Category Archives: Modern Iran

Iran – Facts and Figures

  Here is a link to the CIA World Factbook’s page on Iran. It provides an overview of the country, and includes an extensive list of facts and figures, ranging from Iran’s history, geography, people and society, to its government, economy, and infrastructure.   Continue reading →

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Hostages Sue for Compensation

In August 2001, the American hostages held in Iran for 444 days sued Iran. The hostages won their case due to default, because Iran failed to represent itself in court. However, in 2002, a federal judge ruled that the hostages are unable to receive compensation from Iran because the agreement that they were released under […] Continue reading →

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Pahlavi Legacies

In this article, Times Magaznine reporter Azadeh Moaveni, discusses the legacy that the Pahlavi Dynasty has left on her. In the aftermath of Alireza Pahlavi’s suicide, Moaveni talks about why she feels to connected to the Pahlavis, despite never having grown up under the Shah’s Iran. Moaveni claims that the Pahlavi family represents the First […] Continue reading →

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Iranian Political Hierarchy

This BBC article outlines the power hierarchy in Iran and the responsibilities attributed to each role. The most powerful leader in Iran is the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He appoints the head of the judiciary and half of the Guardian Council, the commanders of the armed forces and confirms the president’s election. The power of the […] Continue reading →

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Interpreting Ahmadinejad

As the Iranian nuclear program gains more attention and as the possibiliy of an attack from Israel on Iran becomes more likely, quotes from both sides are being thrown around. The most famous of these quotes is one from Ahmadinejad, often referenced by the Israelis. That quote is “Israel must be wiped off the map.” […] Continue reading →

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The Iranian Oskar Schiendler

Abdol-Hossein Sardari, better known as the Iranian Oskar Schiendler, earned this title for the 2,000 Iranian Jews that he helped save during World War II. Sardari, who is Muslim, served as a diplomat in Paris during the rise of the Nazis. He was able to save many Iranian Jews by issuing them the new-style Iranian […] Continue reading →

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The Death of an Ayatollah

Here is a New York Times article released after Ayatollah Khomeini’s death in June 1989. This article discusses key events in Khomeini’s life including the Iran-Iraq War and the fatwa he issued against Salman Rushdie. It also discusses his rise to power including the dismissal of Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri and the fact that there […] Continue reading →

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The Iranian-American Relationship from 1923 until Today

This New York Times article traces the evolution of the relationship between Iran and the United States from 1923 until today. This article emphasizes the nuclear program in Iran and the United States’ involvement with this program. Here is a summary of the article, beginning in 1923.  In 1923, a man named Arthur Millspaugh went […] Continue reading →

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Iran Military News

Here are two articles posted by the BBC about the Iranian Military. The first article entitled Iran
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Cardboard Khomeini

On February 1, 2012, on the 33rd anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s return to Iran from exile, the Islamic Republic held a celebration in commemoration of this event. This event caused a frenzy throughout Iran, especially in the Internet world, because of the cardboard cutout of the Ayatollah used in the reenactment ceremony. One blogger […] Continue reading →

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