About the Author: iPouya was born in Tehran, Iran in 1981 and immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1984. He grew up in Orange County, California. He obtained his B.A. from UC Berkeley in Middle Eastern Studies and Political Science and received his MA in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University. As an undergraduate, he founded the UC Berkeley-based Iranian Student Alliance in America (ISAA) and launched and taught the Iran De-cal Course. At Harvard, he served as the president of the Harvard Iranian Student Association for 2 years. He received his second MA (history) and is currently pursuing a PhD in history at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He reached candidacy in the spring of 2012. His primary PhD adviser is Professor Juan Cole.
His dominant language is English but he is a native Persian-speaker and has completed four years of Arabic study. He has extensive travel experience in the region spending prolonged periods of time in Iran and Lebanon, and has also traveled to Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt as well as most of Europe and parts of Latin America.
His favorite place to eat is Zachary’s Pizza in Berkeley. His favorite Persian dish is his mother’s Khoresh-e ghaymeh, though he can make a wicked version of it himself. His favorite movies are amongst others The Motorcycle Diaries, The Matrix, and Paradise Now. He also enjoys a good game of backgammon and basketball, although he’s much more prone to getting whipped in the latter.
About the Blog: The blog was first launched via Blogger.com under the URL ipouya.blogspot.com in the spring of 2005. Two years later and with the help of friends, the iPouya blog went “pro” by acquiring its own URL, hosting company, and custom design. The blog has always included posts ranging from politics and news to films and humor. Although the blog is limited to the English language, it enjoys an international viewership. To learn more about its audience, click on the cluster map at the bottom of the sidebar on the front page. As a result of most of the news-related and analysis oriented posts being connected to the events in the Middle East, there is a spike in viewership whenever major events unfold in that region. Not all news-related and political commentary, however, is related to the Middle East. For instance, during the run-up to the US presidential elections (2008), the blog was posting virtually exclusively on the elections.
Hi,
I just discovered your page and went through some of the things you have posted. I must say they are very interesting and well written. Also, your background information is fascinating. I’m just proud of Iranians like you.
best wishes,
Shabnam Nasserifar
shabnamn@yorku.ca
As-salaamu ‘alaikum, Ipouya!
Very glad to have stumbled on your site. The alternative or otherwise, broader, shamefully overlooked yet incredibly more deserving of consideration viewpoint is much needed in today’s mainstream society and always appreciated. Keep up the great work.
In’sha’Allah, I’m going to link you at my blogspot.
-AV
Pouya!
Your writing is just great! I read most of your latest posts and I was absolutely captivated by each and every one of them. I don’t particularly like politics, but your writing style is so interesting that I couldn’t stop reading. I love the humor you incorporate into your posts.
Hope you got the interviews you wanted in Lebanon.
Come back soon!
Best wishes,
Rawan.
I admire you having so much to say to all the haters and ignorants out there… Absolutely love your writing. I believe you will do something really great one day!!
Keep up the good work.
about the backgammon part … i am a witness or in another way a victim .. gd luck bro ,.. i am keepin up with irans news from you .. keep it up to date as soon as possible .. its afeef for AUB .. i won you in backgammon .. once i guess
Pouya, I am very proud of you. Your writing style, your rationales, your productivity and educational and social credentials are outstanding. I know your Dad. I told him not to worry about the future of Iran. It is in the good hands of smart youth of Iran, Men like you. I rest my point. Keep up the good work. Make sure to get your PhD soon. You are going places.
I am proud of Iranians like you
Dear Ipouya,
I am a Malaysian citizan and I love everything Iran. From the empire, to its monarchy, to its rulers, to its culture, to its arts and the very nature of its identity. It would be lovely to communicate and converse with someone like you. It would be a great chance to exchange knowledge and information. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Mem Noon,
KhodhaHafez
Kasthuri =)
Dear IPouya,
I am visiting your blog from last one year , you have great skills in writing , I hope you become more successful then ever before , my best wishes with you
Regards:
Safdar