NIAC Memo: New War Rhetoric Undercuts Iraq Talks
Monday, June 11, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman's call for cross-border raids into Iran appears to be the culmination of a two-week long campaign by proponents of war to put the military option centre-stage in the U.S. debate over Iran once more.
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NIAC Memo: U.S.-Iran Convergence in Iraq?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
U.S. and Iranian officials met this week in face-to-face discussions regarding the security situation in Iraq. The talks were described by the U.S. representative Ryan Crocker as "businesslike," by Iranian representative Hassan Kazemi Qomi as "frank and transparent," and by both parties as "positive."
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NIAC Welcomes US-Iran Talks in Baghdad
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
By: NIAC Press Release
NIAC welcomes the historic US-Iran talks held yesterday in Baghdad and calls for an expansion of the discussions. The White House's move towards negotiations is an encouraging step towards a necessary policy shift.
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NIAC Memo: The Challenges in Forcing Iranian "Behavior Change"
Thursday, May 24, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
An IAEA report released this week confirms that Iran now has 1,300 centrifuges operating--a significant increase in just the past few months. The finding prompted IAEA Secretary General Mohammad El Baradei to controversially conclude that despite persistent technical problems, Iran now "pretty much knows how to enrich."
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NIAC Memo: Scholars Bear Brunt of Anti-Diplomacy Backlash
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
With only a few days left until the United States and Iran are expected to hold much anticipated talks, several factors point to the potential for a real diplomatic breakthrough.
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NIAC Memo: Can Europe End the Lose-Lose Game with Iran?
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
As the world powers gather in Berlin this week to discuss new punitive measures against Iran's nuclear programme, Europe is faced with a daunting task.
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NIAC rebuts MKO and FrontPage Magazine's untruths and fabrications
Friday, April 20, 2007
By: NIAC Staff
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.
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NIAC Memo: A Counterproductive Precondition
Thursday, April 12, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
The Bush Administration's insistence on placing preconditions on engagement with Iran has not only prevented nuclear talks, but also diplomacy regarding Iraq and America's position in the Middle East
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NIAC memo: Supporting Terror to Destabilize Iran Will Backfire
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
New reports indicate the Bush administration is encouraging an ethnic Baluchi, Sunni Muslim "militant group" in Pakistan in a campaign of violence against Iran to destabilize that country.
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NIAC Memo: Duel for leverage fuels conflict, not diplomacy
Thursday, March 29, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
As the dispute over Iran's seizure of British sailors continues to twist and turn, what may have been an isolated incident at the outset is quickly developing into yet another move in the geopolitical chess game between the West and Iran.
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NIAC Memo: How Not to Foster Democracy in Iran
Sunday, March 25, 2007
By: Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
The path to greater democratization in Iran is dependent primarily on internal Iranian politics.
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NIAC Memo: Will Surge Hurt US More Than Sanctions Hurt Iran?
Sunday, February 25, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
The winds of fortune in the Iranian nuclear stand-off seem to have shifted, judging by the U.S.'s new confidence. But in Washington's apparent quest to get an upper hand, misreading the causes of the backlash against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran may cause the U.S. to lose rather than gain leverage.
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NIAC Memo: What if Iran Suspends? A Western Dilemma
Thursday, January 25, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
As the Feb. 21 deadline for Iran to halt its uranium enrichment programme fast approaches, both Iran and the West are scrambling to prepare themselves for all possible moves by the other side.
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NIAC Memo: Bush's Iraq Plan - Goading Iran into War
Thursday, January 11, 2007
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
President George W. Bush's address on Iraq Wednesday night was less about Iraq than about its eastern neighbor, Iran.
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NIAC Memo: Confronting Iran Won't End Iranian Influence in Iraq
Thursday, January 11, 2007
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
Risking direct conflict with Iran at this critical juncture in Iraq's post-Saddam history threatens to envelop that country and the region in a far more costly and destabilizing conflict.
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Homeland Security to Assign Terrorist Risk Profiles to Travelers
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
Last Friday, the Federal Register released details of a controversial border-security program that seeks to collect data, screen, and assess risk categories to every person traveling into and out of the United States.
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President of NIAC Says UN Sanctions on Iran Not Bringing US Closer to Solution
Monday, December 25, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
Antagonistic US and Iranian behavior is causing diplomacy to fall victim to an endless cycle of provocations.
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NIAC Memo: Will Sanctions Hurt or Aid Iran?
Sunday, December 24, 2006
By: Jalil Roshandel and Dr. Trita Paris - Analysis
More than twenty-five years of sanctions on Iran have inflicted some economic pain, but failed to alter Tehran's behavior. By impeding the development of Iran's oil sector, US sanctions have inadvertently contributed to the rise in oil prices. With demand for oil growing, sanctions may aid rather than harm Iran by further increasing the price of oil.
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NIAC Memo: Blair's Messege Echo Past Failure
Thursday, December 21, 2006
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been touring the Middle East with the message that, to make peace, Iran must be isolated. But promoting Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking by isolating Iran failed in the 1990s and is likely to fail again.
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NIAC Issue Brief: Implementing the Iraq Study Group's Recommendations on Iran
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
The Iraq Study Group's memorandum examines Iranian activities and interests in Iraq and presents some specific thoughts on next steps the Bush administration could take
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NIAC Memo: The Fantasy of A "Sunni Bulwark" to Stabilize Iraq
Sunday, December 3, 2006
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
The Bush administration is attempting to form an Arab "Sunni bulwark" to counter growing Iranian (Shi'a) influence in the region.
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Elections Setback House Immigration Hardliners
Sunday, November 19, 2006
By: Billy Dume - News
Between retirements and election losses, at least 11 and as many as 20 hard-line anti-immigrant Members of Congress will be gone in January.
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NIAC Welcomes Independent Investigation of UCLA Student Tasering
Friday, November 17, 2006
By: NIAC Statement
The National Iranian American Council welcomes the decision to conduct an independent investigation of the repeated tasering of an Iranian-American UCLA student earlier this week.
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Election Analysis: Democrats Now Share Responsibility For Iraq and Iran
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
The 2006 midterm elections have yielded Democratic control of both the U.S. House and Senate in what can be seen as a direct repudiation of the Bush administration. The Bush White House is now faced with a difficult context in which to continue its current "full speed ahead" approach to Iraq.
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NIAC Memo: Iran Is Key to Course Change on Iraq
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
Two political earthquakes hit the United States this week. On Tuesday, the Democrats took control of Congress, and the following day, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was replaced by Robert Gates, a member of the senior Bush's foreign policy team.
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The Mid-term Elections and Iranian American Interests: Analysis of the Senate
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - Analysis
With less than a week to go before the arrival of midterm elections, the stakes are raising for control of the US Senate. While 33 Senate seats will be decided this year, the Democrats need a net gain of six to take the reigns of power. Primarily because of unique Senate floor rules and the narrow Republican advantage, the Senate generally formulated more moderate legislation than the House in the last legislative session.
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NIAC Issue Brief: Why Iran Is a Different Challenge to the US
Sunday, October 29, 2006
By: Dr.Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
The US must overcome Washington's lack of leverage with Iran produced by nonexistent relations over the past 26 years and reassess Iran policy in a post-Cold War, post-9/11 world
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NIAC Issue Brief: Tehran's Iraq Strategy: Can It Help Or Only Hurt US Interests?
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - Analysis
To prevent an escalation with Tehran, Washington must commit itself to fully appreciating the range of Iranian interests while assessing their implications in a clear-eyed manner
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Spy Bill on Senate Agenda
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
By: Billy Dume - News
Amid opposition, the Senator Arlen Specter's (R-PA) Security Surveillance Act of 2006 (S. 2453), has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
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NIAC Memo: The Khomeini Letter - Is Rafsanjani Warning the Hardliners?
Monday, October 9, 2006
By: Dr. Rasool Nafisi - Analysis
A written correspondence between the late Ayatollah Khomeini and the then commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), Mohsen Rezai, has given some insight into why Iran accepted a ceasefire with Iraq in 1988.
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NIAC Memo: Will UN Sanctions Make the Nuclear Impasse Unsolvable?
Thursday, October 5, 2006
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
Iran's refusal to suspend uranium enrichment is rapidly leading to the reconsideration of its nuclear dossier by the UN Security Council. For the P5+1, the outstanding questions continue to be (a) what the likely outcome of greater pressure will be, and (b) what alternative approaches will have been foregone as the conflict escalates.
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Border Security Bill Approved by Congress, Minus Immigration Reform
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian & Billy Dume - News
Congress left town last week still deadlocked over immigration reform, although Congressional Republicans claimed a partial victory by winning passage of a bill (HR 6061) that tightens border security and approves 700 miles of US-Mexico border fencing.
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Register to Vote! See all Deadlines!
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
Voter registration deadlines in your state are coming up fast! Check out your state's deadlines below and click on each state to register to vote electronically.
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Ten Reasons to Vote in November!
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
A vote is a terrible thing to waste. The principal difference between a tyrannical, oppressive regime and a thriving, responsive, democratic government is the people's right to vote.
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NIAC Memo: Iran's French Offer - Can It Bridge The Political Divide?
Monday, October 2, 2006
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
Iran floated the idea of a French consortium this morning, led by EURODIF, to oversee Iran's uranium enrichment activities. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana noted that the idea was "interesting" and should be examined further.
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UPDATE ON HOUSE AND SENATE ACTION ON IRAN SANCTIONS
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
The House renewed sanctions on Iran today and passed a watered down version Iran Freedom Support Act by voice vote.
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SENATE WILL MARKUP ILSA BILL THURSDAY
Friday, September 22, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
On Thursday, September 28, at 10 a.m., the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee will markup a bill to reauthorize the Iran Libya Sanctions Act.
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Officials Give Conflicting Verdicts on State of Civic Participation
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
Speaking at Washington's annual National Conference on Citizenship, President Bush's top Budget advisor, Rob Portman, reported a growing sense of civic participation among Americans since the 9/11 attacks.
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NIAC Memo: Italy Boosts Talks on Iran But Real Test Lies Ahead
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
By: Trita Parsi - Analysis
After a tense week with several U.S. allies breaking ranks with the George W. Bush administration on Iran, an agreement has been reached to give diplomacy a bit more time.
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NIAC Memo: Italy Boosts Talks on Iran But Real Test Lies Ahead
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
By: Kevin Cowl - News
After a tense week with several U.S. allies breaking ranks with the George W. Bush administration on Iran, an agreement has been reached to give diplomacy a bit more time.
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Undersecretary Burns: No Guarantee Sanctions Will Work
Monday, September 18, 2006
By: Nathan Hunerwadel - News
In his testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, September 19, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns stated that the "[U.S. is] currently engaged in discussions with our P5+1 partners on a sanctions resolution in the Security Council".
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Anousheh Ansari Brings Pride To Iranian Americans
Monday, September 18, 2006
By: Billy Dume - News
Earlier this week, Iranian-American businesswoman and philanthropist Anousheh Ansari became the first female and Iranian American space tourist.
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The Iranian nuclear stand-off: A political or technical problem?
Sunday, September 17, 2006
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - News
The deadlock over Iran's nuclear program has political rather than technical roots. The appetite for sanctions or a confrontation with Iran is waning among US allies, making it all the more difficult to explore technical compromises.
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NIAC Memo: Khatami's Visit Shows Iran Has More Than One Voice
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
By: Dr. Rasool Nafisi - News
Khatami's visit showed that Iran is no monolith; understanding the complexity and multifaceted nature of Iranian political structure and culture is critical for a successful US policy on Iran.
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Giving Diplomacy a Chance
Sunday, September 10, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - News
Although both the United States and Iran express the desire for a diplomatic solution to the conflict over Iran's nuclear program, the present situation poses a significant risk of military confrontation between the two countries.
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Iranian American Discrimination Immigration or Foreign Policy Roots?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
Since September 11, US immigration policy has been significantly reshaped by concerns over instability in the Middle East and the government's larger, yet inextricably linked anti-terror policy goals.
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NIAC Issue Brief: Has Iran Lost Its Right to Enrichment?
Friday, August 25, 2006
By: Dr. Gareth Porter - News
Whether Iran has a right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to enrich uranium is an issue that most of the states in the world believe is at the heart of the present conflict between Iran and the Western powers.
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NIAC Memo: Rush to Sanctions Is a Slippery Slope Towards Military Action
Monday, August 21, 2006
By: Dr. Trita Parsi - Analysis
U.S. should pursue a resolution of all outstanding issues with Iran as soon as possible. Iran's response to the P5+1 proposal, which likely will fall short of Washington's expectations, should not be regarded as the end of the diplomatic track. Doing so would put the US on a slippery slope towards military action. Both containment of Iran and limited engagement has proven unsuccessful. Containment failed because Iran is too strong to be contained, and limited engagement failed because it failed to address Iran's sense of threat from the US. In addition, negotiating with Iran on limited issues such as uranium enrichment fails to take into account the many other concerns Washington has with Tehran, including Lebanon, Iraq and the human rights situation in Iran.
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NIAC Memo: Responding to an Iranian Counter-Proposal: The Lessons of Lebanon
Sunday, August 20, 2006
By: Dr. Gareth Porter - Analysis
Iran will respond to the P5+1 proposal by Tuesday, August 22. The Iranians are expected to neither give a firm approval nor a categorical rejection. Rather, Tehran will likely seek to initiate negotiations with the West without agreeing to suspend enrichment activities
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Portland Iranian Americans Honor Congressman Blumenauer
Thursday, August 17, 2006
By: Goudarz Eghtedari - News
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) was the key-note speaker at Portland's Iranian Festival on August 5, celebrating the Iranian people's historic contribution to democracy on the hundredth anniversary of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution.
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NIAC Memo:The P5+1 Proposal: What's in it for Iran?
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
If Iran insists on negotiating revisions to the P5+1 package proposal given to Iran on June 5, should that be viewed as the end the diplomatic process?
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NIAC Issue Brief: Assessing the P5+1 Package to Iran
Thursday, August 10, 2006
By: Dr. Gareth Porter - News
Iran has said it will respond to the P5+1 package proposal by August 22, and assuming that Tehran refuses to accept the proposal without some revision, the discussion of the next steps by the P5+1 will begin in earnest.
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Iran to defend itself in ongoing legal dispute over Persian artifacts
Thursday, August 10, 2006
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
Washington DC - The ongoing legal dispute between victims of a 1997 terror bombing in Israel and Chicago museum and Iran (Rubin v. Iran) over ancient Persian artifacts from Persepolis has struck a chord within the Iranian-American community.
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Legal Disputes Against Harvard and the University Of Chicago over Persian Artifacts Continue
Thursday, August 10, 2006
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
Two legal cases ruling the fate of ancient Persian artifacts held at US research universities look likely to be drawn out over several years. The vanguard legal disputes, being heard at the United States District Court level, revolve around 2,000-year-old Iranian items controlled by the University of Chicago and Harvard University.
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Congress Completes Work on Temporary ILSA Extension
Monday, August 7, 2006
By: Arshia Behnam - News
The Senate unanimously passed a clean extension of the Iran Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) on July 31st, 2006. The bill extends the provisions of ILSA, until September 29th, 2006. Congress, pressed for time, has now acted to extend ILSA without any controversial changes before its expiration and before the Senate's adjournment for summer recess.
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NIAC Issue Brief: Influencing Iran's Nuclear Options
Monday, August 7, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - Analysis
By looking at the complete list of Iranian options and interests, the US can identify the best course of action to peacefully resolve the Iranian nuclear issue
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NIAC Community Advisory: Know Your Rights on Possible FBI Interviews of Iranian-Americans
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
Recently, NIAC, civil rights organizations, and lawyers have noticed an increase in the number of FBI interviews of Iranians and Iranian Americans in an effort to identify potential threats to national security.
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Temporary Iran Sanctions Reauthorization Passed in the House
Thursday, July 27, 2006
By: Golnaz Yazdchi - News
In a surprise move, the House voted to extend the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 (ILSA) for only two months till September 29, 2006 rather than the usual five year extension.
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NIAC and IABA Join Forces to Protect Ancient Persian Artifact
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) and the Iranian American Bar Association (IABA) are joining forces to protect priceless Persian artifacts from being sold for private profit.
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NIAC Issue Brief: Is Iran Behind the War in Lebanon?
Monday, July 24, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - Analysis
The Israeli assault on Lebanon, instigated by a cross-border raid and kidnapping by Hezbollah, raises new demands from neoconservatives in the United States for military confrontation with Iran
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Congress Committee Meets to Iron Out Differences over Immigration Bills
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
By: Arshia Behnam - News
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results," explained Congressman John Hostettler (IN-R), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims as he set the tone for what was mostly a protracted dispute over the Senate's immigration reform proposal (S.2611) during a House Judiciary Committee meeting yesterday.
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Akbar Ganji Favors Nonviolent Resistance to Policies of the Islamic Republic
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
The once imprisoned journalist and writer's visit to the USA was intended to raise awareness about human rights violations and to appeal for the release of other political prisoners in Iran.
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NIAC Memo:The Suspension Precondition: Lessons from Past EU-Iran Negotiation
Thursday, July 13, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - News
As the P5 + 1 discuss the fact that Iran has not yet responded to the June 6 proposal, media coverage has lost sight of the centrality of the proposal's precondition for talks in the present diplomatic conflict.
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Analysis of Immigration Acts S.2611 And H.R. 4437
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - News
Please Click on the Link Above to View the Article
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Senator Isakson's Trigger Amendment Proposed as Solution to Immigration Debate
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
By: Billy Dume - News
Returning from a week break for the 4th of July holiday, members of Congress are reported to have warmed to the so called "trigger" amendment, an attempt to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate immigration reform measures.
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NIAC Memo: The July 5 Deadline for Iran to Respond to US-Sponsored Proposal
Saturday, July 1, 2006
By: Dr. Bahram Rajaee - Analysis
Iran and the six world powers including the US are currently engaged in pre-negotiations in which both sides seek to impose their own arbitrary deadlines on the other. The question is whether such deadlines are helpful towards resolving the Iranian stand-off and advancing Washington's non-proliferation policy.
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NIAC Fundraiser Features Virginia Congressman And Iranian Studies Pioneer
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) raised tens of thousands of dollars at its East Coast fundraiser hosted by Drs. Shahram and Forough Yazdani in McLean, Virginia, on June 3, 2006.
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Immigration Bill Clears Senate with Guest Worker and Legalization Provisions in Tact
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
By: Shahrzad Daneshvar Billy Dume - News
After a fervent debate on the Senate Floor, the Senate passed a controversial and wide-ranging immigration bill (S. 2611) last Thursday that proposed sweeping reforms to the nation's immigration laws.
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Immigration Rally Holding Up Debate, California Congressman Contends
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - News
At a breakfast meeting hosted by the California Institute for Federal Policy Research today, Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) criticized the recent immigrant rallies, suggesting that they did not successfully advance the case of immigrant reform proponents.
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President Urges Resolution to Immigration Debate by Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
President George W. Bush met with a bipartisan delegation of Senators last week urging them to complete an immigration overhaul by Memorial Day and overcome the impasse that has formed over plans to add a guest worker proposal to the nation's immigration laws.
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Senate Appropriators Fully Fund Iran Democracy Initiatives
Friday, April 21, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
On April 5, 2006, the Senate Appropriations Committee by a wide margin approved a war and hurricane relief supplemental spending plan which included $75 million in funding for Iran pro-democracy programs.
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War Supplemental Sails Through House, Includes Funding for Iran Democracy Programs
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
On March 16, 2006, the House of Representatives approved a $92 billion supplemental appropriations package by a vote of 348 to 71. The measure (HR 4939) contains $67.6 billion in aid for Iraq military activities and $4.3 billion for foreign assistance programs, of which $56 million is set aside for programs designed to foster democratic ideals in Iran.
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Senate Immigration Bill Debate Remains Locked in Stalemate
Friday, April 7, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - News
Plans to overhaul immigration laws stalled in the Senate on April 7th, 2006, after supporters of competing bills failed to muster the necessary votes to advance either measure. At issue was the establishment of a guest worker proposal, which was contained in one of the bills under consideration.The failure to report immigration legislation out of the Senate this week meant that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (TN) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (PA) must wait until after the two-week spring recess to craft a compromise proposal that has a chance of success.
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House Approves Higher Education Bill Containing College Relief for Farsi Language Learners
Friday, April 7, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
The House of Representatives approved a reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) on March 30, 2006, by a party line vote of 221 to 199. Included in the text of the bill is a provision that would grant loan forgiveness privileges to college students who complete a degree in Farsi and devote 5 years of professional service to the government.
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NIAC 8(a) Support Project
Thursday, April 6, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC is proud to announce that it has submitted a petition to the US Small Business Administration (SBA) to recognize Iranian Americans as eligible for the 8(a) business development program in late February. An abstract of the petition will be made available on NIAC's website in the near future.
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Monitoring and Responding to Discrimination
Thursday, April 6, 2006
By: NIAC Staff - News
On April 24th, 2003, Monster.com, with no specific directive from the U.S. of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), removed references to Iran and six other countries from its standard format for job-seekers' resumes effectively preventing individuals in these countries, regardless of their nationality, from using Monster.com's service.
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All Politics Are Local
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
NIAC hosts meet-and-greet with four prominent Montgomery county officials on February 23rd in downtown Rockville, in an effort to promote Iranian-American involvement and participation in local politics.
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Iran Ethnic Minorities Seek US Help to Topple the Iranian Regime
Monday, March 6, 2006
By: Shervin Boloorian and Billy Dume - News
A consortium of political ethnic opposition leaders from Iran appealed for active US support against the Iranian government in Washington today.
Delivering remarks to Congressional staffers, the panel comprised of spokespersons for exiled Kurdish, Azeri, and Arab groups, who all advocated for external and internal support to end what one panelist described as 80 years of "systematic cultural genocide" by Iran's Persian majority.
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NIAC Empowers Membership, Adopts Stronger Advocacy Profile
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
Over the last three months, the National Iranian American Council has taken significant strides towards becoming an organization that will increasingly rely on its membership for guidance.
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Iranian Americans in Maryland Meet with Local Officials
Monday, February 27, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
At an event sponsored by NIAC and hosted by the Law Offices of Afshin Pishevar, Iranian Americans took the opportunity to meet with their local Montgomery county officials to discuss everything from education to domestic violence and crime in the county.
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Iranian American Runs for Congress in Dallas
Monday, February 20, 2006
By: Ashton Rogers - News
Amir Omar, a first generation American of Iranian and Palestinian descent, is running for a seat in US Congress in District 30 of Texas.
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NIAC's Guide to the U.S. Presidential Electoral Process
Friday, January 13, 2006
By: Sam Fayyaz and Sahar Nowrouzzadeh - News
In a primary election, registered voters of a state may participate in choosing the candidate for the party's nomination by voting through secret ballot, as in a general election. However, your vote is not cast directly for a candidate. In reality they are cast for delegates.
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Copy of NIAC's Guide to the U.S. Presidential Electoral Process
Friday, January 13, 2006
By: Michelle Moghtader - News
In a primary election, registered voters of a state may participate in choosing the candidate for the party's nomination by voting through secret ballot, as in a general election. Most states hold primaries each presidential election and are the preferred way of selecting delegates since the 1960s.
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2006 NIAC Winter Happy Hour
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
By: NIAC Staff
The Lima Restaurant was an exceptional host to the 2006 NIAC Winter Happy Hour. New and familiar faces were a part of a fantastic turnout at the newly renovated Lima Restaurant.
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FIRST IRANIAN-AMERICAN SOLDIER KILLED IN IRAQ
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
By: NIAC Staff
Only hours after Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Ilyad Allawi addressed a joint session of the US Congress, House Representatives Marty Meehan (D-MA) and Curt Weldon (R-PA) introduced a House Resolution calling for justice for Saddam Hussein's Iranian victims.
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Voter Registration Deadlines for Nov. 7th Elections Fast Approaching!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
By: NIAC Staff
The National Iranian American Council has been working in conjunction with volunteer coordinators all over the country to register voters at drives. It is of the utmost importance that those of you who have not registered to vote do so as soon as possible.
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AIAP and NIAC Present
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
By: NIAC Staff
AIAP and NIAC Present: Democrats versus Republicans
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Immigration Bill to Be Considered by Senate in February
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
NIAC has confirmed that the Senate will consider various proposals for immigration reform later in February that will likely lack the strictest elements of Congressman Sensenbrenner's (R-WI) recently passed legislation, H.R. 4437 (See previous story).
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NIAC Members Meet Susan Davis (D-CA) in San Diego
Thursday, December 1, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC members in California's District 53 met with their Member of Congress, Representative Susan Davis (D-CA)
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Scholastic Reinstates Persia in "The New Book of Knowledge"
Thursday, November 17, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - Press Release
NIAC extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. David Rahni and Dr. Marzie Jafari, and all Iranian Americans that supported their efforts to get Scholastic to reinstate the chapter on Persia in their book "THE NEW BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE."
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NIAC Spearheads Efforts to Pre-Empt Abuse of Persian Gulf
Monday, November 7, 2005
By: Ehsan Tabesh
The National Iranian American Council launched a public media education campaign to raise awareness among key influential media on the history of the Persian Gulf, and politically motivated efforts to change the name of the waters.
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Iranian-American Katrina Fund Donates $16,610 to Katrina Victims
Monday, October 17, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC wishes to congratulate the Iranian-American community for its generous donations to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Following the tragic devastation that plagued much of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, NIAC responded by establishing the Iranian-American Katrina Relief Fund in order to channel Iranian-American donations to the victims.
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AN ISLAMIC REFORMATION?
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
By: NIAC Staff
Reza Aslan author of the highly praised "No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and the Future of Islam," gave a spirited dinner lecture at Au Pied Bistro in Georgetown Sunday. The issue at hand is Islam, and, more specifically, the future of this; or, as Aslan puts it, its evolutionary "reformation."
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Aslan: Isolation of Iran Enables Human Rights Violations
Sunday, September 25, 2005
By: NIAC Staff
Reza Aslan, author of No god but God, deemed the current U.S. strategy to overthrow Iran's regime as "failing," in a program hosted by the Bay Area Iranian American Democrats (BAIAD) on September 22.
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NIAC Offers Resources on Its Website to Help Battered Immigrant Women
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
By: Linda Golparvar - News
Studies show that over thirty percent of women, Iranian women included, are physically abused by a spouse during their lifetime. Even more alarming is that immigrant women face a higher risk of domestic violence than women who are citizens. T
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NIAC Thanks Executive Director Dokhi Fassihian for Her Outstanding Service
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
With a mix of sadness and pride that we announce the departure of our Executive Director Dokhi Fassihian. After having served with NIAC for two years, Dokhi has accepted a position with Democracy Coalition Project, where she will do research and advocacy on democracy promotion policies at the national, regional and global levels.
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Decision Making in the US Senate - An Inside View
Friday, September 16, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
Harvard University Professor Graham Allison depicts bureaucracies not as impartial bodies objectively carrying out policies dictated from above, but rather as active participants in what he calls the "political game".
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San Francisco Panel Says More Community Democratic Participation Needed
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
By: Azadeh Malek - News
San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi described the Iranian-American community as a "sleeping giant" and its relations to politics as a "new frontier" at a panel discussion held by the Bay Area Iranian-American Democrats (BAIAD) on Sunday.
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Senate Reviews Immigration Proposals
Friday, August 5, 2005
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
On July 26th, the Senate Judiciary Committee discussed proposals for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's immigration laws which have resulted in "exploited workers, divided families, community tensions, and public frustration," according to Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA).
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Najafi: Fundraising to Empower the Iranian-American Community
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
By: Sara Raassi - News
Ramin (Ron) Najafi, chairman and CEO of NovaCal Pharmaceuticals and former "Scientist of the Year" at Perkin Elmer Corporation, has followed Jerry Brown's career for the last 25 years.
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Pictures From NIAC-IABA Happy Hour in DC and NIAC Happy Hour in LA
Thursday, July 21, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
Pictures From NIAC-IABA Happy Hour in DC and NIAC Happy Hour in LA
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Iranian-American Dentist Is Top Candidate for the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners
Friday, July 8, 2005
By: Linda Golparvar - News
Iranian-American dentist, Dr. Ali Behnia, is currently among the top four candidates for appointment by Governor Ehrlich of Maryland to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
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U.S. Census Begins Nationwide Implementation of the American Community Survey
Monday, June 27, 2005
By: Abbas Zeineddin - News
Five years after the 2000 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau has begun nationwide implementation of the American Community Survey to collect and produce important demographic, social, economic and housing statistical information on an annual basis leading up to the next census in 2010.
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NIAC Collaborates with ACLU Coalition to Educate Iranian Americans on Their Rights
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
By: Sara Raassi - News
The National Iranian American Council is working with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Amnesty International USA, the Iranian American Bar Association, the Iranian American Political Action Committee, and the National Legal Sanctuary for Community Advancement (NLSCA), to promote broad based education of civil rights among the Iranian-American community.
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Brownback Panel: Human Rights Situation in Iran Deteriorating
Friday, June 17, 2005
By: Ehsan Tabesh - News
Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), at a hearing on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe this past Thursday, described the human rights situation in Iran as "deteriorating."
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Patriot Act Faces Setback in House
Thursday, June 16, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
In a major setback to President Bush's agenda to renew fifteen provisions of the Patriot Act that expire at year's end, the House voted 238-187 yesterday in favor of an amendment to limit the FBI's ability to obtain terrorism suspect's personal documents which include library and bookstore records, credit card statements, medical, hotel and gun-sale bills, and apartment leases, among others.
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McDermott: 'Now Is the Time to Keep Your Heads Up'
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iranians have been good at keeping their heads down in order to avoid being noticed, said Congressman Jim McDermott at a NIAC Congressional Breakfast on May 31 in Seattle.
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Real ID Act Gets Makeover, Proposes Sweeping Changes
Thursday, May 12, 2005
By: Martin Rahmani - News
The Real ID Act of 2005 was signed into law yesterday by President Bush. The Act passed the House last week with an overwhelming majority and unanimously passed the Senate yesterday. The Act was part of the 2005 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill which included funding for the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as aid for the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster this past December.
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Davis: "Our Best Policy Toward Iran is to Be Successful in Iraq"
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
By: Shamin Rostami - News
Congressman Tom Davis (R-Va) of Virginia's 11th District empathized with his Iranian-American constituents for the discrimination and scrutiny they have faced in their daily lives as a result of September 11.
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Real ID Act to Be Debated in Senate April 11
Thursday, April 7, 2005
By: Martin Rahmani - News
Debate over the Real ID Act will begin on the Senate floor this Monday when the 2005 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation Bill is introduced.
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Behroo Bagheri, Iranian-American Artist, Wins Evolving Perception Scholarship Fund
Wednesday, April 6, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
Evolving Perceptions, a Virginia based scholarship fund for young Iranian-American artists, is pleased to announce Behroo Bagheri as the recipient of its 4th annual Iranian-American scholarship.
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NIAC Proudly Welcomes Its Newest Board Members
Sunday, March 27, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
The National Iranian American Council is proud to announce the newest additions to the NIAC Board of Directors: Ms. Parissa Behnia, Dr. Elahe Enssani, and Dr. Hossein Hosseini.
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NIAC Submits Petition to the SBA for Group Inclusion of Iranian Americans to the (8)a Program
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
By: NIAC Staff - News
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) has submitted its petition for group inclusion to the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) program for disadvantaged minority groups.
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Senator Mikulski Tells NIAC Members 'You Don't Have to Melt to Be American'
Monday, February 28, 2005
By: NIAC Staff
Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski, who recently won a fourth term to the US Senate, gave a warm welcome to her Iranian-American constituents at a meeting organized by NIAC on February 15.
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Legislation Aims to Tighten Asylum and Driver's Licence Laws, Strengthen Deportation Rules
Tuesday, February 8, 2005
By: Martin Rahmani - News
Congressman James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wisconsin), with the support of 115 co-sponsors, introduced House Resolution 418 in the house on January 26th. The bill, otherwise known as the Real ID Act, seeks to "reform immigration policy, enhance border security, and implement new regulations for obtaining a driver's license."
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Iranian Americans Celebrate Their Vote and Watch the First Presidential Debate
Friday, February 4, 2005
By: Sam Fayyaz - News
Last night, NIAC hosted a happy hour at the Dupont Circle DC lounge, Café Savino, to celebrate the Iranian-American vote. The evening served as a first of its kind commemorating the Iranian-American community's political activism.
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National Geographic Falls Short on Changes Proposed to the Iranian-American Community
Thursday, December 30, 2004
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, D.C. The National Geographic Society announced today changes to the terminology used on its new maps that fell short of those discussed during the past month with the National Iranian American Council.
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Progress Made in Talks on Persian Gulf Between NIAC and National Geographic
Tuesday, December 7, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Significant progress was made in convincing the National Geographic Society to correct inaccuracies in their current edition of the "Atlas of the World" during Monday's high-level meeting between NIAC and National Geographic's executive team, headed by President John Fahey.
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Mayor Hahn of Los Angeles Stresses the Importance of Voting to Iranian Americans
Thursday, October 28, 2004
By: Abbas Zeineddin - News
Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn urged all Iranian-American organizations to never miss an opportunity to register community members to vote at an Iranian-American Democrats of Los Angeles event on October 19.
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NIAC Increases Airing of Public Service Announcements Urging Iranian Americans to Vote
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
By: Sam Fayyaz - News
NIAC's Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are being aired multiple times on a daily basis on several Iranian-American television and radio stations across the country!
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Iranian-American Physician Runs for City Council in Irvine
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
City Council candidate Dr. Mohsen Alinaghian is a therapeutic optometrist who has lived and practiced optometry in the City of Irvine for the past twenty-five years.
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NIAC's Virginia Members Meet with Senator Warner
Saturday, September 4, 2004
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, D.C - Iranian-American Virginians met with Senator John Warner on Wednesday on Capitol Hill as part of NIAC's Congressional Breakfast Series. Iranian-American attendees set the agenda and directed the conversation with Senator Warner and his staff, sharing their concerns about issues ranging from medical malpractice insurance to the expiration of the automatic assault weapons ban.
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Iranian Americans Attend Public Forum on Immigration Hosted by Congressman Martin Meehan
Friday, September 3, 2004
By: Behrad Mahdi - News
Over one hundred New England area Iranian immigrants and Americans of Iranian descent attended a public forum on immigration issues hosted and organized by Congressman Martin Meehan of Massachusetts.
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Congressman Meehan to Host Iranian Immigration Forum
Thursday, September 2, 2004
By: NIAC Staff
IRANIAN IMMIGRATION:
A Public Forum on Issues and Realities facing the Iranian Community
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NIAC Interviews Michael Benjamin on his Fight to Run for US Senate
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
By: Leily Saadat-Lajevardi - News
New York Senatorial candidate Michael Benjamin comes from a very multicultural background. His Iranian father immigrated to the United States from Tehran in 1950 and his mother is from Honduras.
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NIAC Alert: Civil Liberties and the Iranian-American Community
Monday, August 16, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
In recent weeks, NIAC has learned of an alarming number of reports of discrimination and racial profiling in what seems to be a new round of government enforcement of national-origin based security policies.
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NIAC's Voter guide to the 2004 Congressional and Senatorial Elections
Monday, August 16, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
As part of its 2004 Elections Project, NIAC has generated detailed responses from candidates running for Congressional and Senatorial seats on policy issues that are of particular concern to Iranian-American voters.
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Young Iranian American Runs For Laguna Niguel City Council
Wednesday, August 4, 2004
By: Abbas Zeineddin - News
Laguna Niguel City Council candidate Nikan Khatibi recently graduated from the University of California at Irvine (UCI) with a premed degree. NIAC's Abbas Zeineddin recently caught up with this energetic young Iranian American to learn more about his campaign and his views regarding the Iranian-American community.
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Letter from Congressional Candidate Victor Elizalde to the National Iranian American Council
Wednesday, August 4, 2004
By: NIAC Staff
Wednesday, 04 August 2004
National Iranian American Council
2451 18th St. NW, 2nd Fl.
Washington DC 20009 via fax 202-518-5507
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Independent Report Blasts INS Treatment of Iranians
Saturday, July 17, 2004
By: Anahita Pajuhesh - News
According to an independent review prepared by the Iranian American Bar Association, the INS violated the civil rights of Iranian nationals during the implementation of the special registration program under the National Security Entry-Exit System (NSEERS). A bipartisan briefing, hosted by IABA, was held Friday, July 16 on Capitol Hill to discuss the findings of the review.
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The Role of Money in the US Electoral System
Saturday, July 10, 2004
By: Sam Fayyaz - News
Though certainly not the only important component of campaign politics, as Howard Dean's late flameout showed, money remains a crucial ingredient to political success.
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Maryland Members Discuss Range of Issues with Senator Sarbanes
Friday, July 9, 2004
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, DC - The National Iranian American Council held its fifth Congressional Breakfast Series meeting with Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland on Wednesday, July 7th. The five-term Maryland senator commended NIAC for arranging the meeting and was sympathetic to the issues concerning the Iranian-American community. The Senator expressed particular concern about whether discrimination was affecting young Iranian Americans.
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NIAC Elects 4 New Board Members
Monday, June 28, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Last month, NIAC elected four new members to its Board of Directors.
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Congress Addresses Selective Treatment of Europeans with Iranian and Middle Eastern Backgrounds
Friday, June 18, 2004
By: Babak Bagheri - News
The House Committee on International Relations Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights convened on Wednesday to examine the status of the Visa Waiver Program and its implication on United States national security and counter-terrorism efforts.
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Cong. Waxman: I'm Fortunate to Represent the Largest Iranian-American Population in the Country
Saturday, June 5, 2004
By: Abbas Zeineddin
Washington, DC - Congressman Waxman, representing California's 30th Congressional District told his constituents he feels "fortunate to represent the largest Iranian-American population in the whole country" at NIAC's first Congressional Breakfast in the State of California Friday, April 1.
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Early Voters Call the Shots: The Importance of Primaries
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
By: Samir Fayyaz and Sahar Nowrouzzadeh - News
Help double our success!
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Pictures from NIAC's Two-Year Birthday Party
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
We'd like to thank all of you that participated for supporting NIAC and celebrating our two-year birthday!
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Pictures from NIAC's Two-Year Birthday Party
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
We'd like to thank all of you that participated for supporting NIAC and celebrating our two-year birthday!
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9/11 Commission Report and NSEERS: Request For Stories
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian lawyer and human rights activist awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, spoke on "Islam, Democracy and Human Rights" at the University of Maryland, College Park, while receiving an honorary doctorate from the university.
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Celebrate NIAC's Two-Year Anniversary!
Sunday, April 18, 2004
By: Trita Parsi - News
Dear Friend:
This week, it's been exactly two years since NIAC was launched. On May 1, 2002, we started our mission to transform the Iranian-American community from being apathetic and non-participatory to being fully engaged, involved and influential.
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First Iranian American Diaspora Conference Discusses Achievements and Challenges
Sunday, April 18, 2004
By: Sheherazadeh Jafari -News
The Iranian Alliances Across Borders held the first International Conference on the Iranian Diaspora at Wellesley College and Tufts University; both were sponsors of the event.
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Proposed Legislation Promises to Repeal Patriot Act, Restore Civil Liberties
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
By: Sam Fayyaz - News
Responding to a shell shocked American public, the United States Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act) on October 25, 2001, just 45 days after the tragedy of September 11.
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Iranian-American Micro-Technologist Donates 8 Million to Portland State University
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Dr. Fariborz Maseeh, a first-generation Iranian American and the president of The Massiah Foundation, donated $8 million to the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University.
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NIAC Virginia Members Meet with Senator Allen
Thursday, April 1, 2004
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, D.C. - The National Iranian American Council held its fourth Congressional Breakfast Series meeting with Senator George Allen of Virginia on Tuesday. The meeting, attended by fourteen NIAC residents in Virginia, covered a variety of issues of great interest to Iranian Americans. The objective of these Congressional meetings is to give Iranian Americans the opportunity to establish and maintain long-term relationships with their Congressional representatives and lawmakers.
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NIAC Elects Five New Board Members
Friday, March 26, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Earlier this year, NIAC elected five new members to its Board of Directors. With five incumbent Board members, who will serve another term, NIAC has ensured continuity while attracting Iranian-American leaders from diverse geographical locations of the country.
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NIAC Special Reminder: Expiration of OFAC General License to Transfer Funds to Iran for Humanitarian
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
On March 25, 2004, the general license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to transfer funds from the United States to Iran for humanitarian purposes, will expire.
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NIAC Fundraiser for Bam in New York
Saturday, February 28, 2004
By: Haedi Ghaemi - News
On February 6, 2004, the NY Chapter of NIAC hosted a fundraiser for Bam.
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NIAC Representatives Tour Bam, Meet With Relief Organizations
Monday, February 23, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC representatives Dokhi Fassihian and Hadi Ghaemi toured the earthquake-devastated city of Bam on January 22-23.
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Bay Area Fundraising Concert to be held March 12 for Orphans of Bam
Thursday, February 19, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC will co-sponsor a fundraising concert in San Francisco, California on March 12 for the Earthquake Relief Fund For Orphans (ERFO), a unique Boston-based relief organization that aids Iran's orphaned children as a result of earthquakes.
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NIAC Accepts MSNBC Don Imus' Public Apology to the Iranian-American Community
Friday, February 13, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) today accepted a public apology made by radio show host Don Imus of the "Imus in the Morning" program, simulcasted on MSNBC and WFAN-AM. Mr. Imus apologized to the Iranian American community for the offensive remarks he made regarding the crash of an Iranian Kish Airliner in the UAE on February 10th.
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NIAC Demands Public Apology From Don Imus Of MSNBC, WFAN
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
By: NIAC Team
Click on the Link Above
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Congressional Candidate Goli Ameri: "I'm Proud of my Persian Heritage"
Monday, February 9, 2004
By: Lily Sarafan - News
NIAC had the chance to catch up with Goli Ameri during her bid to win a seat in the United States Congress to represent Oregon's First Congressional District.
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IABA REPORT DETAILS SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OF CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS DURING NSEERS
Wednesday, February 4, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Washington DC- "Jews remember the good in Iranians since the time of Cyrus the Great," remarked David Menashri, Incumbent of the Parviz and Pouran Nazarian Chair for Modern Iranian Studies of Tel Aviv University at a lecture at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Wednesday.
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NIAC and Many Hats Raise $4,500 for Bam in DC
Thursday, January 29, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC and the Many Hats Institute raised $4,500 for the victims of Bam at a fundraiser at Sesto Senso and Andalu in Washington DC earlier this week.
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NIAC Hosts Bam Fundraiser In New York
Sunday, January 25, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
With special guests: Shirin Neshat, world-renowned Iranian artist and other prominent Iranian artists.
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NIAC Seeks SBA (8) Status for Iranian-American Businesses
Thursday, January 22, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) launched its 8(a) Support Project today, which aims to level the playing field for Iranian-American businesses.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Read more:
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NIAC Meeting to be Held at UCLA
Monday, January 12, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Washington DC - Iranian-American students at UCLA are in the process of forming a NIAC Chapter at the University and cordially invites you to attend their first introductory meeting.
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Fundraiser for Bam in Santa Clara on Feb 6
Monday, January 12, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Venue: Club Avalon, 777 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, California
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National Iranian American Council (NIAC-NY) Cordially invites you to a Fundraising Reception Benefit
Friday, January 9, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC cordially invites you to a fundraising reception benefiting the victims of the BAM earthquake disaster
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Persian Text
Friday, January 9, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Read more:
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Text In Persian Of NIAC Meetup For Earthquake On Jan 14
Monday, January 5, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Text In Persian Of NIAC Meetup For BAM earthquake
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Center for International Disaster Information Publishes Guidelines in Persian
Monday, January 5, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI), an organization providing information and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster relief, has published their guidelines to Persian to be used by Iranian-American organizations working with the Bam earthquake.
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Children of Persia Humanitarian and Reconstruction Relief Plan for Bam
Sunday, January 4, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
Children of Persia, established in 1999, is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing health care, education and related facilities that promote the well being of needy children of Iran.
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Want to Adopt an Orphaned Child from Bam?
Friday, January 2, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
The Earthquake Relief Funds for Orphans is an organization that works to help orphaned children.
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NIAC Sponsored Event Raises $5,500 For Bam Victims
Friday, January 2, 2004
By: NIAC Staff - News
The fundraiser at Restaurant Bambule on Thursday evening was a huge success with a great turn-out.
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Verizon Contributes to Aid Effort in Iran
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
The Verizon Foundation is contributing $25,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund to support relief efforts following the devastating Dec. 26 earthquake in Iran
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IAAB to Hold Conference on Iranian Diaspora
Sunday, December 7, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB), established in 2003 by students at Tufts University and Wellesley College, is presenting a symposium on the Iranian Diaspora April 17-18, 2004 at Tufts University, MA.
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Iranian-American Technology Council Gala Raises 30K for NIAC
Thursday, December 4, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
Over 430 people gathered on Thursday evening to recognize the outstanding contributions of Iranian Americans at a gala dinner and awards ceremony sponsored by the Iranian American Tech Council (IATC) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC.
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Special Registration Requirement Suspended
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today the immediate suspension of re-registration requirements for male nationals of selected countries on non-immigrant visas previously registered in the National Security Entry and Exit System (NSEERS).
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Funny in Farsi to be Part of Educational Curriculum in Orange County
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
The Orange County Reads One Book organization has selected Firoozeh Dumas's critically acclaimed book, Funny in Farsi as part of their "Orange County Reads One Book Year Two" program of 2004. As a result, the book will be included in the county's educational curriculum.
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NIAC Advisory on Special Registration for Iranians
Monday, November 17, 2003
By: Tandice Ghajar, Dokhi Fassihian Ali Golchin - News
From November 15 to December 16, 2002, and January 27 to February 27, 2003, the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System required all nonimmigrant male nationals of Iran over the age of 16 to report to an immigration office to be questioned and registered.
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Bill to Ban Iranian Visas May Be Reintroduced
Thursday, November 6, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
Representative George Gekas (R-PA), who introduced the legislation that would ban all visas to Iranians earlier this year, lost his seat to Representative Holden (D-PA) in the mid-term elections yesterday.
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NIAC Schedules Meetups in 73 Cities for National Iranian-American Meetup Day
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
Wednesday, November 12th at 7pm has been established by NIAC as National Iranian American Meetup Day.
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ADC Update: Immigration Re-Registration Reminder
Thursday, October 23, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) reminds all foreign national men who are currently in the United States and submitted to special call-in registration that the one year re-registration requirement is still in effect.
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NIAC Phone Campaign on Proposal to Deport All Iranian Non-Immigrants
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
Of the hundreds of letters sent to Congress through NIAC's website by Iranian Americans, more than 99.9% of the letters have been in strong opposition to Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC) bill the STEP Act that would stop Iranians from entering the United States.
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Talking Points in Support of H.R. 3075
Friday, October 3, 2003
By: Dokhi Fassihian Fassihian - News
Please Click on the Link Above
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Panel Discusses Muslim American Participation in American Politics
Thursday, June 19, 2003
By: Raha Rafii - News
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars held a four-panel discussion yesterday titled "Muslims in the United States: Demography, Beliefs, Institutions."
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NSEERS Changed to US VISIT, but New Programs Brings Little Change
Monday, June 9, 2003
By: Reza Breakstone - News
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced that the controversial National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) would be replaced by the United States Visitor and Immigration Status Indication System (USVISIT).
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NIAC Seeks Meeting with Monster.com
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
By: Marjan Ehsassi - News
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) announced today that it would seek a meeting with Monster.com, the world's largest online job search and career management company, to establish dialogue that would serve to prevent the company's new policies from unfairly discriminating against individuals based on national origin.
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Northern California Iranian-Americans Engage with Congressional Representative
Saturday, May 3, 2003
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, DC - A group of San Francisco Bay Area Iranian-Americans residents met on April 16th with congresswoman Anna Eshoo, California's District 14 Representative, to discuss topics of concern to them. The meeting was arranged by a small group of local residents working together; four of the group's members attended the meeting, of which three were NIAC members. Working through group meetings and e-mail lists, the "Mid-Peninsula Iranian-American Community" group arranged the meeting, organized key topical information and facts, and presented their issues to Congresswoman Eshoo to a warm reception.
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Initial NIAC Victory Against Monster.com
Friday, April 25, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC has been in negotiations with Monster.com in regards to their new policy of discriminating against Iranian-Americans and people with educational experience in Iran. On Friday April 25, Monster.com called our office and made an oral commitment to change the policy of excluding educational experience in Iran from their standard resume forms by the middle of next week.
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Iranian-Americans Discuss Concerns with Maryland Congressman at NIAC Congressional Breakfast
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, D.C. Iranian-American residents of Maryland's 8th District met with their congressional representative, Chris Van Hollen, Tuesday, April 22, 2003 as part of NIAC's Congressional Breakfast Series. The purpose of these meetings, held on Capitol Hill, is to give Iranian-Americans an opportunity to participate in government decision-making and to establish long-term relations with lawmakers.
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NIAC Questions Monster.com's Reading of Iran Sanctions
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
Monster.com, the world's largest online job search and career management company, will eliminate the word "Iran," along with the names of six other countries--Burma/Myanmar, Cuba, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria--from the educational and address section of its standard format for resumes.
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Member Publishes Book on Iraq
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
By: Shalizeh Najmi - News
In the midst of the recent war against Iraq , the American people's curiosity about the region has spawned numerous publications on Saddam Hussein, his regime, and terrorism.
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Member Publishes Book on Iraq
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
By: Shalizeh Najmi - News
Washington, D.C. - In the midst of the recent war against Iraq , the American people's curiosity about the region has spawned numerous publications on Saddam Hussein, his regime, and terrorism.
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Iranian-Americans Discuss Concerns with Virginia Congressman in Pilot Congressional Breakfast Series
Thursday, April 3, 2003
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, D.C - Iranian-American residents of Virginia's 10th District met with their congressional representative, Frank Wolf, Monday, in what was the pilot of a Congressional Breakfast Series planned by NIAC on behalf of its members. The purpose of the program is to give Iranian-Americans an opportunity to participate in government decision-making and to establish long-term relations with lawmakers.
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Dr. Mansour Farhang Addresses Human Rights and Democracy in Iran
Saturday, March 29, 2003
By: Hiromi Hayashi - News
On Tuesday, March 25, Former Iranian Ambassador to the UN, Dr. Mansour Farhang, gave a lecture entitled "Iran: The Challenge of Theocracy to Universal Human Rights Advocacy" at Georgetown University. The meeting was organized by Amnesty International and "Students for Progress & Development in Iran".
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Call for Congressional Inquiry into INS Registrations Heeded-Compromise on McCain Ammendment
Thursday, February 20, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
The Conference between the Senate and the House on the omnibus appropriations bill has left opponents of the NSEERS program with a small but important victory. Although the funding of the NSEERS program stays intact, Congress has stepped in to investigate the program in its entirety. This is a great victory for the opponents of the program.
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The ACLU Seeks NIAC's Help in Supporting Iranians Affected by Special Registration
Thursday, February 6, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
The Iranian American Bar Association (IABA) released today the results of the first independent review examining the implementation of the National Security Entry-Exit System (NSEERS) by the Immigration Naturalization Service (INS) in late 2002 and early 2003.
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Tri-State Chapter Holds First Meeting
Monday, January 27, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
On January 25, the NIAC Tri-State Chapter (NY-NJ-CT) held its first meeting under the leadership of NIAC Board member Dr. Hadi Ghaemi.
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Dr. Houtan- Iranian-American Philanthropist
Thursday, January 16, 2003
By: Raha Rafii - News
"Knowledge makes a good person better," asserts Dr. Mina Houtan, founder of the Houtan Scholarship Foundation, which grants scholarships to graduate students pursuing academic study in Iranian language and culture.
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National Immigration Forum Letter to President Bush
Monday, January 13, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
We, the undersigned ethnic, religious, human and civil rights organizations write to express our concern with the INS's "Special Registration Program." Our organizations are committed to working with America's leaders to enhance our security. We stand united in doing all we can to help make our nation safer. The United States has the fundamental right to maintain pertinent data on those who visit our nation on a temporary basis.
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NIAC's Congressional INS Campaign Wins Sympathy
Friday, January 10, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC's call on Congress to launch an inquiry into the INS detentions is winning support. Sympathies on Capitol Hill lie with the Iranian-American community, and Members of Congress have realized that this issue will not disappear.
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If You Missed the INS Deadline...
Friday, January 10, 2003
By: NIAC Staff - News
Many Iranian nationals missed or were not aware of the fact that they had to register by the December 16 deadline. This is particularly true for Iranian nationals with non-Iranian passports.
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NIAC Meets with Subcommittee on Immigration
Thursday, December 19, 2002
By: Nazak Nikakhtar - News
A NIAC delegation met with key members of the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims to convey the viewpoints of the Iranian American community on pending and recently passed legislation.
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IABA, NIAC and IAPAC Hold Unity Campaign
Sunday, December 1, 2002
By: Michelle Kohanloo - News
The Iranian-American Bar Association (IABA) launched its Unity Campaign on November 21 with a presentation called "Impact of Pending Immigration Laws and Opportunities for Civic Engagement," a first in an expected series of events aimed at bringing together Iranian-Americans as a formidable, influential force on civic life, as well as facilitating educational panel discussions between Iranian-Americans and non-Iranian Americans.
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The NIAC Happy Hour!
Sunday, December 1, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
PICTURES FROM THE NIAC HAPPY HOUR!
We'd like to thank all of you that participated for supporting NIAC and helping this event come to fruition. For those of you who are anxiously anticipating the announcement of NIAC's next happy hour, it will take place in February.
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Iranian-Americans and the 2002 Elections
Monday, November 25, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
During the 2002 election, NIAC contacted numerous campaigns to clarify the views of the candidates on issues that are of particular concern to Iranian-Americans.
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Lobbyists Discuss Developing an Iranian-American Political Voice
Monday, November 25, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
Two Washington lobbyists, Roy Coffee, former Director of the Texas office of State-Federal relations, and Dave DiStefano, former Chief of Staff for Congressman Bob Ney, spoke at the second NIAC Speaker Series November 14 at Positano Ristorante in Bethesda, Maryland.
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NIAC Poll Shows Iranian Americans Suspicion of Government
Tuesday, November 12, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC has conducted a poll on "What concerns do you have about writing your elected officials?" on its website www.niacouncil.org. The purpose of the poll was to get a clearer idea of the reservations Iranian-Americans may have about contacting their lawmakers.
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Iranian Nationals Must Register with the INS by December 16, 2002
Wednesday, November 6, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
A notice was sent by the Justice department yesterday, explaining that certain nonimmigrant aliens (including Iranian students in the US) must provide requested information to the Immigration and Naturalization Service on or before December 16, 2002. Please note that this only affects non-immigrants.
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Why Voting This Tuesday Is Important for Our Community
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
While your voting record is private, the fact that you did or did not vote is public information. Candidates and political parties will use this information in the next election in 2004 to determine which groups of voters are important and which groups are not.
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Morella and Van Hollen on Iranian-American Issues
Monday, October 28, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
Washington DC, October 28, 2002. In Maryland's 8th District, reapportionment added more Democratic voters to incumbent Republican Rep. Connie Morella's home turf.
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Morella, Sherman and Honda Oppose Ban on Iranian Visas
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
By: Hiromi Hayashi - News
NIAC has surveyed the position of House Representatives with large Iranian-American communities on the SAFER Act, which will ban all visas to Iranians.
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Organized Phone Campaign Regarding Visas to Iranians
Thursday, October 10, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
Representative George Gekas (R-PA) has introduced immigration legislation that would ban all visas to Iranians (except diplomatic visas). The legislation, Securing America's Future through Enforcement Reform (SAFER) Act of 2002, H.R. 5013.
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Should Visas to Iranians Be Stopped?
Tuesday, October 1, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
House Immigration Subcommittee Chairman George Gekas (R-PA) has introduced sweeping immigration reform legislation designed to cut back on immigration. Thelegislation, Securing America's Future through Enforcement Reform (SAFER) Act of 2002, H.R. 5013, has 34 cosponsors.
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Unexpected Green Card Help
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
By: Michelle Kohanloo - News
Woeful tales of staled Green card applications and slowed visa procedures permeate throughout the Iranian community in the United States and abroad. Weeks, months, even years snail by without words from the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS). Prospective Green card holders and their relatives are left wondering how they can help speed up the lengthy process.
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Third Parties and Iranian-American Issues
Monday, September 2, 2002
By: Leily Saadat-Lajevardi - News
Although many of the United States' founding fathers like George Washington argued against the formation of political parties, the country has had a two-party system since its foundation. The Democratic and Republican parties have been at the forefront of the American political scene, alternating in power since before the Civil War.
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State Announces Implication of New Visa Law
Sunday, September 1, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
On September 11, 2002, the Bureau of Consular Affairs will implement the Interim Student and Exchange Authentication System (ISEAS). The system will verify the acceptance for enrollment of foreign students and exchange visitors and their dependents who wish to enter the United States in F, J or M non-immigrant visa categories.
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The NIAC Happy Hour Gets Happier!
Friday, August 23, 2002
By: NIAC Staff
The turnout for the NIAC happy hour on August 23, 2002 at the 18h Street Lounge in Washington, DC was even higher than NIAC's July Happy Hour.
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NIAC Reminds Iranian Americans to Vote in Sept. 10 Primaries
Thursday, August 15, 2002
By: Sean Murphy - News
This Tuesday voters in twelve states and the District of Columbia will go to the polls and vote in their state primary. While the number of people who vote in these primaries are low, usually only 17% of eligible voters, their influence on the political landscape is considerable since they determine each party's candidate for office.
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Registration Requirements for Iranian Nationals Made Final
Monday, August 12, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
On August 12, 2002, the Justice Department published its final rule on registration and monitoring of certain foreign nationals. Also, Attorney General John Ashcroft announced on August 13, 2002, the initiation of the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System.
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Cyrus Mehri Proposes the "Haft Seen Of Goodness" to Dispel Misconceptions about Iranians
Monday, July 29, 2002
By: Lily Sarafan - News
The National Iranian American Council hosted legal kingpin Cyrus Mehri at the organization's first Power Brunch. Besides his notable recognitions as one of "Washington's Ten Most Feared Lawyers," and a founding partner of law firm Mehri & Skalet, Mehri is also an outstanding representative of the Iranian-American community.
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A "Happy" Success For NIAC's First Happy Hour!
Wednesday, July 17, 2002
By: NIAC Staff
The turnout for NIAC's first sponsored happy hour held on July 17th, 2002 at LA Tarbouche in Washington, DC was considerably more than predicted. Iranians and non-Iranians alike came out to support NIAC in a huge way.
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Rep. Gekas Immigration Bill Loses Steam
Monday, July 15, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
Linked to article above
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Rep. Gekas Introduces New Immigration Bill
Wednesday, July 3, 2002
By: NIAC Staff
Linked below.
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NIAC Receives Grant from the Prestigious National Endowment for Democracy
Monday, June 10, 2002
By: Sean Murphy - News
The National Iranian American Council has received a grant from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), after only one month since NIAC's launch.
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The New Immigration Law: How to Translate Our Resources into Positive Influence
Monday, June 3, 2002
By: NIAC Staff - News
The passing of the new border security bill (H.R. 3525, S 1618 and S 1749) has sent shockwaves throughout the Iranian-American community. The new bill, that was passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate, may adversely impact our community's collective interest including restricting the ability of Iranians to visit their families in America.
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Congressman Ney Meets with Iranian Americans
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
By: NIAC Staff
Washington, D.C. - On January 29, Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH), the only Persian speaking Member of Congress, and Iranian-American author Afshin Molavi (Persian Pilgrimages) met with leaders of the Iranian-American community at a fundraiser for NIAC.
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Iranian Americans Finding Success on Capitol Hill
Tuesday, January 15, 2002
By: Newsha Moraveji - News
Yes, my name has 14 letters in it. Yes, newspapers often misspell it. I am after all, one of the few Iranian-Americans working in Congress.
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Pictures from the NIAC Happy Hour!
Thursday, November 30, 2000
By: NIAC Staff
We would like to thank all of you that participated for supporting NIAC and helping this event come to fruition. For those of you who are anxiously anticipating the announcement of NIAC's next happy hour, it will take place in February. Keep your visits to the website frequent to be updated on not only the Happy Hours, but also our other activities.
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Pictures from NIAC's Happy Hour!
Thursday, November 30, 2000
By: NIAC Staff
We'd like to thank all of you that participated for supporting NIAC and helping this event come to fruition. For those of you who are anxiously anticipating the announcement of NIAC's next happy hour, keep checking our website!
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Pictures from the IATC Gala
Thursday, November 30, 2000
By: NIAC Staff - News
PICTURES FROM THE IATC GALA
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Project Misplaced: Documenting the Underbelly of Contemporary Iranian-American Culture
Thursday, November 30, 2000
By: Negar Kordestani - News
Although Soleyman "Simon" Ordoubadi is just one of hundreds of candidates that ran unsuccessfully for California's governorship this past October, the first-generation Iranian immigrant possesses a unique characteristic: he is fictitious.
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NIAC's Sources of Finance in 2002
Thursday, November 30, 2000
By: NIAC Staff - News
NIAC's Sources of Finance in 2002
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Join NIAC and Evolving Perceptions
Thursday, November 30, 2000
By: NIAC Staff - News
Join NIAC and Evolving Perceptions
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NIAC Introduces Legwatch Capitol Hill Newsletter
Thursday, November 30, 2000
By: Shervin Boloorian - News
Washington DC - The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) enthusiastically announces the launch of its inaugural Capitol Hill Legislative Watch newsletter on April 11, 2006. The first of its kind, the newsletter, which will be issued every two weeks, aims to empower Iranian Americans by advancing the community's understanding of federal issues and significant policy initiatives in a non-partisan manner.
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Reza Aslan: Islam, Democracy and the War on Terror
Thursday, November 30, 2000
By: NIAC Staff - News
"Islam, Democracy and the War on Terror"
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Pictures from the NIAC Cocktail Party!
Saturday, November 4, 2000
By: NIAC Staff - News
We'd like to thank all of you that participated for supporting NIAC and helping this event come to fruition. We raised about $1,000 from tips and raffle sales thanks to all the generous customers!
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