To Be or Not to Be...? Someone’s grief, and someone’s drinking party

Traditions of the Kyrgyz people were being formed with the help of economic, trade, domestic and other relations with kindred and other tribes that were closely related to the geography of their ha...

Iran of the 60s: unsuccessful attempt to reform

After the coup of 19 March 1953 in the socio-political history of Iran there were fundamental changes: the powers of parliament were limited and the absolute power of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was...

Topic: Regional rivalry in the Middle East.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran are two countries that claim to leadership in the region. With a powerful resources and political potential these countries are the...

Iran

Bosnia expelled two Iranian diplomats suspected of spying
17.05.2013
Law & Legal Issues|Iran|Middle East

Bosnia has expelled two Iranian diplomats suspected of spying, including contacting a radical Muslim leader, a security ministry source said on Thursday, AFP reported.

The security ministry said that Iranian diplomats Hamzeh Doolab Ahmad and Jadidi Sohrab were declared "persona non grata" and "have left" Bosnian territory.

"As members of diplomatic personnel ... they have used their diplomatic status for activities incompatible with their diplomatic functions and the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations," the ministry said in a statement.

Tehran Mayor: Iranian nation needs social, economic justice
17.05.2013
Culture & Living|Iran|Middle East

A president must obey the law and act according to the country's constitution, Iran's presidential candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said, Shafaf News Website reported.

Qalibaf also said the Iranian nation needs social and economic justice to achieve progress in all areas.

The Tehran mayor added that social opportunities should be distributed equally and among all groups of people.

Qalibaf, who's running as a Principlist hopeful, said he does not make empty promises that he won't be able to keep.

Iran's presidential election will be held on June 14.

Iranian presidential candidate accuses Hashemi Rafsanjani of committing blunders during his time in office
17.05.2013
Law & Legal Issues|Iran|Middle East

A principlist candidate Alireza Zakani has accused former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani of committing blunders during his time in office, Fars news agency reported.

He also predicted Rafsanjani's defeat in the upcoming presidential election.

"Rafsanjani registered for the elections under the influence of his friends and family. If he becomes president, he will regret his choice," Zakani said, adding that Rafsanjani would be making the same mistakes as he did during his years as president.

Iranian vice-president withdraws from presidential elections
13.05.2013
Public Policy & Politics|Iran|Middle East

Iranian Vice-President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi has withdrawn his candidacy from upcoming presidential elections, just two days after registration, Fars News Agency reported.

Rahimi later explained the withdrawal reason, noting that he left the presidential race because spending time for elections may inferfere in his official duties as vice-president.

Rahimi is a close ally of the current Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is not eligible to participate at the elections because of the country's constitutional laws.

Iran to release treatment against multiple sclerosis on markets in October
13.05.2013
Culture & Living|Iran|Middle East

A new treatment against MS (Multiple Sclerosis) will be released on Iranian markets in October of this year, Fars news agency reported.

Deputy chairman of the Iran Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mohammad Ali Saraian said that this particular treatment method is done orally.

He also mentioned that the treatment has been developed by Iranian doctors, adding that the method is currently being tested on real patients, before being released to the local open markets.

Iran, Egypt FMs discuss situation in Syria
13.05.2013
Public Policy & Politics|Iran|Middle East

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, participating in the ongoing conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia, has met with his Egyptian counterpart Mohammed Kamil Amr, the Iranian news agency Fars reported on Monday.

At the meeting, the sides discussed the development of relations between the two countries, developments in the region as well as the ways to address the situation in Syria.

Another member of Ahmadinejad’s team withdraws his candidacy
13.05.2013
Law & Legal Issues|Iran|Middle East

Press adviser to the Iranian President Ali Akbar Javanfekr withdrew his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election two days after registration, the Iranian news agency Mehr reported on Monday.

Following this announcement, Javanfekr called on his supporters to support the candidacy of Isfendiyar Rahim Mashaei, who is backed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

First reformist candidate registers for Iran’s presidential elections
07.05.2013
Culture & Living|Iran|Middle East

The first reformist political figure registered for the upcoming presidential elections on May 7, Mehr reported.

The Secretary General of the Democratic Party (Mardomsalari) Mostafa Kavakebian said during registration that the reformist parties should unite around one candidate. Green is his supporters' symbol.

Previously, during the 2009 presidential elections, reformist candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi who now are under house arrest named green as their campaign colour.

Kavakebian's rival Hassan Rouhani who registered on May 7 chose violet as his campaign colour.

Iranian president stresses expansion of Tehran-Ashkhabad ties
07.05.2013
Public Policy & Politics|Iran|Middle East

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a meeting with visiting Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov stressed importance of boosting bilateral relations, IRNA reported.

"Through expansion of bilateral cooperation in international and regional arenas, the two countries can take effective steps towards progress and establishment of peace and brotherhood in the region," Ahmadinejad said.

According to Tuesday report of the President website, he referred to Iran-Turkmenistan ties as excellent and growing.

As of yet 58 people submitted registrations for presidential elections in Iran
07.05.2013
Culture & Living|Iran|Middle East

So far 58 people have submitted their registratons for the upcoming presidential elections in Iran, deputy head of the electoral headquarters, Hassan Ali Nouri said, IRINN reported.

He added that only 4 of those 58 people are politicians.

Official registration of candidates for Iran's upcoming presidential elections started on May 7, and will last until May 11.

From May 12-16, Iran's Guardian Council will look into the each candidate, and determine whether a candidate is eligible for participating.