ANALYSIS: Islamic Republic Is Badly Weakened in Mideast
By Ahmad Rafat
The Islamic Republic of Iran is facing significant losses as a Middle Eastern power, not only in terms of its proxy armed groups but also in countries that were previously part of...
Iran at the Venice Biennial (Part I)
A Visit to the Iranian Pavilion
By Ahmad Rafat
Iran is among the 85 countries taking part this year in the Venice Biennale, the world's largest and oldest art fair. The 57th Biennale opened on May...
Iranian Protest Songs Are Galvanizing the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ Revolution
By Ahmad Rafat
The Iranian authorities arrested singer, musician, and activist Mehdi Yarrahi on Aug. 28 on the orders of the Tehran prosecutor’s office. The Judiciary had launched an investigation of Mr. Yarrahi following the...
ANALYSIS: Iran’s Human Rights Violations Draw Global Condemnation
By Ahmad Rafat
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s systematic and gross violations of human rights have once again captured global attention.
On Sept. 2, Amnesty International released a comprehensive and damning 80-page report on the Islamic...
Italian National Is Arrested in Iran
By Ahmad Rafat
Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence said in a statement on Sept. 30 that it had arrested nine European nationals from Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, and other countries, for their alleged...
Kiosk Explores Underground Iranian Music With New Album
By Ahmad Rafat
Kiosk is one of the best-known and most popular Iranian rock bands in the world. The group recently released their ninth album, “Stereo Tull Presents,” with tracks composed by singer-songwriter Arash Sobhani (who is also a San Francisco-based architect).
Kiosk is one of the best-known and most popular Iranian rock bands in the world. The group recently released their ninth album, “Stereo Tull Presents,” with tracks composed by singer-songwriter Arash Sobhani (who is also a San Francisco-based architect).
Pope Francis to Meet Grand Ayatollah Sistani On His First-Ever Visit to Iraq
By Ahmad Rafat
Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on March 5 on his first-ever visit to the country. During his four-day visit to the birthplace of Abraham -- the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam...
Ferrari Celebrates 70th Birthday in London Exhibition
By Ahmad Rafat
Ferrari, arguably the most exotic car ever built, celebrates its 70th birthday in a special exhibition entitled “Ferrari: Under the Skin” at London’s Design Museum.
The exhibition, which ends on April 15, features...
Pope Breaks Silence, Condemns Use of Death Penalty Against Protesters in Iran
By Ahmad Rafat
Pope Francis has condemned Iran’s use of the death penalty against protesters, demanding greater respect for women.
He made the remarks during his annual speech to foreign diplomats accredited to the Vatican on...
ANALYSIS: Who Will Succeed Ali Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader?
By Ahmad Rafat
Elections for the 16th Majlis (Iranian Parliament) and for the sixth Assembly of Experts (which has the power to appoint Iran’s Supreme Leader) were held on March 1 in Iran.
These elections marked...
