Controversial Iranian rapper reignites clash between Reformists, hard-liners

An Iranian rapper's weed-smoking at a concert in Georgia has given Reformists another chance to attack rival conservatives, who once idolized the controversial singer.

Iran

Separate and parallel: Why are Iranian conservatives creating ‘safe havens’?

The Iranian state appears to be increasingly funneling its resources into preserving and satisfying its loyal base rather than toward all-out efforts to win the hearts and minds of the broader public and enforce ultraconservative practices.

Iran

Iranian Red Crescent says US sanctions impeding flood relief

The Iranian Red Crescent complained that US sanctions are impeding the collection of international aid to help its response to disastrous floods.

Iran

5 obstacles to Khamenei’s call for ‘boost in domestic production’

While the Iranian supreme leader’s emphasis on domestic production in the face of external sanctions makes a certain amount of sense, the question is how such a strategy should be implemented — and in which sectors of the economy.

Iran

Hamas leadership seeks to restore ties with Syria

Hamas sees an opening to rebuild ties with Damascus.

Palestine

Syria's Kurds increasingly isolated as Arab tribes cut deals with regime

As Damascus recovers more territory, Arab tribes throughout Syria are increasingly open to working with Damascus to restore security.

Syria

Iran continues to struggle to keep workers content

The Iranian government, members of parliament, employers and labor activists have finally agreed on wage increases to alleviate the burden on workers. But much more remains to be done to shield Iranian workers from rising prices.

Iran

Did Trump’s decision on Golan undercut Putin mediation on Syria?

Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he had a deal in Helsinki; Turkey rethinks Syria ties over Kurds.

Israel

Iran hails Luxembourg court’s rejection of US asset seizure

Iran has welcomed a decision by a Luxembourg court rejecting an attempt by families of 9/11 victims to gain access to frozen Iranian assets for alleged Iranian involvement in the 2001 al-Qaeda attacks.

United States

Iran’s seeming restraint on Golan Heights puts Arab rivals in tough spot

Iran’s adoption of a low-profile position on Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights appears to be a calculated move to maximize Iran's regional interests.

Israel

Turkey relying on events to turn tide against Kurdish YPG

A Turkish military operation in northern Syria does not appear to be in the cards, but Ankara is determined to use the threat of one to curb Kurdish aspirations.

Iraq

Why the Iranian government must modernize its cash management system

The Rouhani administration ought to modernize its cash management with a Treasury Single Account to combat corrupt practices, eliminate a lack of discipline in public finance and ensure adequate fund flow to critical sectors of the economy.

Iran