Category Archives: 22 Khordad
The Humanizing Legacy of Iran’s Green Uprising
My piece at Informed Comment: June 12, 2019 marks the tenth anniversary of what sparked the Green Uprising in Iran. While many have noted that it was a “failed revolution†because it was unsuccessful in abrogating the controversial election results … Continue reading
The Twisted Logic of Occupation
“We [Palestinians] are the only people on Earth asked to guarantee the security of our occupier… while Israel is the only country that calls for defense from its victims…” It’s funny because I can already read the response of Zionists … Continue reading
Learning to Fight Like an American at the FSA Training Camp in Jordan
Here’s the article I mentioned a couple days ago: “I do not want to mention my name,†said a 20-year-old Free Syrian Army fighter, “because the camp we practiced in was highly classified.†So classified, in fact, that the CIA—which … Continue reading
Saudi Arabia’s Publicity Stunt
First the Saudi’s reject a temporary seat at the UNSC and now Bandar Bush claims that Saudi Arabia will be shifting away from the US because it no longer wants to be “dependent” on the US. This is nothing more … Continue reading
Syrian rebel groups sought sarin gas material, Turkish prosecutors say
So much for the narrative that the Syrian dictatorship used Sarin gas on civilians. More and more information is coming out that points in the direction that the “rebels” used the Sarin gas as a means by which to provoke … Continue reading
Egypt Today
Are people still refusing to call the coup against Egypt’s first democratically elected president a coup? In case there’s any doubt as to whether it’s a coup or not, please read the news today. It’s been very disheartening to read … Continue reading
Iran’s 2009 Protests Haunt Upcoming Elections
Here is my most recent article at the Huffington Post: On May 21, 2013, Iran’s Guardian Council, the powerful 12-member body charged with vetting hopefuls for the Iranian presidency, determined that Iran’s former president, Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, 78, was unfit … Continue reading
Continuing Through Bitter Days
From a former student of mine, Banen Al-Sheemary Ten years ago today, I remember sitting in front of the television watching the sky turn bright yellow from the massive blasts. Slowly, I turned away from the screen to see my … Continue reading
Thomas Friedman on the 10 Year Anniversary of the Iraq War
Look at this gerbil speak. He still thinks that Iraq was linked to 9/11. Didn’t this myth get shattered long ago? Did I miss something?
Ben Affleck and Argo’s Narrow Iran Lens
Here is a revised and expanded version of my article on Argo published at Muftah: The season of Oscar worthy films is upon us. Released on October 12, 2012, Ben Affleck’s third and probably most important directorial feat, Argo, is … Continue reading
Updates
I moved back to California a little while ago and have finished setting up. Let the blog-a-thon and tweet-a-thon commence!
2012
I hope you all had a wonderful and joyous holiday season. I got back to Ann Arbor last night and am ready to get back to it. I’m teaching as a graduate student instructor for the last time this semester … Continue reading
Ron Paul on The Tonight Show
He’s looking really good and it’s not because there’s a low standard amongst the Republican nominees, though they are all very terrible to be sure, but he’s so on point, especially when it comes to foreign policy, I’d seriously consider … Continue reading
Leading Palestinian intellectual: We already have a one-state solution
I’ve read 3 of his books. In other words, when he speaks, I listen. So should you. I’ve highlighted the most pertinent parts of the interview for you. Haaretz: Hamas and the Palestinian Authority should unite, unequivocally renounce violence and … Continue reading
Those who support democracy must welcome the rise of political Islam
It’s a really important article. But the presumption here is that once these groups come to power via elections, they will continue to honor the the democratic process that brought them to power and facilitate elections in the future and … Continue reading