Shayan Ghajar
Turkey currently finds itself in the unenviable position of mediating between the demands of its most powerful NATO ally, the United States, and its neighbor Iran in two different issues critical to its foreign relations. The first issue Turkey will have to address in the coming month is the proposed missile shield NATO hopes to install on Turkish soil to defend its members against potential missile attacks from Russia or Iran. After Turkey’s decision on the shield is finalized–which will inevitably irk either NATO or Iran and Russia–Turkey must determine its role in the next round of proposed nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1. While historically Turkey has enjoyed its status as a literal and figurative bridge between East and West, when it comes to Iran, Turkey is caught in the middle of an uncomfortable dilemma. more»
Shayan Ghajar
The Wall Street Journal reports that the subsidies on necessities such as gasoline and food cost the Iranian government $100 billion per year, saving every Iranian family about $4000 dollars. Prices, the WSJ says, will jump 20% on all subsidized items. Iran’s government, businessmen, and consumers are already coping with skyrocketing inflation due to economic mismanagement and the pressures of sanctions, with the value of Iran’s currency falling over 10% in just two days in early October due to concerns over foreign currency. In response, Ahmadinejad demanded that Iran’s central bank adjust foreign exchange rates to a more “realistic” level. more»
Shayan Ghajar
The recent revelation that Hamid Karzai received cash payments from Iran has sparked accusations that the Islamic Republic is trying to buy influence over the Afghan government. The story broke at an especially inconvenient time for Iran, following the coverage of Iran’s influence over Iraq’s Prime Minister and its role in forming the Iraqi government, as well as the controversial trip Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took to Lebanon in early October. However, despite the validity of concerns about Iran’s activities in Iraq and Lebanon, the Islamic Republic’s “bags of money” sent to Afghanistan’s government may actually prove to be a stabilizing influence. more»
Shayan Ghajar
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki’s visit to Iran on October 18 confirmed that a major shift has occurred in Iraq’s internal politics regarding Iran. Maliki’s viability for heading Iraq’s government for a second term is largely due to Iranian lobbying. His two-day visit to Iran this week possessed an air of celebration more akin to a coronation than an effort to garner support. more»
Shayan Ghajar
On October 13, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad began his first official visit to Lebanon, meeting not only with Iran-friendly factions such as Hezbollah, but also with prominent Ahmadinejad foes who are part of the March 14 coalition, including Prime Minister Saad Hariri himself. more»
