Project on Middle East Democracy

Project on Middle East Democracy
The POMED Wire Archives


Category: Journalism

Iran: Montazeri’s Funeral Turns into Massive Protest

December 22nd, 2009 by Jason

As reported yesterday, tens of thousands of mourners flocked to Qum to attend the funeral procession of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri. As The New York Times reports, the funeral “turned into a huge and furious anti-government rally.” The Lede blog has posted a timeline of yesterday’s events. Additional videos and photos are available herehere and here.

Grand Ayatollah Montazeri was simultaneously one of the highest-ranking clerics in Iran as well as a fierce critic of the Islamic regime. As such, Michael Rubin observes “the real Achilles Heel to the Iranian regime is Shi’ism. Simply put, it is hard for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to claim ultimate political and religious authority when he is outranked by many clerics who oppose him and his philosophy of government.”

This tension was clear during the reading of a statement from Khamenei during the funeral yesterday. Juan Cole posts a translation, explaining the statement “accused [Montazeri] of having been tested by God and of failing the test, but in which Khamenei went on to pray for divine forgiveness for his departed foe.” The thousands of mourners drowned out the statement with loud booing and opposition slogans.

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Posted in Diplomacy, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Journalism, Protests, US foreign policy, sanctions | Comment »

Egypt: Losing Arab Respect

December 21st, 2009 by Zack

Babylon and Beyond reports that Egypt is facing serious Arab criticism for its decision to build a wall at the Gaza border.  Arab nationalists accuse President Hosni Mubarak of serving Israeli interests at the expense of fellow Arab Palestinians.  BikyaMasr reprints a blog post from Zeinobia reflected the same sentiment that Egypt has become “ugly” in the eyes of the world and a constant source of international discord.  Zeinobia argues “we  [Egyptians] are also very patient, too damn patient to the level of building a pyramid in 20 years but as the Old Arabs said : Beware the patient’s anger and I will say beware the ugly Egyptian’s real anger!!”

The Daily News Egypt reports that the Muslim Brotherhood is preparing to appoint a new member to the Guidance Office within 48 hours.  The decision process has caused a schism in the group, but these are being downplayed by Essam El-Erian, who many expect will be appointed to the post. 

Sankalita Shome writes about the Cairo Human Rights Film Festival.  After a rough start last year when the government pressured the host theater to back out of the festival, this years program features a larger selection of films, including features about the Ukranian Orange Revolution, U.N. efforts in Iraq, and a short film, N-70, about police abuse in Egypt.


Posted in Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Journalism, Palestine, Public Opinion | Comment »

Report: Religion Restricted Most in Middle East

December 18th, 2009 by Jason

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has released a new report on the “Global Restrictions on Religion.” The report concludes that “among all regions, the Middle East-North Africa has the highest government and societal restrictions on religion.” Concerning governmental restrictions, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt are among the worst offenders. For societal restrictions, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Israel, and Saudi Arabia rank among the worst. Overall, the report identifies Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and India as the most restrictive countries.

Meanwhile, Babylon and Beyond reports that Al Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy has stopped the presses on a book criticized as discriminatory towards Christians. The book, “The Scientific Report,” contends Christianity is a form of paganism. Coptic officials had filed a report to the attorney general accusing the book’s author Mohamed Emara of blasphemy, but they have now expressed their relief at Al Azhar’s decision to cancel the publication.


Posted in Afghanistan, Egypt, Freedom, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Journalism, Pakistan, Public Opinion, Publications, Saudi Arabia | Comment »

Congress: Anti-American Media Bill Criticized

December 18th, 2009 by Jason

Bikya Masr reports The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) has come out criticizing a bill (see our previous post) recently passed in the House that would identify and seek to isolate international news media that broadcast “anti-American incitement to violence.”

According to ANHRI, the bill “represented a sharp additional decline on the U.S. promises to improve its poor record in civil and political freedoms locally and internationally.” Furthermore, ANHRI claims the bill violates American obligations to international treaties.  In an interview with Bikya Masr, local media analyst Hassan al-Naggar argues Congress has further “tarnishe[d] Obama’s struggling image.”

However, the article suggests Congress hopes the legislation “will create more equitable television viewing that leaves violence off American air waves.”


Posted in Congress, Freedom, Journalism, Legislation, Middle Eastern Media, NGOs, Public Opinion, US foreign policy | Comment »

Egypt: Brotherhood Members Released

December 17th, 2009 by Jason

al-Masry al-Youm reports that nine Muslim Brotherhood members were released Wednesday after completing jail sentences handed down by a military court in 2008.  Meanwhile, a Cairo Criminal Court also ordered the release of ten other MB members who were recently detained in Beheira.

The editorial staff at al-Masry al-Youm criticizes the state-run media’s recent attacks on Mohamed elBaradei after he announced his potential presidential candidacy, a sentiment also shared by Hamdi Kandil.

Bikya Masr reports that the ministry of interior has for a third time ignored a court’s order to release the Egyptian-Christian blogger Hani Nazeer Aziz. They also report that the Under-Secretary of the Egyptian National Council for Human Rights, Dr. Mona Zou El Fokar, has called for the abolition of the death penalty and warned against the overcrowding of Egypt’s prisons.

An Egyptian MP for al-Shaab party has filed a lawsuit against a journalist who purportedly has promoted vice for publishing an article asking why women can’t practice polygamy given that men can marry more than one woman.

Finally, residents facing eviction in a Cairo neighborhood clashed violently with police, causing one death and injuring 28 people, including 17 policemen.


Posted in Egypt, Freedom, Human Rights, Journalism, Judiciary, Muslim Brotherhood, NGOs, Political Parties, Protests, Reform, Women | Comment »

Yemen: Southern Protests

December 16th, 2009 by Zack

While unnamed intelligence sources report that Houthi rebels along Yemen’s northern border have held secret meetings with Iran, Human Rights Watch has presented a report accusing government forces of using inappropriate force to quell largely non-violent secession protests in the south.  According to The Christian Science Monitor, the report accuses the government of creating a humanitarian crisis and feeding “the secessionists’ narrative that they are marginalized.”  The paper also observes that eight newspapers were banned in May for reporting on the secessionists.  Michael Horton at the CSM has a piece explaining the southern Yemeni tensions between the central government’s need to retain the region for its natural resources and public opinion in the south that unification has only brought inflation and no sense of political representation.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya, General David Patraeus has confirmed that the U.S. is supplying military support to the Yemeni government.  Waq al-Waq is reporting that Houthi rebels are using the general’s statement to claim the U.S. is helping the government select military targets, which threatens to expand the war.

Lastly, Babylon and Beyond reports that Nujood Ali, the ten-year-old Yemeni girl that demanded a divorce from her husband more than 20 years her age, is using her fame to help 12-year-old Sally Sabahi file for divorce from her 21-year-old husband. The article goes on to explain: “Although the legal age of consent in Yemen is 15, a 2006 study conducted by Sana University reported that 52% of girls were married by 18.”


Posted in Human Rights, Journalism, Military, Protests, Public Opinion, US foreign policy, Women, Yemen | Comment »

Iran: Gasoline Sanctions Debate Today

December 15th, 2009 by Jason

The House is currently debating the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194), and they will likely pass the legislation before the end of today. That news likely comfort Ephraim Kam, who writes in Haaretz that the West must impose “harsher sanctions” and threaten Tehran with potential violence.

Nonetheless,  niacINsight urges the U.S. to “stand with the Iranian people” by opposing the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, which many members of the green movement have said would hurt the Iranian people and not the regime. Jamal Abdi warns such sanctions  “may isolate us from our closest allies and biggest trading partners, pose momentous new challenges for our efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq and the greater Middle East, undermine the Iranian people’s struggle for democracy, and once again place the United States on the gave path towards military confrontation.”

Instead, niacINsight hails the introduction of the Stand with the Iranian People Act (SWIPA H.R. 4303) introduced by Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and the Iranian Digital Empowerment Act (IDEA H.R. 4301)  introduced by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA). Both of these acts were introduced yesterday. SWIPA would enable Americans and Iranians to work together to promote human rights or for projects like building hospitals and schools, while also imposing targeted sanctions on the regime and companies that work with it. IDEA would legalize the transfer of communication and anti-censorship tools between the U.S. and Iran.

Arguing in favor of SWIPA and IDEA and against IRPSA,  Patrick Disney contends, “the yardstick for an effective Iran policy is not how much pain and suffering it will cause among innocent Iranians. Rather, changing the policies and behavior of Tehran’s repressive government should be our ultimate goal. This means that when it comes to sanctions, bigger is not always better.”

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Posted in Congress, Diplomacy, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Journalism, Judiciary, Legislation, Military, Oil, Protests, Technology, US foreign policy, US politics, sanctions | Comment »

POMED Notes: “Democratization as a Source of Tension between the U.S. and Egypt”

December 15th, 2009 by Jason

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars hosted a lecture Monday by Heba el-Koudsy about American democracy promotion in Egypt and its effectiveness. According to the Center’s Middle East Program Director Haleh Esfandiari, every year the Center brings in an Arab journalist to conduct research as a resident scholar. This year’s scholar is el-Koudsy, who has over 15 years experience in Arab journalism and currently works for the Egyptian paper al-Masry al-Youm.

For POMED’s full PDF version of the notes,  click here. Otherwise, keep reading below the fold.

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Posted in DC Event Notes, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Egypt, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Journalism, Judiciary, Legislation, NGOs, Political Parties, Protests, Reform, Secularism, US foreign policy, Women | Comment »

Oman: Growth of Media Outlets

December 15th, 2009 by Zack

Middle East Online reports that the media scene is growing in Oman after a royal decree “heralded a new era in broadcasting, bringing to an end more than three decades of dominance by the state-owned electronic media.” The country now boasts four English newspapers and several mainstream Arabic papers and journals.  There are now three privately owned radio stations and the government is attempting to draw new investment into the broadcasting industry.

Programs on these stations cover economics, politics, culture, and sports while the “local flavour […] is of prime importance.” The article explains that “media plays an important role. It helps build public opinion, promotes national development, works as a mirror of day-to-day activities and serves as voice to the Omani citizen.”


Posted in Freedom, Journalism, Middle Eastern Media, Oman, Public Opinion | Comment »

Dubai: Media Repression and a Bailout

December 15th, 2009 by Zack

Claudia Pugh-Thomas writes an op-ed about Dubai’s floundering cultural identity, unable to establish a cohesive Islamic tradition amidst waves of expatriate diversity.  As the country feels the growing the pains of economic readjustment, she comments “how Dubai negotiates this rite of passage will determine whether it will ever be taken seriously.” The fact the recent downturn is portrayed merely as negative publicity “is not a promising sign.”

Brian Whitaker explores how the emirate has responded to negative press about the regime with harsh censorship and authoritarian pressure.  He argues that “in Dubai, deep down, they still don’t get it.”  The country cannot expect to be a modern financial center and still cling to traditions that give deference to an unelected leader and repress the the media that critique him.  Whitaker conclude, “If Sheikh Mohammed wants to be treated with the respect that he obviously feels he deserves, then he can confine himself to being a titular figurehead. But if he wants to combine being royal with life as a politician and as being the centrepiece of Dubai’s business affairs he becomes fair game – just like anyone else.”

The Economist reports that Abu Dhabi has provided Dubai $10 billion in order to meet an upcoming debt payment schedule.  However, this amount does not come close to settling all Dubai World’s outstanding debt. As such, the UAE has appointed a three judge panel and created new “reorganisation law” that will allow creditors to file claims against the state corporation.  The Financial Times argues that despite these problems, Dubai has faired rather well and that this experience will push investors to back sound businesses instead of businesses backed by the state.  Marios Maratheftis, head of regional research at Standard Chartered Bank, explains investors have shown confidence in the move because it indicates  ”there is a one-country approach in dealing with the crisis, which is positive.”


Posted in Dubai, Freedom, Journalism, Legislation, Reform, UAE | Comment »

Secretary Clinton: Major Human Rights Speech at Georgetown

December 14th, 2009 by Jason

Secretary Clinton delivered an important address (PDF transcript) on the Obama administration’s approach to human rights today at Georgetown University.

Reinforcing the message of President Obama’s Nobel speech, Clinton affirmed “the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are not only the source of our strength and endurance, they are the birthright of every woman, man, and child on earth.” As such, Clinton defined America’s mission as “expanding the circle of rights and opportunities to all people - advancing their freedoms and possibilities.”

Furthermore, a just society must not only respect civil and political freedoms, but also protect its citizens from the “oppression of want - want of food, want of health, want of education, and want of equality in law and fact.” In fact, “democracies that deliver on rights, opportunities, and development for their people are stable, strong, and most likely to enable people to live up to their potential.” As such, Clinton asserted “supporting democracy and fostering development are cornerstones of our 21st century human rights agenda.”

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Posted in Afghanistan, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, EU, Egypt, Foreign Aid, Human Rights, Iran, Iraq, Journalism, Judiciary, Multilateralism, NGOs, Technology, US foreign policy, Uncategorized, United Nations, Women | 3 Comments »

Report: Human Rights on the Decline Part II

December 12th, 2009 by Jason

As we reported earlier, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) has released a comprehensive and thorough report, called “Bastion of Impunity, Mirage of Reform,” on the state of human rights throughout the Arab world. The full report in Arabic spans 254 pages and chronicles in detail the backsliding on human rights in the region while also identifying a few points of optimism. In addition to the full report, CIHRS has released a translation of the report’s introduction written by their general director, Bahey eldin Hassan, as well as a 21-page summary of the report in English.

According to Hassan’s introduction, while there have been important strides to “ease repressive measures” in the Middle East under the Forum of the Future regional initiative, in no country were there “real constitutional, legislative, or institutional gains that could upset the balance of power between authoritarian regimes and the forces of reform.” Hassan blames this failure on the narrow focus on electoral reform at the expense of human rights, the contradictory actions of the G-8 countries, attempts by the Arab League to co-opt reform with their own homegrown initiatives, and the European and American fear of Islamist electoral victories. Finally, Hassan contends “the last spark in the initiatives was quashed once and for all with the arrival of a new US administration” apparently unwilling to support democracy rhetorically.

Now, Hassan warns that the minor gains made over the past five years are under a “counterattack by Arab governments. Among other examples of backtracking, the Arab league disabled the Arab Charter on Human Rights, which only had 10 of 22 signatory countries to begin with. As with the CIHRS report last year, Hassan concludes that “lack of political will on the part of most regimes in the Arab region was the key to understanding and explaining chronic human rights problems in the region.”

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Posted in Algeria, Arab League, Bahrain, Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, EU, Egypt, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Gulf, Hamas, Hezbollah, Human Rights, Iraq, Islam and Democracy, Islamist movements, Israel, Jordan, Journalism, Judiciary, Kurds, Lebanon, Legislation, Military, Morocco, Multilateralism, Muslim Brotherhood, NGOs, Palestine, Political Islam, Political Parties, Protests, Public Opinion, Publications, Reform, Saudi Arabia, Sectarianism, Syria, Tunisia, US foreign policy, United Nations, Western Sahara, Women, Yemen | 1 Comment »

Iran: Gates Expects Significant Sanctions

December 12th, 2009 by Jason

Speaking in Erbil, Iraq, Secretary Gates said today that he expects the U.S. and its allies will impose “significant additional sanctions” on Iran because of Iran’s failure to follow through on negotiations. At the same time, he explained a military strike “would only buy some time, maybe two or three years.”

Danielle Pletka argues the U.S. should consider sanctions that are not just “inevitable,” but “effective” as well. Towards that end, she recommends several kinds of sanctions that will “hit hardest at the regime, and affect ordinary Iranians only incidentally.” However, Laura Rozen of Politico points to two more analyses of the recent Harvard simulation that “bode poorly for the pressure track the U.S. with support of some of its P5+1 partners is embarking on.” Nonetheless, she also notes that the simulation fails to adequately account for Europe’s role and consider an outcome between unilateral sanctions and UN Security Council sanctions.

insideIran reports that Iran’s Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi has launched an attack against reform-minded former president Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani. Moslehi accused Rafsanjani of espousing the views of the opposition after Rafsanjani stated last week that if the people of Iran no longer support Iran’s leaders, then they should no longer be in power.  Meanwhile, Tehran’s Prosecutor announced that of the 204 protesters arrested during Student Day, 86 have been released and fate of the remaining detainees will be decided soon. Finally, in response to Majid Tavakoli’s arrest and government-staged photo of him wearing women’s clothing, opposition-minded men have come out in support by also wearing women’s clothing.

Despite the regime’s efforts, Mir Hossein Moussavi remains steadfast. The Economist quotes him warning the regime “In the streets, you are fighting with shadows. And your ramparts are collapsing, one by one, in the hearts of the people.” The article goes on to provide a history of events that have led from the disputed election in June to this week’s Student Day Protests, explaining how the protests seem to have radicalized under the increased brutality of the regime. Drewery Dyke in The Guardian calls on the international community to nurture “what hope there is” for human rights in Iran. Dyke also analyzes how the opposition have shown “the genie is now out of the bottle and there are signs that Iran’s governmental elites will have difficulty in putting it back.”

The Los Angeles Times editorial staff joins in, calling on the West to rhetorically and morally support the reform movement while also not undermining the cause “with too close an embrace.” Responding to President Obama’s reference to “the hundred of thousands who have marched silently through the streets of Iran,” Michael Ledeen warns that ”words aren’t nearly enough. But they are essential.” Jackson Diehl, meanwhile, wishes Obama had gone further in support of the Iranian opposition in the speech.

Lastly, Tehran Bureau offers a useful guide to Iranian media and describes their reputations and slants.


Posted in Democracy Promotion, Diplomacy, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Iraq, Journalism, Legislation, Middle Eastern Media, Multilateralism, Oil, Protests, US foreign policy, sanctions | Comment »

Iran: Regime at a Tipping Point?

December 10th, 2009 by Jason

Tehran Bureau reports that some pro-opposition students staged protests for a third day in a row, despite government warnings. Meanwhile, President Ahmadinejad has begun to receive some flack for his accusation that the America is preventing the return of the Hidden Imam, as religious scholars questioned Ahmadinejad’s authority to make such religious proclamations. Tehran Bureau also points to an interview with Shirin Ebadi by ABC, in which she promises “this regime will not last.”

The regime-affiliated Fars News Agency has published photos of leading student activist Majid Tavakoli disguised as a woman. Opposition members and human rights activists have responded harshly, claiming that Tavakoli was “severely beat[en]” during his arrest and forced to wear women’s clothing after being taken into custody. Such treatment has led to a new Amnesty International report that concludes respect for human rights in Iran has fallen to a 20-year low. The report urges Ayatollah Khamenei to allow U.N. human rights experts to conduct an investigation on human rights abuses in the country.

The Daily Star editorial staff observe “repression seems to be the government’s only response to opposition […] the regime has betrayed the Islamic Republic’s most sacred founding principles and sought to impose a SAVAK-style police state.” The real danger for the regime, they argue, is how such repression will “compound the pre-existing strains on the government, particularly unemployment, inflation, and other economic woes” that could result in a “highly combustible mix of public discontent.” Meanwhile, per Geneive Abdo in Foreign Policy, ”the circle around Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is hardening and shrinking - and more and more, his former allies are turning against him.”

Such public discontent has led to a rhetorical shift amongst the opposition from rejecting the June elections to opposing the Islamic regime itself, according to Amir Taheri in The Wall Street Journal. As such, Taheri contends the Iran has now reached a historical tipping point. In agreement, Andy McCarthy at NRO argues that  ”The regime in Tehran, our enemy, is teetering on the brink of collapse.” As such, he calls for a “little push” through American rhetorical support and refined gasoline sanctions. 

In fact, Laura Rozen reports that there has been a push in Congress, initiated by Sen. Jon Kyle (R-Ariz.), to pass the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act by unanimous consent. The effort, for now, seems to have been halted with pressure from State Department and possibly a former or informal objection from at least one Senate office. Meanwhile, Robert Dreyfuss argues not only against imposing gasoline sanctions on Iran, but also against actively supporting the green movement. Such well-intentioned but misplaced support would allow Tehran “to refocus on the Great Satan’s interference in Iranian affairs” and make nuclear negotiations impossible.

Babak Siavoshy identifies one way the U.S. can help the Iranian opposition. According to Siavoshy, the U.S. should help Iranians gain “unfiltered Internet access, and take measures to curb censorship by the Iranian government.” Towards this end, the U.S. should invest in anti-filtering technologies, restrict sale of censorship technology to the Iranian government, make news more accessible, and protect the rights of bloggers.

Laura Rozen also reports that Iranian authorities have presented a list of Iranians they believe to be held by the U.S., asking for their release in exchange for the release of the three American hikers. The Iranian list is composed largely of Iranians who have been detained for illegal activities, such as purchasing military equipment for Iran, as well as purported nuclear defectors. According to one U.S. official, “we cannot afford to accept the Iranian frame that there is an equivalence between indicted arms dealers and innocent hikers who happen to wander across a hostile border.”

Finally, Sanaz Meshkinpour interviews Iranian director Mehran Tamadon, who has just completed a documentary about the Basij militia.


Posted in Congress, Diplomacy, Elections, Foreign Aid, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Journalism, Oil, Protests, Publications, US foreign policy, US politics, United Nations, sanctions | Comment »

Turkey: Erdogan in DC

December 9th, 2009 by Jason

Ben Katcher at the Washington Note provides an overview of Prime Minister Erdogan’s visit to Washington. Among other developments, Erdogan implied Turkey will continue to reform regardless of European “obstacles” to E.U. accession.  

However, Michael Rubin at NRO criticizes President Obama for praising Erdogan despite Turkey’s recent backtracking on human rights, especially in its “war on the free press.” He cites a recent resolution passed by the World Association of Newspapers that “calls on the Turkish authorities to cease the campaign of intimidation of journalists and media.” Babylon and Beyond delves into greater detail about the clash between the Turkish government and the media mogul Dogan Yayin Holding, who has criticized the ruling AKP party. Jennifer Rubin at Commentary echoes Michael Rubin’s concerns, arguing “Obama doesn’t really have anything to say in support of human rights and democracy advocates.”

Marc Lynch observes that the Islamist government of Erdogan is a “model of workable political Islam,” but one that is “dual-edged” as Turkish secularists  “continue to sound the alarm bells of creeping Islamism.” Lynch finds concerns over Turkey’s newly assertive foreign policy “overblown,” arguing it was as much a result of “the effective closing of the door to European Union membership as it was by Erdogan’s Islamism.”  


Posted in Freedom, Human Rights, Islam and Democracy, Journalism, Muslim Brotherhood, Political Islam, Political Parties, Reform, Secularism, Turkey, US foreign policy, US politics | Comment »

Congress: Anti-American Incitement

December 9th, 2009 by Zack

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) has proposed H.R.2278 that calls for the “President to transmit to Congress a report on anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle East.”  The bill focuses on Middle Eastern media outlets, including al-Manar, al-Aqsa, al-Zawra, that broadcast calls of violence against Americans and the United States and calls for a report in six months that lists anti-American media outlets and satellite companies that provide these channels..  The bill also proposes that the U.S. should: designate satellite providers that knowingly contract with such entities as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists,” evaluate levels of foreign assistance with reference to state-sponsorship of anti-American incitement to violence, and “urge all governments and private investors who own shares in satellite companies or otherwise influence decisions about satellite transmissions to oppose transmissions of [such] telecasts.”

A motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill passed 395-3 , with 9 voting present.


Posted in Congress, Journalism, Legislation, Reform, US foreign policy, US politics | 1 Comment »

Iran: Protests Continue

December 9th, 2009 by Jason

The AP reports clashes between government militia and students continued for a second straight day, after over 200 protesters were arrested on Monday. Protesters “showed an increased fervor and boldness” as Basij threw stones and fired tear gas into the crowds. Meanwhile, Mir Hossein Moussavi and his wife were accosted by Basij militiamen as he tried to join the protests. He reportedly shouted at the militia, “You’re agents. Do whatever you’ve been ordered to do, kill me, beat me, threaten me.”

The New York Times also noticed a ratcheting up of rhetoric, with protesters burning photos of both Ayatollah Khamenei and Aytollah Khomeiniwhile waving Iranian flags that did not include the emblem of the Islamic revolution. Given this kind of rejection of the Islamic Revolution, the article admits “it has become unclear how much Mr. Mousavi speaks for the opposition, which includes many who appear to be taking a more radical approach and demanding an end to the theocracy.”

TPM has posted a photo gallery of the protests. The opposition will have more opportunities to coopt national holidays for protests soon, with both the holy month of Moharram and the anniversary of the Islamic revolution coming soon. Specifically, niacINsight reports that the next large demonstration is expected on December 12th, the six-month anniversary of the disputed June 12th elections.

But the opposition and regime continue to square off in other arenas besides street demonstrations. InsideIran reports that the government closed a major reformist newspaper in Iran while also announcing state-owned television will now broadcast more Islamic programming. In response to such crackdowns, Reporters Without Borders has launched a new campaign to support Iranian journalists. According to the organization, “the press freedom situation is getting worse by the day in Iran.” Meanwhile, niacINsight posts several examples of the “ingenious new strategy” to write pro-opposition slogans on bank notes. 

The Christian Science Monitor explores how the regime’s security forces “are widening their net - and definition - of potential opponents as they try to stamp out months of dissent.” They specifically cite the plight of Parastou Forouhar who has been prevented from returning home to Germany after coming to Iran to commemorate the anniversary of the murder of her dissident parents. Such developments have led Massoumeh Torfeh to observe that “dissent is on the increase. And the government’s inability to deal with their demands strengthens the protesters’ resolve […] the opposition will continue and are likely to be joined by people from other layers of society who may object to planned substantial cuts in government subsidies.”

In an interview with Middle East Progress, Karim Sadjadpour contends “both the government and the opposition are in precarious positions. The regime hasn’t recouped its lost legitimacy, and will continue to lose supporters as the economic situation deteriorates. They increasingly resemble a military junta […] As for the opposition, its leadership and brain trust remains either in prison, under house arrest or unable to freely operate.” Responding to Sadjadpour, Steve Clemons argues “the sanctions path on trying to influence Iran’s behavior has more to do with providing a focus for American frustration and emotion than achieving a successful course correction with Iran.” Clemons elaborates,  ”what the sanctions may do, however, beyond making those angry with Iran’s behavior feel better is help give Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the external provocation to further justify their actions and themselves and permit a further consolidation of power.”

In response to the Senate seeking to vote on the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act under an expedited procedure, M.J. Rosenberg points to Lara Friedman of Peace Now. She observes the proposed gasoline sanctions would “target the Iranian people, in the hope that if the people become miserable enough they will pressure their government to change course.” However, Friedman contends “this is a strategy that few experts believe will work [and the] immediate result will be a backlash by the people of Iran against the United States, not against the Iranian regime”  Nonetheless, Michael Rubin at NRO claims the Iranian diaspora are “hailing” proposed gasoline sanctions because “they understand that coercion conducted alongside diplomacy ofeten makes diplomacy more effective.”


Posted in Diplomacy, Elections, Freedom, Human Rights, Iran, Islam and Democracy, Journalism, Legislation, Multilateralism, Oil, Protests, US foreign policy, US politics, sanctions | Comment »

Kuwait: Journalists Out on Bail

December 4th, 2009 by Zack

Journalist and lawyer Mohammad Abdulqader al-Jassem, was granted bail 12 days after being detained on “charges of slandering the Gulf emirate’s prime minister,” according to AFP. Jassem and Kuwaiti political activists claim he was only criticizing the premier’s conduct of government business and that he was illegally detained by the public prosecutor’s office, for which he intends to file a lawsuit against the prosecutor who ordered his detention.


Posted in Freedom, Journalism, Kuwait | Comment »

Tunisia: Activist Sentenced

December 3rd, 2009 by Zack

The Daily Star reports Zouhair Makhlouf, a Tunisian online journalist and activist, has been sentenced to three months in prison and fined $4,600 for insulting the dignity of a man he interviewed.  Reporters Without Borders condemns this as “a judicial farce” and that those interviewed for the piece on environmental problems consented to being filmed.


Posted in Freedom, Journalism, Tunisia | Comment »

Iran: Dissident Sentenced, Policy Fears

December 3rd, 2009 by Zack

The NY Times reports that Saeed Leylaz, an Iranian economist and journalist, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his prominent involvement in election protests.  He is one of the more than 100 journalists, activists and former officials arrested sine the June 12 election. Human Rights Activist News Agency also reported the sixth death sentence for an opposition detainee on Wednesday.

NiacINsight carries an AP story reporting that Dr. Ramin Pourandarjani, a doctor at the Kahrizak detention facility in Iran who spoke out against prisoner abuse, was poisoned through a salad.  The story of his death sparked controversy when authorities first reported he was killed in a car accident and later called it a suicide.  Pourandarjani’s father comments that he doesn’t believe any of the explanations provided, but has yet to directly blame the authorities.

On the international scene, Barbara Lerner writes that Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons has the potential to embolden all Islamist movements, swelling their ranks and shifting the entire international political spectrum.  She argues the U.S. needs to focus on “mad” Iran like a laser by not wasting time with sanctions or negotiations, but initiating a air strike campaign against all Iranian military facilities.  Victor Davis Hanson argues that the Obama administration is giving tacit approval for Iran to go nuclear through “serial deadlines” and “hope-and-change rhetoric,” in the same way the U.S. emboldened Saddam Hussein with its disinterest in the Kuwait-Iraq border dispute.  He calls for ramped up sanctions, boycotts, embargoes, coupled with strong support for reformers, and possibly a total blockade of Iranian ports.

This comes while President Ahmadinejad is threatening to withdrawhis plans to reform Iran’s subsidy system, which has been approved by Parliament, over worries that it will serve as a lightning rod for the opposition and because of concerns that Ahmadinejad will not have complete control over the spending of saved revenue.


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