The USS John Stennis conducts operations in the Arabian Sea on February 21, 2007. (U.S. Navy photo)
Iranian bloggers demand release of the “blogfather”
We, the undersigned, view the circumstances surrounding the Iranian authorities’ arrest of Hossein Derakhshan (hoder.com), one of the most prominent Iranian bloggers, as extremely worrying. Derakhshan’s disappearance, detention at an unknown location, lack of access to his family and attorneys, and the authorities’ failure to provide clear information about his potential charges is a source of concern for us.
payvand.com – 2008-12-18 16:28:20 GMT
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In Tehran, a Christian-Muslim symposium affirms dialogue, criticizes media
Equal participation and shared responsibility in society are at the basis of a peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, stated participants at an inter-religious symposium in Tehran, Iran last week. They highlighted the value of learning from each other’s faith and criticized “irresponsible media”. -World Council of Churches
payvand.com – 2008-12-18 16:28:20 GMT
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The Perils And Pitfalls Of Oil Price Forecasting
This year’s sharp drop in crude prices from $147 a barrel in July to approximately $44 today has rattled the economies of oil exporters and prompted OPEC on December 17 to cut production by 2.2 million barrels. -RFE
payvand.com – 2008-12-18 16:28:20 GMT
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Iran’s Alamiyan Selected as World Best Table Tennis Player
Iran’s table tennis player Noshad Alamiyan has been selected as the best player at the World Junior Table Tennis Championships.
payvand.com – 2008-12-18 16:28:20 GMT
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Iran clinches 3 gold medals in Turkey taekwondo championships
The Iranian team clinched three gold, one silver and one bronze medals in the 3rd WTF World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships hosted by Turkey at the ASKI Sports Hall. -IRNA
payvand.com – 2008-12-18 16:28:20 GMT
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Iranian diplomat’s wife seek release of her kidnapped husband
The wife of an Iranian diplomat kidnapped in northwestern Pakistan in November, has sent a letter to Pakistani authorities seeking her husband’s early release, officials said on Thursday. -IRNA
payvand.com – 2008-12-18 16:28:20 GMT
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Interview with Iranian Woman Activist and Campaigner Maral Farokhi
My name is Maral Farokhi and I am 26 years old. I am a Masters level student in Cultural Studies at the Science and Culture University in Tehran. -Change for Equality
payvand.com – 2008-12-18 16:28:20 GMT
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Photos: First Snow of the Year in Tehran
Tehran was hit by the first snow of the year on Tuesday which put the residents of the capital city on notice that winter is making an early arrival. -Photos by Arash Khamooshi, ISNA
payvand.com – 2008-12-17 17:28:58 GMT
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To run or not to run, that is the question for Khatami
Mohammad Khatami at Tehran University stresses that his bid for presidency counts on how far it can push justice and democracy in the country.
payvand.com – 2008-12-17 17:28:58 GMT
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Obama, Iran and control of the Middle East
Gareth Porter: US must acknowledge that Iran has a broad influence that no US policy can alter -RNN
payvand.com – 2008-12-17 17:28:58 GMT
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Ali Dizaei files against Scotland Yard for “religious, racial discrimination”
Iranian-born senior police commander of West London has served a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Police for “religious and racial discrimination” on Wednesday.
payvand.com – 2008-12-17 17:28:58 GMT
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France to Honor Iran’s Renowned Director
The Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema is slated to honor the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf in France. -FNA
payvand.com – 2008-12-17 17:28:58 GMT
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Israel’s detention of UN expert ‘unprecedented’ ¨C rights chief
Israel’s refusal to allow a United Nations expert to transit to carry out his officially mandated functions in the occupied Palestinian territory, his detention and subsequent expulsion is “unprecedented and deeply regrettable,” the world body’s top human rights official said today.
payvand.com – 2008-12-17 17:28:58 GMT
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The Wrestler Vs. The Ayatollah
Iranians have been a little over sensitive in the past with their outrage over depictions of their people in ÌB” and “Alexander.” In the case of the former, they even complained to the UN. But I do sympathize a bit with them on this one: it does seem a bit offensive if you ask me. -RFE
payvand.com – 2008-12-17 17:28:58 GMT
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Oldest ‘well-head’ to return to Iran
One of the oldest Iranian oil facilities dating back to the 1910s has been returned to Iran by the British Petroleum (BP). -IRNA
payvand.com – 2008-12-17 17:28:58 GMT
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Iranian-Canadian Blogger Hossein Derakhshan Held Incommunicado in Tehran’s Evin Prison
Blogger Hossein Derakhshan was arrested at his family home in Tehran on 1 November. Denied access to his family and to legal representation, no one knows where Hossein Derakhshan is held.
payvand.com – 2008-12-16 16:28:24 GMT
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Iran and the Global Financial Crisis
The global financial crisis is set to depress oil producing economies. As the crisis is already pushing down oil prices, a firm response to the fallout of the crisis from governments and central banks is expected. Oil prices have tumbled more than 65% since their July peak and there are fears they could continue their plunge because of diminishing demand caused by the current financial meltdown. -Amir Naghshineh-Pour
payvand.com – 2008-12-16 16:28:24 GMT
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OPEC members due in London as 2009 oil price forecast is cut
The London Energy Meeting will begin here on Friday with the participation of 40 energy and oil ministers from across the world including the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries members.
payvand.com – 2008-12-16 16:28:24 GMT
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Tehran Ramps Up Campaign Against ‘Immoral’ Websites
The Iranian authorities, who admit to blocking access to over 5 million websites, have decided to take additional measures to restrict Internet access and crack down on bloggers. -RFE
payvand.com – 2008-12-16 16:28:24 GMT
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Arson attack cause of fire at one of oldest Tehran theaters
“The comprehensive investigation carried out by fire department experts has revealed that the fire at Cinema Jomhouri was deliberate,” Tehran Fire Chief Mohammad-Reza Hajji-Beigi said in comments posted on the department’s website on Sunday. -FNA
payvand.com – 2008-12-16 16:28:24 GMT