· August, 2012

Stories about Iran from August, 2012

Iran: Tehran's Non-Declared Curfew Amid NAM Summit

  27 August 2012

The 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement started amid heavy security presence in Tehran, August 26, 2012. The 120-nation Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a holdover from the Cold War's pull between East and West, is also seen by Iran and others as an alternative forum for current world discussions. Iran says it has planned talks on a peace plan to end Syria's civil war, but no rebel factions will attend because of Tehran's close bonds with Bashar Assad's regime.

Iran: Blogger Arrested in Earthquake Zone

  27 August 2012

Hossein Ronaghi Maleki, an Iranian blogger, his father and several volunteers who had gone to East Azarbaijan province to help earthquake‘s victims were arrested [fa] by security forces last week. Hossein Ronaghi Maleki was previously released on a $500,000 bail in July 2012.

Iran: Detained Green Movement Leader Moved to Hospital

  23 August 2012

Mir Hossein Mousavi, a key Iranian Green Movement leader, who was a reformist candidate in the 2009 presidential elections and eventually the leader of the opposition in the post-election unrest, has been moved to the hospital for "heart problem." Mousavi has been under house arrest for about 520 days.

Iran, Israel: ‘Not Ready to Die in Your War’

  17 August 2012

From mainstream news headlines it seems Iran and Israel are on the edge of war. Israeli politicians continue to threaten attacking Iranian nuclear facilities and Iranian authorities recite their old slogans that Israel will 'disappear from the map.' But as the noise of war rises from both sides, so does activism for peace.

Iran: When Earthquakes Kill, “TV Broadcasts Prayers”

  12 August 2012

Two powerful earthquakes hit the northwest region in Iran, East Azarbaijan province on Saturday, killing 250 people and injuring around 1,800. Iranians flocked to the Internet to mourn the victims and to appeal for blood donation and help. They also expressed their anger at the Iranian national TV, which broadcast religious programmes, instead of providing viewers with information about the earthquakes and how to help.

Iran: Celebrating ‘Historic’ Medals and Criticising the Referee

  8 August 2012

Iranians are celebrating their most memorable day in the history of the Olympics as their athletes won two gold and two silver medals. But one issue ruined the party: thousands of Iranians called Saeid Morad Abdvali's defeat in a wrestling match a conspiracy by the Olympic referee against Iran's World Champion.

Bolivia: Anti-US Rhetoric Harming its Diplomatic Relations?

  1 August 2012

Bolivia took a radical turn in its foreign policy six years based on an anti-US agenda giving it more leverage in the region. But since then, changes in relations with key player Brazil and lingering strategic issues have raised the question of how well the country is actually surviving in the regional system.