Is it possible for Iranians to obtain a democratic state within a theocratic government? Experts argue that such notion is impossible. “When a government is based on religion, any religion, it cannot be democratic,” said Nayereh Tohidi, professor and chair of gender and women’s studies department at California State University, Northridge. Tohidi continues to describe how a government based on religion favors one religion over another. Therefore, it makes the state an ideological state which discriminates those who do not… Read more

At a time when unanimity is of utmost importance to Iran’s political destiny and the fate of Iranians across the globe, some are not willing to unleash their differences and acknowledge each other as members of the same organization: The Iranian Society. Separation within the Iranian community escalates, as Iranians continue to condemn each other’s beliefs and opinions in spite of all disorders and uncertainties facing Iran and its people. Statements such as: — is one of them; — is… Read more

Recent events in Iran have been relentlessly compared to the 1979 Iranian revolution, overlooking a major difference between the two uprisings: involvement of the United States. Secretary of State Clinton gave a policy speech at the Council on Foreign Relations recently. The United States must lead with diplomacy, Clinton said, as she outlined the administration’s approach to Iran. “We watched the energy of Iran’s election with great admiration, only to be appalled by the manner in which the government used… Read more

Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have become the fastest and most accessible sources of news, not only for the young generation, but for anyone who desires the latest minute-by-minute updates of reports and information. We have been witnessing the gradual death of newspaper readership, forcing major publications to either cut back in order to survive, or simply fold, for quite awhile now. . .long enough that sadly we have all accepted the concept of having our morning cups… Read more

While colorful sparks dazzled the night sky, in celebration of independence and democracy in the land of free, disparity outshined the sweet ambiance of liberty. Troublesome tension in Afghanistan and Honduras, Iran’s fruitless uprisings in demand of democracy, missile show display by North Korea and uncertainties in our own nation, made this Fourth of July more meaningful than a family fun day in the sun. Contrary to previous years when Fourth of July was simply a just cause for a… Read more

Iranian women face greatest instability within the last 30 years, as hard-liner President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gets closer to serving his second term despite allegations of a deceitful election that sparked the most massive uprising since the 1979 Iranian revolution. More than all other sectors of Iran’s society, women had the greatest venture in the 2009 presidential election.  Women groups demanded of all candidates to terminate laws that implement stoning and polygamy, plus those that favor men in divorce and custody… Read more

As opposition candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi twitters, “Allahu Akbar was heard louder than all the previous nights,” Iranian authorities and their hooligan Basijis, crack down on houses in which people chant “Allah O Akbar,” God is great, on their rooftops in opposition of the current Islamic government. Government officials and militia forces are determined to muffle the voices of hundreds of thousands of protesters who have been taking to the streets of Iran clamoring for change since the June 12… Read more

Her trembling voice rippled through the air, wrenching the hearts of millions listening, as she explained the gruesome events she had witnessed at Baharestan square, Iran. The protestor’s voice aired on CNN as she said, “I was going towards Baharestan with my friend. This was everyone, not just supporters of one candidate or another. All of my friends, they were going to Baharestan to express our opposition to these killings and demanding freedom. “The black-clad police stopped everyone…We went on… Read more

“Till death do us part” has taken on a new meaning in America as this promise of eternal unity has lost its external significance in our society. Today I ask, “Who is dying?”  The person who ravaged the faith and reliance of his family toward himself, and lost the trust of a nation by conducting a punishable act of disloyalty, or is it the one whose heart, dignity, and pride got taken away?  Either way, the pain is great and… Read more