Pseudo-intellectualism on Iran Nov 15, 2008
This book, which attempts to retrace the past 200 years of Iranian history, is a seriously flawed work that oversimplifies the nation's past and culture, and is replete with factual errors ... The book purports to give a "balanced reading" of modern Iranian history and yet only manages to recycle the conventional analyses of the pre and post-revolution Iran without breaking any new ground; it is also permeated with obsolete, nauseating arguments about anti-colonialism. (Asia Times Online)
Iran takes center stage at Great Decisions Apr 17, 2008
It was a horrible, dark time in Iranian history, Zohoori said. The audience was interested in the history of the Islamic Revolution around 1979, the Iranian hostage crisis, Ayatollah Khomeini, and president Jimmy Carter's refusal to return the Shah to Iran. (Pekin Times, IL)
Iran's TV adds entertainment to propaganda Apr 6, 2008
The program, set in the 1930s and '40s, focuses on an often overlooked period of Iranian history when the country was under the occupation of Allied forces ... This particular TV series has displayed historically fictitious conspiracy plots that are believable to the average Iranian because Iranian history is filled with conspiracies - including the CIA-sponsored coup that overthrew Mossadegh's nationalist government. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Bush Takes Hard Line On Iran's Nuclear Aims... Mar 21, 2008
In two interviews beamed into Iran, Bush expressed deep respect for Iranian history and culture. In a second interview with the Voice of America's Persian News Network, Bush said: "Please don't be discouraged by the slogans that say America doesn't like you, because we do, and we respect you.". (The Drudge Report)
Interview of the President by Radio Farda Mar 21, 2008
Secondly, that the United States -- people of the United States respects the great Iranian history and culture. We have great respect for the people, and we've got problems with the government. (White House News Releases)
Iran Schoolbooks Teach Jihad, Martyrdom, Study Shows Mar 15, 2008
This effort includes rewritten Iranian history and the inclusion of Jihadist political views in science and geography texts, he said. The seventh grade text "Islamic Culture and Religious Instruction," which refers to the West and Israel as the "Arrogant Ones," tells students that war is unavoidable and victory is guaranteed "in order to continue with all our power our revolution against the Arrogant Ones and the oppressors.". (CNSnews.com)
Marjane Satrapi has an Oscar nod and a sharp tongue Jan 26, 2008
Satrapi first visited the United States in 1999 and, with a dim view of America's role in Iranian history, she was prepared to "find good reason to hate all Americans." "I had this fantasy that in a democracy the government was the population. So I came to America and got a big slap in my face. . . . Americans were not what I thought. I thought I was going to see bastards and I saw nice people, very friendly to me." Her affection grew to the point that during the last US election, "I was the one... (Boston Globe)
Iran turns to religion for telefilm Jan 19, 2008
"These episodes of religious history and Iranian history are very popular with Iranian audiences. We want to show the opinions of Islam toward the prophet. This story came from the Koran without any changes. You could call it Jesus through Islam's lens.". Talebzadeh's film is a faithful adaptation of the life of Jesus -- who is depicted with flowing blond hair and fair skin -- familiar to Western auds with one notable exception. (Variety)
More of this story Jan 11, 2008
With bold strokes, the quirkily animated Persepolis goes outside the lines to encapsulate three decades of Iranian history as seen through the eyes of a young artist forced to flee her nation s repressive theocracy. It s also the rare big-screen cartoon about something other than anthropomorphic creatures and fairytale princesses. (Brockton Enterprise, MA)
Jacobs: Iran, A People Interrupted Dec 30, 2007
Incorporating a multitude of philosophies, with Marxism, Shi'a Islam, and bourgeois nationalism being the primary ones, Dabashi's anticolonial modernity has both informed and inspired the various movements against outside domination in the last one hundred and fifty years of Iranian history ... Unlike most Western readings of Iran, Dabashi names the 1953 CIA-organized coup against the anti-imperialist prime minister Mossadegh as the essential event in twentieth-century Iranian history ... For... (Zmag.org)
Beasties crash Christmas box office Dec 28, 2007
"The Bucket List," starring warhorses Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, chalked up $161,840 in just 16 theaters for a per-screen average of $10,115, while Sony Classics' release of the animated Iranian history lesson "Persepolis" captured $37,118 on seven screens for a per-screen average of $5,303. After dipping on Dec. 24 as many theaters closed early for Christmas Eve, the overall box office rebounded on Christmas Day. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
"Persepolis" Dec 25, 2007
It's intimate, as a biography ought to be, but co-directors Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud also manage to give it a panoramic scale: While the movie doesn't attempt to be an Iranian history lesson, it does capture the way people's lives can be both drastically changed and yet, in some ways, remain defiantly unchanged when their government subverts everything they believe in, using God -- or some version of God -- as its chief weapon. Click on the sponsor logo: to read this article and all of... (Salon)
Find out about Iranians before criticizing them Dec 4, 2007
If we would take time to read up on Iranian history or visit that country we would undoubtedly find that Iran is actually quite different from what is, for some reason, probably intended to be implied by the nasty statements made by U.S. media and or by U.S. government officials. (Sometimes I wonder what the U.S. government would be doing had the Iranian army invaded Mexico, a country adjacent to the United States, just as Iraq which is occupied by the U.S. Army, is adjacent to Iran), or if the... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Khosmood/Chomsky: Targeting Iran Nov 28, 2007
It touches on the importance of Iranian history, both past and contemporary, important moments in US-Iranian relations ... Ervand Abrahamian on the relevance of Iranian history ... This type of premise in Washington completely ignores Iranian history. (Zmag.org)
MONA CHAREN: Scholastic isn't giving children the entire story Nov 12, 2007
The article (written by a reporter for National Public Radio) explains that Iran has been "at odds" with America since the revolution of 1979, which forced out the "U.S.-backed Shah" and brought to power a government "based on strict Islamic principles." But she doesn't mention that Ayatollah Khomeini and his mobs denounced the United States as the "great Satan" and chanted "Death to America."The hostage crisis, in which armed militants, possibly including the current president Mahmoud... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Junior Scholastic: PC Indoctrination for the Middle School Set Nov 10, 2007
The article (written by Roxana Saberi, a reporter for National Public Radio) explains that Iran has been "at odds" with America since the revolution of 1979, which forced out the "U.S.-backed Shah" and brought to power a government "based on strict Islamic principles." But she doesn't mention that Ayatollah Khomeini and his mobs denounced the United States as the "great Satan" and chanted "Death to America." The hostage crisis, in which armed militants, possibly including the current president... (Townhall.com)
Rice: Iran 'Lying' About Aim of Nuke Program Oct 13, 2007
"There is an Iranian history of obfuscation and, indeed, lying to the IAEA," she said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. "There is a history of Iran not answering important questions about what is going on and there is Iran pursuing nuclear technologies that can lead to nuclear weapons-grade material," Rice told reporters aboard her plane as she headed to Moscow. (Newsmax)
Globe West Updates Oct 3, 2007
The pair will present a program on Iranian history and culture at the library on Nov. 7 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. -- Calvin Hennick. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
My Dinner with Ahmadinejad Sep 26, 2007
- He notes that Americans don't understand Iranian history, saying that the movie 300 with which he seems intimately familiar was a "complete distortion of Iranian history." Iran, he says, has never invaded anyone in its history. Finally, in response to a question about whether war with Iran was growing more likely, he says, "Mr. Bush is interested in harming Iran. But I believe there are wise politicians in America who will prevent such a war. We hate war. We would not welcome it. But we are... (Time.com)
Esfandiari released from Iranian prison after eight months Sep 11, 2007
Esfandiari is "the kind of person Iran should be honoring," Daniels said, noting that her former professor "never once said a negative word about Iran." She added that Esfandiari's classes examined Iranian history, Persian culture and folk tales "nothing political.". Near Eastern Studies professor Andras Hamori said efforts to help Esfandiari were multi-pronged. (The Daily Princetonian, NJ)
Iranian clerics give Rafsanjani power over Ahmadinejad Sep 8, 2007
"This is exactly what the hardliners don't want," said Dr Ali Ansari, an Iran-watcher at Chatham House and a professor of Iranian history at the University of St Andrews. "It's a body blow for Ahmadinejad.". (Yahoo News -- Iran)
For Iran's Shiites, a celebration of faith and waiting Aug 30, 2007
Throughout Iranian history, Islamic faith and Persian culture have been intimately merged. Yet, successive leaders have tried to promote one or the other in a constant competition for the national soul, usually with the goal of buttressing their own authority. (International Herald Tribune)
NYT: Chelsea Clinton Is Primed for Another Parent's White House Run... Jul 31, 2007
Daniela Amini, a friend, recently watched her navigate a dinner table full of strangers by asking well-informed questions about subjects from Iranian history to antique carpets to Russian literature. Leslie H. Gelb, president emeritus of the , has watched the deliberate way Ms. Clinton navigates the award-and-cocktail-party circuit. (The Drudge Report)
Iran Opposition Building Jun 19, 2007
"Solidarity Iran is something unique in contemporary Iranian history," said Ramin Parham, a prominent intellectual. "Since the movement began in Berlin nearly two years ago, I, a monarchist, have been having vodka and kebob with people who took up arms against the former shah," Parham said. (Newsmax)
Iran's practical nationalism Jun 7, 2007
It was not books about ancient Iranian history but the Koran that pushed the wave of Basij Iranians to attack Iraqi positions during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88). Still, as time progressed, the eschatological, anti-state ideology that disconnected past and present started to change, along lines not unknown in other great revolutions of the modern era, the Russian Revolution (1917-21) in particular. (Asia Times Online)
Cannes Film Festival May 25, 2007
Much as I admired Satrapi's verve and creativity, however, I couldn't get entirely with the program of her visually monochromatic, not to say montonous, film, which all too often felt like an illustrated "Contemporary Iranian History for Dummies.". The noncompetition "Apres Lui" was much more of a bourgeois entertainment, but I appreciated its more limited attention span. (Newsday -- Entertainment)
An appeal for empire May 19, 2007
The myth should be invented and reinvented endlessly to move history forward, Iranian history in this case. While the author certainly has the right to his own interpretation of the myth and to confine himself to the purely intellectual roots of revolution, he seems to have one problem. (Asia Times Online)
Former professor detained in Middle East May 16, 2007
"We, as her former students, know how proud she was of Iranian history and culture," said Cherrie Daniels '91, who was a student of Esfandiari's during her sophomore and senior years. She is attempting to organize a student/teacher petition drive to supplement existing campaigns. (The Daily Princetonian, NJ)
Saeidi: Orientalist View of Iran May 1, 2007
Aside from shedding light on the fact that Hitchens obviously did not do his homework prior to departure (he does not demonstrate an appropriate understanding of modern Iranian history), the article includes three main themes that are frequently propounded in writings of those who support the Western propaganda machine against Iran, including, native informant tourists and their personal memoirs. These themes include the hyper-sexualization of Iranian women, derogatory references to Arabs with... (Zmag.org)
Full Story from The Battalion Apr 26, 2007
However, whatever your opinion on the government may be, Iran has had several successful elections, and this period in Iranian history could be described as the growing pains of a democracy fighting to take root and mature. The people, government and history of Iran differ greatly from the rest of the Middle East making the country truly unique in a part of the world that is all too often grouped together without any regard to these important differences. (U-Wire.com)
Edwards: Menace to All Apr 6, 2007
None of this exists for Western journalists, for whom Iranian history began with the 1979 hostage crisis. A more complete chronology of events can be found here: http://www. (Zmag.org)
Seizure of Britons reveals split in Iran Mar 31, 2007
Diplomatic efforts by British, Iranian, Japanese, Australian, Turkish and Iraqi officials failed to resolve the standoff, which began to echo similar crises in recent Iranian history, such as the hostage crisis that followed the 1979 storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and the 1989 fatwa against Salman Rushdie, the British author of "The Satanic Verses.". In both cases, the Iranian government, weakened by factional fights, sought to stifle internal dissent and inflame popular support by... (Seattle Times)
Iran sends mixed signals in detainee crisis Mar 31, 2007
"But we will not allow any country to violate our territory, and especially not Britain, which has no positive record in Iranian history.". But the Khamenei spokesman, mid-ranking cleric Mohammad Ali Rahmani, called for the release of Turney. (Los Angeles Times)
Encyclopedia Iranica Mar 26, 2007
Project requires another decade Iranian government opposes it; U.S. backs it Iran scholar Ehsan Yarshater began project 32 years ago Each volume costs $1 million to produce Adjust font size. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The Christian concepts of heaven and hell originate in Iran. (CNN -- International)
Iranian U.N. delegation outraged over movie "300" Mar 24, 2007
The film "fails to convey a bare minimum truth about Iranian history," the statement said, denouncing the "crude demonization of Persians as the embodiment of evil, moral corruption.". The film touched a nerve in Iran even though it will probably never open there because of the government's restrictions on Western films. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Iran outraged over depiction of ancient Persia in 300 Mar 23, 2007
The film fails to convey a bare minimum truth about Iranian history, the statement said, denouncing the crude demonization of Persians as the embodiment of evil, moral corruption. Related to this article. (Globe and Mail)
Q&A: What next in Iran nuclear row? Feb 23, 2007
Does today s report come as a surprise. No. Iran had made very clear in the past 60 days - the time given for compliance by the United Nations resolution - that it was not going to suspend enrichment of uranium, the most controversial part of its nuclear programme. (Times Online)
Iran Embassy clarifies Feb 23, 2007
Iranian history, particularly contemporary history since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, shows clearly that it has never been a source of tension. Rather, it has always tried its best for the peace and tranquility of the region. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Excerpts from editorials in Florida newspapers Feb 13, 2007
The year 1979 may seem a long time ago, but surely Hosseini knows enough Iranian history to be aware that the government whose mouthpiece he is took 52 Americans, most of them accredited diplomats, hostage that year and held them for 444 days. It was the grossest, most flagrant abuse of international law, treaty and regulation concerning diplomats and embassies in modern times. (The Ledger)
Q&A from Iran Feb 7, 2007
Jewish and Iranian history, although quite different, have intersected at certain times in the past. Iranians are highly educated, therefore, they know and appreciate this fact. (Jerusalem Post, Israel)
NA/GB...S: Iranian Feminist Critique Feb 1, 2007
We deplore the marginalization of critical engagements with this genre and declare that the version of the romanticized and Orientalist portrayal of Iranian history and women's struggle depicted in the recent memoir industry is not only a gross distortion and undermining of Iranian women's active participation in political and cultural spheres, but it also deliberately represses working class and rural women's hardships, hopes, desires, and aspirations. . (Zmag.org)
