Mehr Vision|No.9|May 2018

EU's clash with US over JCPOA, widens transatlantic gap Page 2 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Contents

Internally weak EU cannot be strong int. player: Italian expert 4 EU too weak to challenge US hegemony: Prof. Entessar 5 EU suffering lack of unity to guarantee its interests: Russian expert 6 Ankara needs understanding with Kurds in Syria, Turkey: Ex-Turkish FM 7 Saudi Oligarchy can’t run in long run without democratic legitimacy: Expert 8 British ambassador says successfulon Tehran mission 13 US failure in Syria means end of uni-polar international order: Expert 14 US to destabilize Syria and Challenge Astana talks: Expert 15 Interview Trump pressure not to affect Tehran-Ankara security cooperation: expert 16 Pompeo, Bolton to present challenge to Iran’s foreign policy: Entessar 17 Trump’s tariff policy global effect to be less than expected: Prof. Zonis 18 Prof. says US-China trade war not likely 20 Living on the edge: Asiatic cheetah in Iran 24

US withdrawal from N-deal;unsettling implications 26 How information, mass media play major role in social life? 28 EU’s poor record in JCPOA 29 Le Pen slams Macron over JCPOA 31 Lies of mass destruction 32 Reasons for snap elections in Turkey, Erdogan’s easy way to win 33 Washington’s biggest mistake in Syria 34 Mehr Vision A dead-end for Trump 35

Opinion AIPAC’s $ 4.5 million support for young Tom Cotton 36 Managing Director: Ali Asgari Trump lacks proper strategy towards Middle East, Syria 37 Decoding Pompeo’s words at US senate 38 Editorial Board: Seyed Amir Hassan Dehghani, US limited symbolic attack on Syria 39 Mohammad Ghaderi, Douma, false flag may ignite WW III 40 Payman Yazdani

Editorial Coordinator: Lachin Rezaian ‘One Belt-One Road’ may be Iran, China gateway to becoming soft-power giants 43 China strongly supports JCPOA,says ‘a deal better than no deal at all’ 45 Contributors:

Report What is digital marketing and why is it important? 46 Payman Yazdani, Mohammad Ghaderi, Lachin Rezaian, Marjohn Sheikhi, Hanif Ghaffari, Yaser Nazifi Gilavan, Javad Heirannia, Sajad Abedi, Seyed I trust my heart, says Ludovico Einaudi about his successful musical career 48 Mahdi Nabavi, Mahmoud Monshipour Franco Nero: The Golden Age is over 50 Ludovico Einaudi promises surprises in upcoming Tehran shows 52 Art Director: Mahboubeh Azizi 2018 Fajr Intl. Film Festival roundup: Stronger than ever 54 Phone: +98-21-43051350 ‘There is no exit’, Oliver Stone slamsUS foreign policy in ME 57 Email: [email protected] Oliver Stone raps Macron for joining Trump in calling for N-deal revision 58 ‘Beyond the Clouds’: A picture of humanity at its best and at its worst 59 Address: No. 18, Bimeh Alley, 6th Intl. New Horizon Conf. kicks off in Mashhad, focuses on JCPOA, al-Quds 62

Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran Dossier

Mehr Vision welcomes contributions by US embassy move ‘Netanyahu’s plot to destroy all Palestinian lands as his legacy’ 63 readers which can be sent via email. Trump wants JCPOA ‘in a different colored folder, with different name’ 64 Trump’s Quds (Jerusalem) move to fulfill campaign promise to Jewish donors 66 Embassy move ‘US plot to change region’s major issue from Palestine to Iran’ 67 Page 3 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Interview Interview Page 4 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Internally weak EU cannot be strong int. player: Italian expert

Interview by Payman Yazdani

Commenting on the EU capabilities to protect its interests against the US unilateralism, Italian political science professor, Dr. Pastori Gianluca believes that an internally weak EU cannot be a strong international player.

The US president’s decision to with- draw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) despite the US key European allies’ opposition has raised so many questions about the global weight of the EU. Despite many promises from EU key states to keep the JCPOA alive without the US, many believe even if the EU decides to do so the block won’t be able to challenge the US President’s decision due to its internal disunity and ments will take a low profile in face of -- to subordinate them to a common limitations. new US sanctions, on the political level foreign and defence policy. The issue was discussed with polit- they will keep on supporting their na- ical science associated professor of tional presence in Iran. The EU officials have talked about Milan Catholic University of the Sacred independent EU over the recent years. Heart, Dr. Pastori Gianluca. Despite being an economic Considering the existing facts and EU Following is the full text of his inter- superpower, the EU is not able to potentialities, how feasible is it? What view with Mehr News: protect its interest against the US are the obstacles to this end? unilateralism in recent year. Why? The EU is currently facing one of How can the EU protect the right of its The main problem is that the EU the most difficult phases in its histo- companies working and investing in still faces difficulties in transform- ry. Anti-European parties are gaining Iran? Is it feasible? ing its economic power into political strength in several member states, European companies have always power. Traditionally, the EU has been while the results of the referendum had good economic relations with quite effective in promoting and pro- held in 2016 on the exit of the UK from Iran and these relations have grown tecting the economic interests of its the Union (‘Brexit’) have shown that even stronger in the last few years. I members but has been far less effec- integration is a reversible process. In do not think that this attitude will re- tive in the political filed. There are the long term, this is the main problem ally change in the coming months. In many reasons to explain this state of that the EU has to face to affirm its in- the past, the US already adopted sec- things. As an economic community, ternational role. An internally weak EU ondary sanctions against countries in- the EU exists since 1957, when the cannot be a strong international player. vesting in Iran (e.g. with the ‘Iran and European Economic Community was At the same time, the development of Libya Sanctions Act’ in 1996), but their established, while the political union a strong international profile can help impact on the behaviour of foreign in- is far more recent. Moreover, the dif- to re-launch the European project, vestors was quite limited. At that time, ferent member states have different showing to the member states that the even some US companies managed to visions of the international system EU can be helpful even in the political bypass the sanctions operating through and different interests to pursue. Fi- field. Worth noting, since 2017, sever- foreign branches. Moreover, US-EU re- nally, many of them are very jealous al countries are striving to implement lations are currently quite tense, also of their own sovereignty in interna- a more effective common security and due to the US will to introduce tariffs tional matters and are not ready to defence policy, largely due to Donald on European export. For this reasons, I submit this kind of matters to a mean- Trump’s proclaimed will to reduce the think that, while the European govern- ingful coordination or – even more US engagement in Europe. Interview Page 5 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY EU too weak to challenge US hegemony: Prof. Entessar

Interview by Payman Yazdani protect its trade with Iran, it is not very Considering the existing facts and EU likely that it would do so. The United potentialities, how feasible is it? What Chair of Department of Political Science States is just too important for Europe, are the obstacles to this end? and Criminal Justice at the University and the EU will not sacrifice its rela- I don’t anticipate the EU’s -emer of South Alabama believe the EU is too tions with the United States for Iran’s gence as an independent political play- weak politically to challenge America’s sake. Besides, the European compa- er in the near future. As I mentioned global hegemony even if it decides to nies working and investing in Iran are in my answer to the previous question, do so. private companies, and they cannot be the EU is a divided and weak political forced by their governments to trade entity, and it is become even more di- The US president’s decision to with- with a foreign country. The very threat vided in recent years. The rise of na- draw from the Joint Comprehensive of US retaliation against these compa- tionalism, especially in its right-wing Plan of Action (JCPOA) despite the US nies is powerful enough for them to and xenophobic manifestation, in many key European allies’ opposition has refrain from dealing with Iran, as has European countries in recent years will raised so many questions about the been the case in recent years. make it even more difficult for the EU global weight of the EU. To shed more light on the issue, we reached out to Professor Entessar, who is the Chair of Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice at the University of South Alabama. Following is the full text of his inter- view:

How can the EU protect the right of its companies working and investing in Iran? Is it feasible? The EU can lodge a complaint against the United States with the World Trade Organization (WTO) if the United States decides to impose secondary sanctions against European firms that trade with or invest in Iran. The EU can also in- voke its own laws and/or pass addi- tional legislation designed to protect Despite being an economic superpower, to develop into a cohesive global force. European companies against American the EU is not able to protect its interest retaliation. In other words, there are against the US unilateralism in recent What measures can EU take to gain legal and practical steps that the EU year. Why? more independence? Can more can take to protect its companies that The EU is a fractured entity with cooperation with Russia balance the EU have trade and investment agreements many competing political, economic relation with the US? with Iran. The big question is: will the and social entities. Notwithstanding For reasons I mentioned in my pre- EU take these steps and risk a political its economic might, the EU has so far vious answers, it is very difficult for and economic confrontation with the failed to develop into an independent the EU to take practical measures that United States for the sake of protecting political force on the global scale. The would allow it to become a truly in- its trade with and investments in Iran? EU’s many divisions and its internal ri- dependent global political player. Of Given the vast discrepancy between valries have prevented it from acting as course, more cooperation with Russia Europe’s economic ties with the -Unit a deterrent against Washington’s uni- or China will be useful, but such coop- ed States compared with its economic lateralism. The EU is simply too weak eration will only be marginally helpful. relations with Iran, I am not very opti- politically to challenge America’s global Russia’s economic weakness is a major mistic that the EU would do anything hegemony even if it decides to do so. obstacle, and China has its own eco- to jeopardize its relations with Wash- nomic priorities that require balancing ington. In other words, although it is The EU officials have talked about its relations among several competing feasible for the EU to take measures to independent EU over the recent years. global forces. Interview Page 6 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY EU suffering lack of unity to guarantee its interests: Russian expert eral Minister for Economic Affairs and Due to the fact that the Central and Energy Peter Altmaier, advocated for Eastern Europe (CEE) countries, espe- European support to firms that might cially Poland and the Baltic states, are suffer from US sanctions. Europe al- traditionally pro-American, they do not ready had a mechanism to counteract support the complication of relations American sanctions. In 1996, during with the US. Interview by Payman Yazdani the conflict with the United States However, for Germany, the infor- over the Cuban sanctions, the Euro- mal leader of European integration, pean Commission had already adopt- Atlanticism remains important, which Maria Khorolskaya a research fellow ed a “blocking statute”, which prohib- is explained by historical cooperation in Moscow based Primakov National ited European companies to obey the (The USA has been the main ally of Research Institute of World Economy requirements of third countries un- West Germany since the end of World and International Relations says lack of less non-compliance would seriously War II) and by economic ties (The EU unity among the EU member states is a damage their interests, and also stip- has the largest volume of total trade main obstacle in the way of the Union ulated reparation for campaigns at with the US. For Germany, the US is to protect its interests against the US the expense of person, causing the the first export destination and the unilateralism. damage. But “blocking statute” has 4th in terms of imports to Germany). to be adapted to the new situation, Therefore, even after the US with- The US president’s decision to with- that would require a unanimous de- drawal from the Paris Agreement, US draw from the Joint Comprehensive cision of all EU member states. The threats to free trade, the breakdown Plan of Action (JCPOA) despite the US German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas of the Iran Nuclear deal and the in- key European allies’ opposition has pessimistically assessed the chances correct demands of the US ambassa- raised so many questions about the of German companies to continue dor to German, the German political global weight of the EU. their business in Iran. Later, Altmaier forces except for the Left party, re- Despite many promises from EU key also noted that support of the affect- main modest in criticizing of America. states to keep the JCPOA alive without ed businessmen from the state fund It seems that the German establish- the US, many believe even if the EU is impossible, but for export guaran- ment hopes that after Trump’s end in decides to do so the block won’t be tees there is a proven Hermes cover, office the relations with the US will able to challenge the US President’s an export credit guarantee. But lack come out of the crisis. As the Free decision due to its internal disunity and of sustained serious support meas- Democratic Party stated, criticism of limitations. ures can lead to the fact that the en- Trump should not develop into an- To know more the issue Payman terprises and banks will come to the ti-Americanism. Yazdani from Mehr News agency dis- conclusion that the American market scussed the issue with Maria Khorol- is more important to them than the The EU officials have been talking about skaya a research fellow in Moscow Iranian. It seems that European gov- independent EU over the recent years. based Primakov National Research In- ernments must find a solution that Considering the existing facts and EU stitute of World Economy and Interna- allows them to keep trade with Iran potentialities, how feasible it is? What tional Relations. in order to convince Tehran that the are the obstacles to this end? Here is the full text of the interview deal is still beneficial for it. Despite Macron’s proposals and with her: Merkel’s declaration that Europe needs Despite being an economic superpower, to take on more responsibility, it seems How can the EU protect the right of its the EU is not able to protect its interest that in the near future the EU will not companies working and investing in against the US unilateralism in recent be able to achieve independence. This Iran? Is it feasible? years. Why? is due to a number of reasons. American sanctions will affect not The main reasons of it appear to be First, the European Union, as before, only the Iranian economy, but also lack of unity on this issue among the has not found a way out of its own cri- foreign companies and banks that member states of the EU, as well as the sis, which is manifested in the support have business with Iran. A number of desire of the EU leaders to maintain of populist parties, the growth of Euro- politicians, including the German Fed- their Atlantic ties. scepticism in the CEE countries. » Interview Page 7 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

sphere does not mean competition to NATO, but the creation of a Euro- pean pillar of defense for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The idea of German parties that NATO should remain an instrument of intimida- tion, overcoming military conflicts, and the EU will ensure the mainte- nance of peace and stability in the re- gion mainly by political and economic means also does not contribute to the strengthening of EU independ- ence. Thus, although there has been an increase in the independence of the EU, which was contributed not only by D. Trump’s actions, but also by G. W. Bush’s policies and B. Oba- ma’s statements, this is a time-con- suming process. It is still not clear which develop- The European army is not on the agen- ment strategy the EU will choose and da at the moment. How do you assess the Russia’s stance how it will be implemented in the con- Third, as noted above, European toward collapse of the JCPOA? text of political and economic differ- countries do not seek complete inde- The collapse of the JCPOA is un- ences within the European Union. pendence from the United States. In profitable for Russia, as Russia is con- Second, the EU still needs military the CEE countries, pro-Americanism is cerned about further destabilizing the support from the United States. The strong, as they see the United States situation in the Middle East, as well annual defense budget of the EU mem- as the only defense against Russia. All as about restoring the Iranian nuclear ber states is 3 times smaller than the German political parties, with the ex- program. It seems that Russia’s firm US annual defense budget. The Pooling ception of extreme leftist and rightist position for preserving the Iranian deal and Sharing and PESKO are only the ones, in their programs stressed that will allow it to prove itself in this matter first steps towards military integration. European integration in the military as a reliable partner. Ankara needs understanding with Kurds in Syria, Turkey: Ex-Turkish FM Interview by Payman Yazdani both inside the country and in Syria, otherwise Ankara won’t be able to get rid of difficulties.” Former Turkish Foreign Minister Yaşar Yakış says Turkey He added, “ignoring the issue is impossible and it should be needs understanding with Kurds both inside the country and settled peacefully in order to avoid a major regional problem in Syria. in the future.” Turkish politician said, “I wish the issue was settled couple Turkey has been opposing to the possible Syrian Kurds’ of decades ago before becoming so complicated.” participation in Astana peace talks. After two Tukey’s military operations in northern Syria which resulted in containing of the US backed Syrian Kurdish armed groups, some believe that Turkey may agree to talk with the Syrian Kurds both to decrease the US influence in the region and to its economic and security benefits. Answering Payman Yazdani’s question from Mehr News agency on the possibility of the changes to Turkey’s policy toward the presence of the Syrian Kurds in Syria peace talks on the sideline of the “future of the Iran and turkey relation” in Tehran university initiated by Middle East Strategic Studies Center, Yaşar Yakış former Turkish Foreign Minister and poli- tician said, “ any way Turkey needs understanding with Kurds Interview Page 8 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Saudi Oligarchy can’t run in long run without democratic legitimacy: Expert

Interview by Payman Yazdani di Arabia and its possible consequences cause their world-view is affected by re- for the royal family, Adib Moghaddam ligious ordinances, rather than empirical Professor Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, said, “It is true that in traditional/liber- reality. It is very likely that in Saudi Ara- Chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies al political economy there was a strong bia, some of the rather more orthodox at the London Middle East Institute link between economic modernization clerics will protest social reforms if they says no Oligarchy without democratic and democratization. China seems to don’t yield economic and political divi- legitimacy can run in long term have challenged this paradigm, at least dends. But as a self-interested strata of including Saudi one. until now. But the real point is of course society connected to the state through whether any state in the world can af- institutions that have matured for cen- Commenting on the reasons behind ford, in the long term, to be dependent turies now, it is unlikely that there will Saudi Prince Bin Salman’s reforms, he on one person, or an Oligarchy without be open revolt against the House of said, “Saudi Arabia is dealing with un- democratic legitimacy. I think it impos- Saud. We should all hope for stability in precedented socio-economic challeng- sible in the long run. There will always Saudi Arabia, and I don’t deem the cur- es, in particular youth unemployment. be this emphasis on freedom, even in its rent reforms a major threat to that end.” The charter is meant to ease the politi- abstract form in any human society and Answering a question about the pos- cal repercussions of these problems and this is largely because human beings are sible positive effect of the reforms on to signal to the world that Saudi Arabia born free. If the Saudi monarchy doesn’t the living standards of the poor people is modernizing. Of course, there are democratize it will lose the support of including Shia minority in the country, more intricate economic reasons such the middle class and other strata of so- Abib Moghaddam added, “ as diversification away from the oil sec- ciety in the long run.” This remains to be seen and it can’t tor which go beyond the scope of this Referring to differences between be forecasted at this stage. There are interview. I think the dynamics primarily some strong religious figures and the many socio economically challenged internal as indicated.” Prince bin Salman on the reforms and strata of Saudi society. Whilst some Shia Commenting on the success of the its effect on the success of the reforms, are discriminated against, the specter social and economic reforms initiated he added, “Clerics have a tendency to of poverty goes beyond religious affili- by him without political reforms in Sau- be conservative and against change be- ation.” Interview Page 9 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Interview by: Lachin Rezaian

Research Director of International Europe can save JCPOA; EU Business at the India, China & America Institute Dr. Dan Steinbock underlined that EU has begun putting new makes systemic efforts to emphasis on enhancing European defense cooperation and concluding trade agreements with other reduce dependence on US countries and regions which can be seen as systemic efforts to reduce EU dependence on the US. comments addressed to Mehr News Republicans, but many Democrats that correspondent Lachin Rezaian: had supported the JCPOA in the Obama Steinbock described US President era, reversed their positions surprising- Trump’s recent approach to Iran nu- What do you think about Trump’s ly quickly. clear deal as “a wrong decision in the withdrawal from JCPOA and EU’s Upon his arrival in the White House, wrong time and one likely to compound position on his move? Trump began developing a far more global political, economic and security It was the wrong decision in the muscular policy against Iran. Regional- risks.” wrong time and it is likely to compound ly, it leans on Saudi Arabia for economic He noted that Trump’s unilateral ef- global political, economic and security and geopolitical support, as evidenced forts rest on economic pressure, polit- risks. Yet, the Trump decision was not the $350 billion arms deal with Saudi ical intimidation and, when necessary, unexpected. For some three years, the Arabia a year ago, and Trump’s efforts military force, which rely on “divide and comprehensive nuclear accord (JCPOA) to cement security ties with Israel, as rule” principles - that is, splitting Iran offered Iran relief from US, UN and reflected by the decision to relocate internally, splitting EU members from multilateral sanctions on energy, finan- the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jeru- a common policy, splitting Asia to “con- cial, shipping, automotive and other salem. Last October, the Trump admin- tain” China, splitting Mexico to redefine sectors. Nevertheless, the shifts in the istration also designated for sanctions NAFTA, and so on. US policy ensued already in late 2016, additional missile and Islamic Revolu- President Trump has not only re- before Trump’s arrival in the White tionary Guard Corps-related entities, versed US Iran policy but nearly seven House, when the Senate, following the while threatening to cease implement- decades of American foreign and secu- House of Representatives, unanimous- ing the JCPOA. ly extended the Iran Sanctions Act for Along with economic pressures, rity policy, he stressed. » Steinbock elaborated more in his a decade in late 2016. Not only most Trump seized covert operations nam- Interview Page 10 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ing the highly controversial CIA officer Michael D’Andrea the head of CIA’s Iran operations, as Mike Pompeo replaced Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. Re- portedly, D’Andrea, who was deeply in- volved in the US interrogation program after 9/11 attacks, and Pompeo, an ultraconservative hawk, favor regime change in Iran. A new, far more asser- tive US foreign policy ensued when Trump made the neoconservative John Bolton his national security adviser and seeks to make Gina Haspel the new head of CIA. While Bolton contributed to the “weapons of mass destruction” prtext that paved the way to the war in Iraq in 2003, Haspel served as chief of a CIA black site torture prison and playe a role in the destruction of some 100 interrogation videotapes. However, if the EU leaders will seek described the JCPOA with terms such President Trump has not only re- changes in the deal to accommodate as “disaster”, “the worst deal ever”, versed US Iran policy but nearly seven the new Trump goals, that would and so “terrible” that could lead to “a decades of American foreign and secu- amount to tacit acceptance of the new nuclear holocaust.” Assertive rhetoric is rity policy. US sanctions. Of the European lead- a key element in Trump’s deal-making ers, President Macron, following the style. It is followed by redefinition of Britain, France and Germany have Sarkozy footprints, has been perhaps the terms. Just as he has undermined issued a joint statement, emphasizing most eager to seek common ground free trade agreements in North Ameri- their continuing commitment with the Trump White House, despite ca (NAFTA), Asia Pacific (TPP) and with following Trump’s announcement different views on many issues. And the EU (TTIP), he seeks to mitigate that US will pull out of the agreement recently, France’s Foreign Minister the JCPOA. It is all a part of the effort and reinstate sanctions against Iran. Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Europe’s to re-define, re-negotiate or reject US However, they seem to seek changes foreign leaders would meet with Iran’s legacy deals. These unilateral efforts to JCPOA, putting limitations on Iran’s representatives to talk about the future rest on economic pressure, political missile program. How do you evaluate of the JCPOA, while Macron said that intimidation and, when necessary, mil- E3 efforts in this regard? ““we will work collectively on a broad- itary force, which rely on “divide and The key question is, Will the key Eu- er framework, covering nuclear activity, rule” principles - that is, splitting Iran ropean powers - Germany, France, the the post-2025 period, ballistic activity, internally, splitting EU members from UK, and the EU itself - walk the talk. and stability in the Middle East, notably a common policy, splitting Asia to “con- Prior to Trump’s decision, EU leaders Syria, Yemen and Iraq.” tain” China, splitting Mexico to redefine tried to stress the importance of the Such statements suggest that some NAFTA, and so on. full implementation of the JCPOA. As EU leaders may seek to redefine the EU Here’s how this general approach a proponent of the deal, French Pres- approach by leaving the JCPOA largely could apply in the case of Iran: Follow- ident Emmanuel Macron warned that intact, but coupling the deal with new ing the JCPOA, Iran has enjoyed some “the nuclear non-proliferation regime and broader conditions. That would not relief from sanctions on energy, finan- is at stake.” Germany’s Foreign Minis- be constructive. cial, shipping, automotive and other ter Heiko Maas argued that the JCPOA sectors. These primary sanctions were “makes the world safer.” UK Foreign Regarding the close ties between lifted after the International Atomic Minister Boris Johnson, too, failed to US and Europe and their common Energy Agency’s (IAEA) certification in persuade Trump, while arguing that the interests, can Iran put trust in E3 January 2016 that Iran had complied “UK remains strongly committed to the over JCPOA (as Iranian Leader has with the agreement. Yet, secondary JCPOA, and will work with European announced clearly on Wednesday that sanctions on firms remained in place, partners and other parties to the deal he does not trust them either)? along with sanctions applying to US to maintain it.” Finally, in Brussels, the As a deal-maker, President Trump companies, including banks. It is thus top EU diplomat Federica Mogherini has a track record not just in New York to be expected that the US may seek pledged that the EU will remain commit- real estate, but in international trade to strengthen the secondary sanctions, ted to the “continued full and effective and increasingly in international secu- while seeking to restore the primary implementation of the nuclear deal.” rity. Through his 2016 campaign, Trump sanctions. » Interview Page 11 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Since fall 2017, Trump’s actions In this regard, Iran has walked the talk; and Iran has not taken off as broadly also provide other signals of what’s the Trump White House has not. As a as with some other EU countries, ex- to come. Last October, he demand- consequence, the ball is in the court of cept for the retailer Debenhams, BAT ed the JCPOA to limit Iranian ballis- the non-US JCPOA parties. If one party Dunhill and Kent cigarettes and some tic missile development and Iran’s of the deal seeks to violate its terms, other firms. Last year, Iran received regional activities. Both before and then others should intervene to sus- 400,000 tourists, but uncertainty after that policy statement, the ad- tain the JCPOA. Moreover, if European could undermine expansion. ministration has imposed sanctions leaders give in, that is likely to contrib- Economic pressure could harm on additional entities related to Iran’s ute to new shifts in the White House’s most significantly Iran’s most impor- missile program, Navy operations in policies; shifts that could be even more tant sector, the oil industry in which the Persian Gulf, and other activities detrimental to both EU values and in- the largest single buyers include Chi- in the region. Since both US Con- terests. na, South Korea, Turkey, Japan, Italy gress and the EU refused to tweak and India. In this economic blackmail, the JCPOA for Trump’s geopolitical How will Iran-Europe economic ties the message is simple: “Get out of goals, he withdrew the US from the suffer if the US resumes Iran sanctions? Iran, if you want to stay in the US ”It is deal himself. That, in turn, will return As with the buried free trade agree- an effort at regime change by another highlight to Iran sanctions legislation ments, the Trump administration will name - but without any internation- enacted or under consideration in start by economic pressure by targeting ally acceptable legitimacy since Iran the Congress, such as the Countering those European businesses that have has fully and effectively implemented America’s Adversaries through Sanc- done business in and with Iran since the JCPOA conditions. tions Act of 2017 (CAATSA), plus ad- the JCPOA. As the White House seeks to ditional pending legislation relating strengthen secondary sanctions and re- Iranian President Rouhani said he to Iran’s ballistic missiles, the assets impose primary sanctions against Iran, will remain committed to JCPOA with of numerous Iranian leaders, stricter it may extend those sanctions over to remaining parties (without US). How oversight on Iran’s access to finance, companies that represent other JCPOA do you evaluate the future of nuclear re-imposition of waived US sanctions. parties - that is, China, France, Russia, agreement without US (Will JCPOA Additionally, there is a number of UK, Germany and the EU - while con- survive without US?) other possible sanctions that could ceivably raising risks for their US access. A year ago, German Chancellor An- receive consideration in the US and, It was this signal that was delivered by gela Merkel famously said that the should the EU blink, in multilateral in- Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, days when Europe could depend on ternational framework targeting both after Trump’s withdrawal from the others - read: the US - were “over” to entities and persons. JCPOA, when he said that Europe- some extent. As a result, the EU has In the EU view, the US JCPOA deba- an-Iran business agreements would be begun putting new emphasis on en- cle is the latest friction in a long chain voided as “the existing licenses will be hancing European defense cooperation of transatlantic disagreements. If Pres- revoked.” and concluding trade agreements with ident George W. Bush almost crashed Along with Renault, PSA Peugeot other countries and regions, including the transatlantic ties with a unipolar Citroen and Sanofi, French companies Canada, Japan, and Latin America. Such security policy, President Trump seems have significant stakes in the deal, moves can be seen as systemic efforts intent to do the same with his “America thanks to the Airbus contract to pro- to reduce EU dependence on the US. First” stance in trade and geopolitics. vide Iran Air 100 airplanes for some The JCPOA debacle is still another Through the Trump campaign, many $21 billion and the oil giant Total’s $2 critical area of disagreement. Natural- European leaders expressed grave con- billion deal to develop the South Pars ly, the outcome is of huge importance cern about the future of US-European oil field. As Germany has historically to Iran. But many other countries will relations, particularly regarding to the had relatively greatest trading ties monitor the events with equal interest. commitment to the NATO, EU integra- with Iran with exports totaling $3.1 What’s in line is the very credibility of tion, multilateral trading system, global billion in 2016, German Chamber of the EU powers. migration, environment, human rights, Commerce and Industry has strongly international multilateral organiza- supported the EU commitment to the Dr. Dan Steinbock is an internationally tions. Europeans have been especially JCPOA. Some 120 German companies, recognized strategist of the multipolar wary with the Trump administration’s including Volkswagen and Siemens, world and the founder of Difference approach to Iran, the withdrawal from already operate in Iran and another Group. He has served as research the Paris climate agreement, and the 10,000 do business with Iran. Along director at the India, China and America recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s cap- with Total, Royal Dutch Shell would Institute (USA) and visiting fellow at the ital. be adversely affected. While UK’s For- Shanghai Institutes for International From Iran’s standpoint, it is vital to eign Minister Boris Johnson has been Studies (China) and the EU Center build on the international legitimacy vocal about the UK not walking out (Singapore). For more, see https://www. of the JCPOA and its implementation. of the deal, trade between the UK differencegroup.net/c Interview Page 12 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump does not say anything in contrary to Israel’s interests: senior analyst Alexander Azadegan, college professor from Southern California says “Trump is the first US president who is fully owned subsidiary of the Israelis in this case.”

Geopolitical senior analyst also adds “he is not going to say anything in con- trary to the interests of Israeli side.” Following is the full text of the inter- view:

Will the US congress be able to reach a deal on the JCPOA that can meet Trump’s demands? How will such agreement be? I don’t believe US congress can reach such a deal. As I told you, I don’t think the European mechanism be helpful at the US and China. they are having this for 2 years now all and one of the European signatories, I So all these signals are out there and ever since Trump nominated himself mean Britain, is already on the exit door I don’t believe that it is just symbolic but as a candidate for the presidency in of EU. they are preparing for war with Iran. The 2015 and Europeans had enough time Keep in mind that Trump is the first coming into power of John Bolton a neo- to come up with contingency plans in US president who is fully owned subsid- con warmonger is an important sign. As order to deal with the US possible exit iary of the Israelis in this case. He is not you know Republicans has a majority in that now seems to be very much prob- going to say anything in contrary to the US congress. able. interests of Israeli side. Of course we have the November It is possible that the contract they Israelis have always been very criti- election later in this year which would signed with the Iranian counterparts cal of JCPOA. Of course this is nonsen- be basically an election that presents could actually be implemented never- sical to me because it was a horrible the approval and disapproval of Ameri- theless it is going to be quite difficult be- deal for Iran not for the west. The Is- can voters feeling towards Trump. cause of the financial and the banking ar- rael haven’t been so emboldened and So even if Democrats regain seats in rangements as well as the situation that now they are supporting Saudis who the House of Representatives, I don’t exists between EU and the US It is going are practically in a de facto coalition think there would be any change in pol- to be quite difficult maybe because the with Israelis. icy. This is the sad situation Iran is facing parameters for such steps could be taken They feel emboldened and untouch- right now. so that Europe would not be bullied so able. As I told you this deal has already much or be taken hostage by the US in been terrible for Iran and this country What can the EU alternative be if the the future. has no idea to renegotiate it. The situ- US withdraws from JCPOA, given the Maybe reneging of Trump and the ation is the result of Trump coming into fact that the investment and working exit of Washington from JCPOA would power. condition in Iran will probably be create that opportunity for EU to pursue Perhaps if Hillary Clinton was in the affected as a result? In that situation, more independent policy. Let’s not for- position, the Obama administration poli- what real guaranties can the EU offer to get that the biggest ally for Germany and cy which was based on cooperation rath- Iran ? Britain will continue to be the US in the er than conflict would have continued. There will be a transitory period in decades to come and these are the 2 out I’m afraid Trump tends to pursue con- Iran if Trump doesn’t certify the nuclear of 3 signatories of the JCPOA from the flict with Iran. We have to keep in mind deal this May. There will be many chal- European side. that this president’s foreign visit after he lenges for the European if they want to Franc has already given some hints got elected was to Saudi Arabia as Iran’s pursue their own policies when it comes that perhaps the Iranian missile technol- arch enemy in the region. to this. ogy program can be negotiated- a red Let’s not forget $300 billion weapons My prediction is that Europeans will line for Iranian side that is never going contract was signed with Saudi Arabia do everything possible and they are to happen and I think that Emmanuel making the country the third largest actually doing it right now and they macron French president should come spender when it comes to weapons after also have the contingency plans and in terms with reality. Interview Page 13 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY British ambassador says successful on Tehran mission By: Yasser Nazifi Gilavan

In his last press conference in Tehran, Nicholas Hopton, the UK envoy to Tehran, who will be replaced by Rob Macaire on Thursday, said that he had been successful in pursuing the goals in his mission to Tehran.

“I am very happy with my accomplish- ments in bilateral relations during the course of my term in Iran,” said Nicholas Hopton, the British diplomat on the last day of his stay in Iran as the UK ambassa- dor to Tehran, on Tuesday. He made the remarks in response to questions posed by the reporters of Mehr News Agency and some other Iranian news outlets. On Thursday Robert Macaire will arrive in Tehran to assume the posting while Hopton will leave Tehran a day earlier, on Wednesday. During the press conference on lomatic relations with the reopening of is in continuation of the nuclear agree- Tuesday, a reporter asked the British the embassies of Iran and UK in London ment. diplomat if the rumors about western and Tehran. Then the UK envoy to Tehran was embassies in Tehran taking bribe for He hailed that the embassy was asked about the unilateral attack on issuing visas were connected with his opened in Tehran in August 2015 and Syria in which France and UK accompa- early dismissal. He rejected that UK visa issuance was provided since Febru- nied US. The reporters asked him how embassy in Tehran had done anything ary 2016. He added that since the sigih- the unilateral action could be legal and illegal in terms of providing visa servic- gng of the JCPOA the embassy has been legitimate while it was not authorized es in Tehran and reassured that nothing collaborating with Iran to lift all sanc- by the UNSC or the OPCW had not giv- was unusual in his replacement with Mr. tions and commercial interactions be- en out his final verdict on the alleged Macaire. tween the two countries have doubled chemical attack on Douma. Mr. Hop- Then he was asked why the British and increased to half a billion euros. ton claimed that humanitarian reasons embassy is not meeting the expecta- Hopton said that now British products urged the British government to act. He tions of Iranian visa applicants, as there are gaining their own share of market in said that UK was sure that “Assad re- are many Iranian people who have fam- Iran. gime used chemical weapons against its ily in UK and want to visit Britain but are On difficulties obstructing the expan- own people.” not given visa on time and proportion- sion of ties, the envoy said that there are Then Mehr News agency reporter ately. problems but at the same time the two told him that some commentators are In response he said that he has been sides are talking and having dialogue on drawing parallel between the unilater- doing his best, and after the reopening differences is the positive side of the al attack of last week on Syria and UK of embassy in Tehran, the relations have story. He added that Iran and UK are alignment with US in 2003 attack on been growing and as a result the num- having different approaches to regional Iraq. Reminded him that at that time US ber of visas increasing. He said that cur- issues in Syria and Yemen but they are provided evidence at UNSC to win the rently the embassy is issuing 250 visa in keeping to have dialogue. yes vote for attack on Iraq but later it a week. On UK probable response to US pos- was found that there was no chemical Then the diplomat was asked by the sible exit from the nuclear agreement, attack facility in Iraq and even the then Mehr News reporter if he saw himself something that Mehr News asked him, UK PM Blaire was seriously censured successful in materializing the objec- Hopton said that the British position is in Britain. Mr. Hopton said in response tives of Britain in Iran. The ambassador quite clear and it has been reiterated by that the two issues are of different na- said that his term in Tehran was impor- PM Theresa May and Foreign Secretary ture and he could not draw a parallel tant in two aspects of reopening of dip- Boris Johnson that interests of all sides between the two events. Interview Page 14 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY US failure in Syria means end of uni-polar international order: Expert Interview by Payman Yazdani sons behind the US assault on Syria, we actually ends up being. It could range discussed the issue with Bangkok- based from a small, symbolic attack carried out Anthony Cartalucci is of the opinion that geopolitical researcher Anthony Carta- in the vain hope that Syria or its allies the US exit from Syria without toppling lucci just one day before the US, UK and overreact and justify a wider US military Assad will announce to the world that France attack. response - to a much larger attack aimed America’s uni-polar international order Here is the full text of the interview at either destroying Syria’s air force or has come to an end. with him: finally toppling the Syrian government Commenting on the US attack on itself. There is the possibility that the US Accusing Syrian government of chem- Syria under the pretext of using chem- may carry out a limited strike while Is- ical attack in Douma, Donald Trump rhe- ical weapons by Syrian government in rael targets more significant Syrian gov- torically threatened to assault on Syria. Douma, Cartalucci said, “US efforts to at- ernment targets, providing the US with On Wednesday, trump tweeted “Rus- tack Syria after this supposed “chemical plausible deniability ahead of possible sia vows to shoot down any and all attack” come at a time when Syria and retaliations against Israel and wider missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Rus- its allies just finished securing the last war.” sia, because they will be coming, nice major pockets of militants around the Referring to the possible conse- and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be capital of Damascus.” quences of US failure in Syria, he added, partners with a Gas Killing Animal who “They are rushing ahead before any “For the US to leave Syria now without kills his people and enjoys it!” But just sort of investigation can be undertaken - accomplishing regime change, will an- in 40 minutes he softened his tone and this includes directing the Israelis to car- nounce to the world that America’s uni- tweeted, “our relationship with Russia ry out a tentative first strike. They rush polar international order has come to an is worse now than it has ever been, and because the results of any investigation end. Other nations facing US meddling that includes the Cold War. There is no are likely going to reveal the attack was or military aggression will be bolstered reason for this. Russia needs us to help staged. But the results of such an inves- by and contribute to the accelerated with their economy, something that tigation will be moot if the world is al- emergence of a multipolar world order would be very easy to do, and we need ready talking about the consequences of led by the nations that have defended all nations to work together. Stop the America’s rushed military intervention.” Syria. US actions now appear to be a arms race?” He went on to say, “The goal of the desperate attempt to reassert US prima- To shed more light on the real rea- attack will depend on how big the attack cy and prevent that from happening.” Interview Page 15 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY US to destabilize Syria and Challenge Astana talks: Expert Interview by Payman Yazdani Will these changes affect the US policy in Syria? Filip Kovacevic, professor of geopolitics The US is not about to leave Syria. It is of the opinion that the US is not going will continue helping the anti-Assad Syrian to leave Syria just tries to destabilize the opposition and the Kurdish forces. Most of country and challenge Astana talks. this work will be done covertly. Syria will be destabilized for many years to come. The Trump has been the most rhetorically Astana peace process will face serious chal- bellicose commanders in chief in modern lenges from the US and its allies. American history since he took office 15 month ago, but at the same time he has It is said the new Trump team will been very cautious when it comes to us- increase the pressure on Tehran at the ing force. same time the US is putting more and The last couple of weeks could be more pressure on Russia under different seen as a major turning point in his pres- excuses. Can this affect Tehran-Moscow idency. In selecting John Bolton as his regional and economic cooperation? new national security adviser and Mike I think one of the main reasons Trump Pompeo as his secretary of state, Trump Will these changes affect the US foreign is making overtures to Putin is the fact two the most hawkish Republicans in policy toward the EU? Will these that he knows that he can’t do anything Washington. changes lessen the differences between militarily against Iran while Iran and Rus- To shed more light on the issue we two sides on some issues like differences sia are on the same geopolitical side. reached out to Dr. Filip Kovacevic, profes- between Germany and US over NATO? Trump wants to convince Putin not to sor of geopolitics, University of San Fran- The US has taken a nationalist turn and continue supporting Iran. He might- of cisco, California. will no longer service the concerns of oth- fer Putin a “sweetheart deal” regarding Following is the full text of interview er countries. Trump wants to make Euro- Ukraine and Moldova, which are much with him: pean states pay for NATO at the level of 2 important to Russia than Iran. We’ll see percent of the GDP. I think they will have what Putin does. Recently there have been some changes no choice but to do that. However, the cit- There is no reason for Putin to trust to Trump administration. During last izens of these countries will oppose such Trump, but there is a tendency of the Rus- 15 month since Trump came to power measures and we are likely to see the rise sian leaders’ falling for the promises of the Mr. Bolton is his third national security of the anti- US sentiments across Europe. West, which are later broken. Consider, advisor. What are the main reasons This will be beneficial to those political for instance, Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris behind so many unusual changes? forces that advocate the lifting of eco- Yeltsin and the issue of NATO expansion. The US president Donald Trump is nomic sanctions against Russia. In many According to declassified documents, the applying his business model to the US ways, Trump’s arrogant stance toward Eu- then- US Secretary of State James Baker government. He fires all those he dis- rope works in Putin’s favor. promised to Gorbachev “not an inch east- agrees with. He is surrounding him- I expect the differences between ward,” and now NATO is on the Russian self with those who will praise his Germany and the US to grow, especial- borders and St. Petersburg is in the range every word and support any decision ly regarding the issue of Russian natu- of NATO artillery. he makes. Trump has always been ex- ral gas. The US wants to make Germany tremely nationalistic and militaristic in purchase its (liquefied) gas, but this will Will Trump’s new changes pave the way his views and now he is assembling a be more expensive for the German busi- for cancellation of the JCPOA? team that is ready to be loyal to him in nesses. The anti- US sentiment will grow I think so. Trump’s nominee for the his future war projects. John Bolton is in Germany and will be reflected in the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (if ap- known as one of the most hawkish US results of the next parliamentary elec- proved by the Senate) is one of the most diplomats. Trump needs him because tions. The radical conservative forces will anti-Iranian US politicians active today. In he plans to disrupt and de-construct grow in strength and there will be talk of his new position, he will exponentially in- the present world order and this will the re-animation of the German empire. crease the US anti-Iranian diplomacy and lead to serious confrontation with oth- In fact, nationalism will gain the upper covert operations, which are also whole- er global players, both allies and oppo- hand in many European states and this heartedly supported by John Bolton. As I nents. The US under Trump is becom- will threaten the existence of the EU it- see it, these individuals are seriously pre- ing a rogue state. self. paring to fight a war against Iran. Interview Page 16 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump pressure not to affect Tehran-Ankara security cooperation: expert

Interview by Payman Yazdani Thus US needs to cooperate with Russia especially in containing China’s growing Lecturer at Marmara University Institute power. However, there has been a great for Middle East Studies Dr. Bilgehan prejudice against Donald Trump both in Alagoz, says, the US pressure would mainstream media and the establish- have a negative impact on the economic ment, which is a prominent obstacle for be an opportunity to reevaluate bilateral relations but would not affect bilateral Trump to fulfill his promised policies. In relations. relations in the area of security. this context, it seems as one of the rea- sons for the changes in his team. By offering new missile systems to Trump has been the most rhetorically John Bolton is known as a person Turkey, it seems the US is trying to bellicose commanders in chief in modern who is very critical against Iran and Rus- avoid more Turkey closeness to Russia American history since he took office 15 sia. Thus, his appointment as a national and Iran. At the same time the US month ago, but at the same time he has security advisor can be implemented is increasing pressure on Iran and been very cautious when it comes to us- as a reflection of harsher US policy to- Russia under different pretexts. Will ing force. wards Russia and Iran. Although Pres- new changes in Trump administration The last couple of weeks could be ident Trump has a desire to cooperate affect Turkey and Russia economic and seen as a major turning point in his pres- with Russia in terms of balancing China, regional cooperation? idency. In selecting John Bolton as his the recent appointment indicate that the Turkish, Russian, Iranian Initiative for new national security adviser and Mike tension between United Stated and Rus- Syria is in a delicate balance. It is very Pompeo as his secretary of state, Trump sia will continue. important for these three countries two the most hawkish Republicans in to come together for a solution even Washington. Will these changes affect the US foreign though their plans for Syria do not over- To shed more light on the issue we policy in Middle East? lap. United States is not pleased by Tur- reached out to Dr. Bilgehan Alagoz, Lec- It is a necessity rather than a pref- key’s deepening relations with Iran and turer at Marmara University Institute for erence for United States to change its Russia. However, as long as the United Middle East Studies, Istanbul. foreign policy in the Middle East. Russia States does not change its current Syria Following is the full text of the inter- as a global actor and Iran as a regional policy, it is impossible for Turkey to have view with her: actor is an emerging power in the Mid- any position together with United States. dle East which is contrary to US interests. Recently there have been some changes Therefore, the recent changes is Trump Will US pressure on Iran affect Tehran to Trump administration. During last national security team will result in shifts and Ankara good regional and economic 15 month since Trump came to power in foreign policy toward the Middle East. cooperation? Bolton is his third national security Trump is in favor of a tough policy advisor. What are the main reasons Will these changes help Turkey and US against Iran. He is critical about the JCPOA. behind so many unusual changes? to mend relation? Since the JCPOA is an agreement with the During President Obama’s adminis- As a result of Obama’s Syria policy, initiative of the United Nations, it is neces- tration, the US has implemented anin- Turkey- US relations have become prob- sary for the United States to convince the efficient foreign policy. Russia annexed lematic and the Trump administration parties to the deal. On the other hand, it Crimea and gained power in Black Sea. has not been able to overcome these is clear that the United States will contin- In addition, due to US failure in Syria, problems yet. Turkey is struggling against ue to implement its own congressional Russia’s growing presence in the Medi- PKK (Marxist–Leninist terrorist group) sanctions against Iran. At this point Turk- terranean became inevitable. Therefore, for decades. It is ironic that PKK is on ish banks are at risk. As the Hakan Atilla Trump became president on the legacy the US terrorist organizations list, but case revealed, the US has a tough stance of Obama’s failures. At this point it would the United States is arming YPG, which is on this issue. In this context, it will be a be right to focus on Trump’s foreign pol- the branch of the PKK in Syria. Operation difficult period in terms of economic rela- icy vision. According to him, China’s in- Olive Branch has showed that Turkey is tions between Turkey and Iran. However, creasing power is one of the emergent determined to fight against PKK. Thus, in the two countries have common national threats against US global interests. Sec- order to open a new chapter in US -Turk- security concerns. Thus, the US pressure ondly, the ISIS threat in Syria must be ish relations, United States should stop would have a negative impact on the eco- eliminated. Thirdly Iran’s growing influ- supporting PKK and its branches in Syria. nomic relations but would not affect bilat- ence in the Middle East must be framed. The recent changes in Trump team can eral relations in the area of security. Interview Page 17 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Pompeo, Bolton to present challenge to Iran’s foreign policy: Entessar

Interview by Payman Yazdani

Professor Entessar is of this opinion that the Pompeo-Bolton team will present the most significant challenge to Iran’s foreign policy in more than 30 years.

Trump has been the most rhetori- cally bellicose commanders in chief in modern American history since he took office 15 month ago, but at the same time he has been very cautious when it comes to using force. The last couple of weeks could be seen as a major turning point in his pres- idency. In selecting John Bolton as his new national security adviser and Mike Pompeo as his secretary of state, Trump two the most hawkish Republicans in Washington. To know more about the reasons be- policy toward Turkey? Can these from all angles, including putting more hind Trump’s decisions and its possible changes help two sides to resolve the pressure on regional countries and US effects on the US foreign policy in the differences or not? allies to distance themselves from Teh- Middle East, we discussed the issue with These changes may affect the US-Turk- ran. This will have a negative impact Professor and Chair of Department of Po- ish relations only marginally. Washing- on the Tehran-Ankara cooperation not litical Science and Criminal Justice, Uni- ton’s relations with Ankara are complex only in economic and trade matters but versity of South Alabama, Prof. Entessar. and are affected by a range of variables. also in other areas. The Pompeo-Bolton Here is the full text of interview with They do not change drastically based team will present the most significant him: on personnel changes in the executive challenge to Iran’s foreign policy in more branch of the United States government. than 30 years. Recently there have been some changes to Trump administration. During last Will these changes affect the US policy Will Trump’s new changes pave the way 15 month since Trump came to power, in Syria and its support to Syrian for cancellation of the JCPOA? Mr. Bolton is his third national security Kurdish groups like YPG and PYD? For all intents and purposes, the advisor. What are the main reasons I don’t think the Trump administra- Trump administration has already with- behind so many unusual changes? tion has had a clear policy towards the drawn from the JCPOA, albeit informal- The list of top-level personnel chang- Syrian Kurds. Washington’s policies with ly. Trump’s new foreign policy team will es that President Trump has made in his respect to Syria and the Syrian Kurds accelerate the practical demise of the administration since coming to power have been in the constant state of tur- JCPOA. For Iran, it shouldn’t matter if has been extensive and unusual in the moil for some time now. There is, of, the JCPOA’s cancellation is announced recent history of the American presi- course, a degree of coordination be- formally or not. From Washington’s van- dency. The changes in Trump’s national tween the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia tage point, the Iran nuclear agreement security advisers certainly fit the gov- but so far Washington has been unable has already been a dead deal. Rather erning style of Donald Trump’s leader- to chart a clear policy towards Syria and than sitting on the side and incessantly ship. A lot of these changes have been its main Kurdish parties. arguing about what Trump’s intentions rather impulsive and personal in nature towards the JCPOA are or will be every and not necessarily based on significant It is said the new Trump team will three or four months, Tehran needs to policy differences between Trump and increase the pressure on Tehran. Can move on and devise and implement a his subordinates. We should not be sur- this fact affect Tehran-Ankara regional post-JCPOA foreign policy. Otherwise, prised to see vacillations of this nature and economic cooperation? Iran’s foreign policy will remain a hos- in months or years ahead. Trump’s new foreign policy team will tage to President Trump’s whims for the Will these changes affect the US foreign certainly increase pressure on Tehran foreseeable future. Interview Page 18 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump’s tariff policy global effect to be less than expected: Prof. Zonis

American made products form the China market all the while stealing technology. US leaders figured that as long as those practices and concomitant high levels of economic growth were driving China towards a more liberal type of democ- racy, it was a price the US was willing to pay. Now, under President Xi, it is clear the dream of a liberal China is over. It is time to stop allowing China’s trade war against the US to go unanswered.

How likely will the European Union retaliate by imposing tariffs on the US products? Only very delicately. Interview by Payman Yazdani boost tariffs impact US domestic steel and aluminum producers? Will Mr. Trump’s acts result in a trade Professor Marvin Zonis believes that due It will boost domestic production and war between the US and world’s other to many tariff exceptions to be offered to increase domestic costs so a net loser for economic powers? What can be the other countries by Trump administration the entire US economy. consequences of such a possible war for the overall effect of his decision on global world? economy will be less than expected. How will it actually impact the aluminum I think there will less here than meets and steel industries globally then? the eye—negotiations will be held,- ex The United States President Donald Many exceptions will be offered to ceptions will be granted, things will calm Trump’s decision to impose stiff tariffs other countries so the overall effect will down. on steel and aluminum imports opened be less than expected. up another debate among politicians and After world war, the cooperation experts. Considering some of the beneficiaries between the US and Europe was based The US will institute tariffs of 25 per- behind his decision are there other on trade, security and military regimes cent and 10 percent on imports of steel internal or external beneficiaries in like NATO. Don’t you think possible and aluminum, respectively, as early as addition to the companies in America, trade war between the US and Europe next week, Trump said. It will apply the or is it just American companies who are can spill over other security and military tariffs broadly, without targeting specific going to benefit from this decision? fields, too? countries, and will not impose quotas. Canadian and Mexican producers will I think the dangers from President Trump argues the tariffs will help the benefit as they have already received ex- Trump’s likely cancellation if the Iran nu- US industries and workers “destroyed” by emptions. clear deal is a far greater challenge since unfair trade practices. He told steel and the major US allies plus Russia and China aluminum executives that their industries How much will this decision to increase all support the deal. will have “protection for the first time in tariffs affect countries like China, Japan a while.” and South Korea then? Rising of rightist in Europe is a threat Though Trump cast the move as a win South Korea has just agreed to low- to the future of the EU and from the for Americans, many experts warned of er tariffs on US products, for example, other side this can result in more possible cost increases for consumers on US manufactured cars. In that sense, independent trade relation without the and manufacturers. Trump’s “trade war” is receiving positive EU considerations. Considering this fact To shed more light on the issue we results from another country. The big is- how do you see the future of EU? reached out to Marvin Zonis, Professor of sue is China. It is important to keep in The EU faces staggering challenges, international political economy and lead- mind that in China has been playing un- most recently from the results of the Ital- ership in the University of Chicago. fairly on so-called “free” trade for years ian election, not to mention Hungary, Po- Following is the full text of the inter- — providing various hidden subsidies for land, and the Czech Republic. But there view with him: their domestic producers, e.g. electrici- is just massive support for the EU among ty costs, shipping costs, low cost credit, European elites and they will manage to How will President Trump’s decision to et, etc., while simultaneously excluding keep it stumbling along Interview Page 19 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Possible Saudi-US nuclear agreement to include “gold standard “: Experts

Stimson’s experts believe that the United States will want a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, including the ‘gold standard.

The Obama administration efforts to reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia on transferring civil nuclear technology faltered over the Kingdom’s refusal to accept a legally binding commitment to forgo uranium enrichment and plutoni- um reprocessing, which could be used to produce fuel for nuclear weapons. Contrary to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates made a commitment to forgo uranium enrichment and plutoni- um reprocessing in its 2009 agreement. Now Saudi Arabia is negotiating a new nuclear agreement with the Trump China, and South Korea. project, the US will still pursue a 123 administration, but there are questions agreement with Riyadh, as they did with about what limits the White House The Kingdom wants to have the UAE when the Korea Electric Power would set, and the Saudis would accept, uranium enrichment and plutonium Corporation signed a deal to build their as part of the agreement the two sides reprocessing facilities. Will the US plants. are about to start negotiating. accommodate Riyadh in these issues? The United States insistence on strict The United States will want a nucle- Which model for Saudi’s nuclear plan is conditions may force the Saudis to buy ar cooperation agreement with Saudi likely? The JCPOA or the US agreement from Russia or China instead of the US. Arabia, including the ‘gold standard’ with the United Arab Emirates? However, a failure to incorporate cru- (which includes a commitment to not Other than potentially adding -time cial restrictions in any possible nuclear pursue enrichment or reprocessing abil- lines similar to the JCPOA, the JCPOA deal can cause Saudis to repurpose the ities). If the US accommodates Riyadh, is an entirely different arrangement civil technology for nuclear weapons. the US may consider timelines similar than bilateral nuclear cooperation To shed more light on the issue we to the JCPOA’s phased implementation agreements. The JCPOA is a multilater- reached out to Cindy Vestergaard, the of limiting and monitoring the number al agreement between Iran, Germany, Director of Stimson’s Nuclear Safe- of centrifuges and enrichment materi- the European Union and the P5 (Chi- guards Program, and Jackie Kempfer, a al in country, including monitoring of na, France, Russia, the United Kingdom Research Associate with the Nuclear Se- the production of uranium ore concen- and the United States). It took 12 years curity program at the same center. trates. It should be underscored howev- of negotiations. It was endorsed by UN Following is the full text of the inter- er that these monitoring timelines are Security Council Resolution 2231 in July view with them: specific to Iran and the JCPOA. 2015 and is verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Converse- After few years, US administration Some argue that if the US does not meet ly, bilateral nuclear cooperation agree- announced its will to negotiate a Saudi Arabia’s demands regarding its ments (known as ‘123 Agreements’ in nuclear agreement with Riyadh. Why nuclear program, Russia and China may the United States) are agreements ne- is the US convinced to restart nuclear do it and this can lead to weakening of gotiated between two states to frame negotiation with Saudi Arabia? the US nuclear influence in the region. trade in nuclear materials and technol- It is all about timing. Riyadh plans What do you think of this? ogy. They are bilateral – not multilateral to sign a deal by the end of 2018 with The biggest competition to the US is – and generally not verified by the IAEA winning developers for its first two actually South Korea. It has the strong- (unless requested by parties involved to nuclear power reactors. US based est history of successfully operating nu- apply ‘item-specific’ safeguards to items Westinghouse has entered the compe- clear exports. If South Korea wins the subject to the cooperation agreement, tition, along with companies in Russia, bid for Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power not the country as a whole). Interview Page 20 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Prof. says US-China trade war not likely

Interview by Payman Yazdani

Commenting on recent the US and China tit-for-tat tariff disputes, Prof. Larry Backer says that the deep structures of economic integration cannot be undone by a series of shocks with offers of renegotiation.

As the US and China ratchet up a tit- for-tat tariff dispute, it has been said of- ten in the last few weeks that no one wins a trade war. The issue was discussed with Larry Backer, Professor of Law and Interna- tional Affairs in Penn State University. Following is the full text of the inter- view with him:

How will President Trump’s decision to boost tariffs impact US domestic steel and aluminum producers? My apologies, the answer to this effects in terms of domestic investment First, even if the tariffs have an effect question will be the longest of this in- and employment. (positive or negative), it is not clear that terview precisely because the simplest Yet the tariff discussion must also be the extent of that effect will be large. questions may pose the subtlest prob- understood within a more complex con- Again, the issue of tariffs can only be lems. In contrast to many experts, and text produced by the deep embedding viewed in a vacuum within the cloistered others, who might be eager to provide within global production and ownership towers of those who find such detached a simple and direct answer to this sim- chains. The key here is that there is no analysis useful for purposes of advanc- ple and direct question, I can only- of identity between the location of pro- ing policy without relation to real world fer complexity and contingency. At the duction (in this case steel and aluminum effects. Thus, the amplitude of the effect greatest level of generalization, it is not production) and the nationality of own- may be difficult to distill apart from the clear, even to experts and policymakers, ership (that is, the “citizenship” of the ecology within which tariffs may have whether the tariff boost will have a pos- apex enterprise that owns or controls both direct and indirect effects. This itive or negative effect. Steel and alumi- the steel or aluminum production chain provides an opportunity to seek to distill num production are now part of inte- with respect to which production might effects using a variety of techniques all grated production chains only a portion be located in any number of states). It of which will be dependent of a set of of which concerns steel and aluminum has been reported, for example, that assumptions and approaches that might production. The idea appears to be that some US companies may be negatively well skew the results in ways that serve the tariffs will protect US based steel affected because they are subsidiaries objectives. These effects, of course, are and aluminum production by making of foreign enterprises from which, for further complicated by the distinction the import of like products more expen- example they receive steel for finish- between the effects on domestic pro- sive—and thus US producers will sub- ing and then export. And the effect will duction (an objective of the tariffs, of stitute domestic production over- for have little to do with the nationality of course) and the effects of the nation- eign. That may well work for domestic the owners of steel production. Consid- ality of the benefits of this production. production and consumption but may er the irony of these tariffs if, as a result, It is not clear how one deals with the not work for domestic production for foreign owned enterprises establish situation where domestic production in- export—especially where other states factories in the US for steel production, creases (and increases local economies) match the tariff to equalize pricing (and boosting US production while repatriat- while the profits of that production are reduce the foreign subsidy) that the tar- ing the profits of that enterprise back repatriated elsewhere. iff represents. And yet domestic produc- to the home states of parent company. Second, even if there is significant ef- tion and consumption is an important That insight, in turn, produces some fect, it is not clear whether the effect element of US macro-economic policy variations in the answer to the question will be generally felt or will affect differ- and may produce positive short-term you posed. ent parts of the country, and different » Interview Page 21 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY industrial sectors differently. To speak of effective have been substantially erod- You’ve mentioned some of the the effects of the tariff boost generally ed—and it is unlikely that they will be beneficiaries behind his decision produces an answer that aggregates ef- reconstructed in the manner of 1920s are their other internal or external fect. But aggregated effects only serve thinking. beneficiaries in addition to the political interests, it does not reflect the Fifth, the impact will vary from the companies in America, or is it just reality within a large country like ours. It short to the long term. Most people may wholly these American companies who is much more likely that the effects will be tempted to consider the question in are going to benefit from this decision? be felt differently, positively and nega- light of immediate or short-term impact. What is an American company to- tively in different parts of the country Indeed, global analytics have tended to day? The notion of national companies and with respect to different industries increasingly favor short term thinking is now essentially obsolete in a context and companies. Yet that might well have and reaction rather than long term or in which most economic activity is con- been the point—to ensure a targeted strategic responses or adjustment. And nected to global flows of production. boost to economic activity within specif- the short-term impact—politically—will Companies of a variety of nationalities ic portions of the US with the hope that be significant. One sees that already are organized to manage and participate this boost in activity will then have indi- as the “usual suspects” have already in global production (in steel and alumi- rect effect over a broader area. aligned themselves and their media out- num and other products). The econom- Third, the answer to the question lets to amplify their support or opposi- ic enterprise that tends to manage or must take into account the time hori- tion to the tariffs, and to begin to seek control the process of production and zons for change and the sectors with to mobilize mass opinion to some end the role of other enterprises within that respect to which differing time horizons or other. Yet it is the long term strategic production process tends to be charac- might matter. Thus, for example, to the adjustments that are far more impor- terized as the representative or incarna- extent that the tariff is meant to foster tant and most likely to be missed by a tion of a multinational enterprise, and greater steel and aluminum production, media and analytic culture with a short to lend its nationality to that system of that effect will take years to be felt in attention span. global production. But realistically, that terms of actual significant increases in represents an oversimplification of the production. Also important here is the How will it actually impact the realities of production. Thus, -Ameri question whether that production can aluminum and steel industries globally can apex companies may benefit from be sustained. Tariffs as subsidies may then? the tariffs. On the other hand, US apex have an immediate effect on decisions There are two answers here. The companies who have invested heav- to invest in production (and hire labor to direct answer is that impact will be a ily in steel and aluminum production aid in its production), but eventually the function of the way industry and states enterprises outside the US may suffer. sector and the heightened production respond. Industry might be able to avoid Conversely, a Russian or Chinese enter- will have to be economically viable—es- the effects of the tariff by strategic shift- prise that owned steel or aluminum pro- pecially since over the middle and long ing of the operations of their global pro- duction facilities in the US might profit term global consumers and producers duction chains to minimize the effects of significantly from the tariffs. Because may adjust their activities to take the the tariffs—but such adjustments might of this quite large divide between the tariffs into account. take time. States, on the other hand, are nationality of the place of production Fourth, on the other hand, the imme- less flexible. They will either support and the nationality of the ownership of diate effects of the tariffs have already their own industries or risk losing them. production (up the production chain) been felt—not in the changes to the If they do not reciprocate tariffs, they it is difficult in many cases to point to location of steel and aluminum produc- might be induced to apply enough sup- a generalizable nationality for winners tion (inside or outside the US), but in the port to their industries to wash out the and losers. And that is the great insight reactions of financial markets, lenders, price effects of tariffs. The indirect an- of this effort—states can control gener- political leaders and the like. And- per swer, however, may be more important. ally the production of things within their haps that is the most telling part of tariff The impact to states and enterprises will territory and use their borders to exact policy in the contemporary age—tariffs depend on the ability of both to mitigate a cost of entry (or exit). But that con- appear to have greater effects on glob- the effects of tariffs through changes in trol of the consequences of production al finance than on global production, the ownership of the producers of tar- within or outside a state has absolute- on the allocation or distribution of the iffed goods. Thus, for example, if Chi- ly nothing to say about the nationality placement of portions of the production nese enterprises own or can acquire for the beneficiaries of these policies. If of commodities (in the long term), and (direct or indirectly) steel and aluminum all steel production abroad is owned by on its value in mobilizing mass opinion production facilities in the US, the net -ef US companies, then steel import tariffs to some political end or other. In that fect of the tariff will be small. Over the would affect US companies negative- respect, tariffs may not pose the same long term, and in the absence of waivers ly because it adds costs to their global problems that they produced a century from tariff, there may be a gradual shift allocation of the elements of their pro- ago in the European inter-War period. of production—but not necessarily to duction chains. Globalization has substantially reduced the US Instead the shift may move pro- the power of tariffs precisely because duction to other states which have suc- How much will this decision to increase the borders necessary to make them cessfully negotiated tariff waivers. tariffs affect countries like China, Japan » Interview Page 22 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY and South Korea then? trade network in a manner that links up No trade war is likely. The deep struc- There are two questions here. The with the US enterprise’s management tures of economic integration cannot first deals with reciprocal tariffs. This or control of certain production chains. be undone by a series of shocks with is a simple one—if the US raises tar- That requires a reorienting of trade re- offers of renegotiation. And trade war iffs on aluminum and steel, then other lations from a multilateral form with- does not seem to be the intent (though countries would seek to do the same out a center to an aggregated bilateral one must disregard certain of the Pres- on US steel and aluminum. Yet the im- form with the US at the center. To effect ident’s tweets to acquire assurance on pact on the US may be negligible if it this reorientation of the foundations of that point). And America First Initiative is a net importer of these products. trade the US must first re-center its po- is not the same as the isolationist poli- And thus, more effective may be what sition in global trade networks (not all of cies adopted from near the end of the I might call retaliatory tariffs. Thus, if them but those of vital interest or with 1920s—it is rather the reverse, the ef- the US imposes tariffs on steel and alu- respect to which there is an ambition). fort to encourage muscular expansion minum that affects national industries To that end, certain shocks are neces- but now oriented from key home states, elsewhere, those states might impose sary. These include withdrawal form rather than by building a community of duties on US agricultural products or multilateral agreements (including Paris similarly situated actors all competing some other product in a sector where and TPP) and the disruption of old free in the global markets for engagement US exports are large. But in a glob- al economy that might only produce short term pain, as those in control of production chains can, at some cost, realign their trade routes in ways that might soften the blows of tariffs. And again, where one thinks only of short term effect, one misses the essential element of a more benign long-term effect within a global context in which capital and investment still moves fair- ly freely. And, indeed, rather than ap- proach the imposition of tariffs with retaliatory tariffs, China, Japan and Korea would be better off buying US: steel manufacturers, increasing pro- duction of un-tariffed steel and then exporting that commodity for finishing in their own home states. trade alignments. But mere withdrawal with portions of emerging production How likely is the European Union to does not produce re-centering—the of- chains. And indeed, while the inepti- retaliate by imposing tariffs on US fer to renegotiate the terms of bilater- tude of national leaders might, through products? al relations (and in the process restore comedies of errors and personal vanity, This is an excellent question. While relations or waive action) is the driving move key states toward trade wars, the the initial emotional response, one element of realignment. At the end of result would not further state power. fanned by the global media, might the process, if carried out systematical- Trade wars are particularly dangerous in have tilted toward retaliatory tariffs on ly and with a clear long term vision, the contemporary politics precisely because vulnerable US products, that course US might well produce a trading system they would produce two types of insta- may not be followed once tempers are that looks substantially the same as the bility. First, trade wars would produce calmed. The principle reason for this Chinese One Belt One Road Initiative. If instability among the lower reaches of is that the Trump Administration has that is the case, then the future of glob- production chains. Those states would made it clear that it would entertain al trade is not manifested in tariffs, but suffer substantial impacts in employ- bilateral negotiations on waivers of tar- through these tariff and other shocks, a ment that would lead to political unrest, iffs. This is not a small matter. Indeed, new global trade system, built around and more likely substantial migration one can see in this Tariff imposition-ne- control of production chains, will that would then destabilize neighbors gotiated waiver approach an essential emerge in which most roads lead either and eventually the apex states to which feature of the Trump Administration’s to Washington, or to Beijing. migration will flow, particularly in the movement away from its old approach West. Second, trade wars would dest- of globalized system building multilat- Will Mr. Trump’s acts result in a trade abilize apex nations as well. The stabil- eralism to the new America First Initia- war between the US and world’s other ity of the political orders in the United tive. Thus, consider the dynamics of the economic powers? What can be the States and China depend in large part on tariff imposition in context. The United consequences of such possible war for the fulfillment of a promise of a base- States has commenced building its own world? line economic prosperity. Where that » Interview Page 23 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY disappears then both states might well social rebellions of 1968. That cultur- their networks to aid in that effort. The be subject to the vagaries of populism al moment plays differently in Eastern Chinese indicated an intention to levy which, though it might not overthrow Europe, of course, and produces a re- tariffs on about $3 billion of US im- either’s system in a formal sense, would turn to the comforts of authoritarian ports, including soybeans or aircraft, substantially corrupt them. nationalism that can easily be char- major trade goods. The effect was acterized as either left or right to suit immediate—global financial markets The US and the Europeans cooperation the agenda of the commentator. At fell dramatically over the course of a after world war was based on trade, some point balance must be restored, week. Yet, after the necessary public security and military regimes like of course, or the EU will flounder. And drama, one discovered that the tar- NATO. Don’t you think possible trade that may be likely in the medium term. iffs imposed on both sides appeared war between the US and Europe can For the moment, however, the rise of to serve as an invitation for both the spill over other security and military rightists as against an unchecked cul- US and China to begin to renegotiate fields, too? ture of leftism may produce the sort of their trade relations. I agree, of course, that a trade war instability that marked the early Wei- The Americans sent a letter indicat- would spill over to other vectors of mar Republic. But at its base, the EU is ing the changes that they sought in the state to state relations. But only sui- suffering a version of 2nd generation wake of the tariff impositions, with an cidal states and mad leaders without malaise. The rising elite never experi- emphasis on trade and intellectual prop- substantial popular or institutional enced the trauma that produced Eu- erty issues, including what for the US checks, could possibly move the US- ropean solidarity in the face of a half amounted to coercive technology and EU relationship dangerously in that di- century during which Europe virtually know-how transfer rules. Premier Li Ke- rection. The US and its European allies committed suicide. They do not know qiang spoke publicly about the need for have had tiffs and have made grand hunger, and fear, nor do they worry China and the United States to continue gestures of disapproval against each about the penetration of larger pow- negotiations and reiterated pledges to other with some regularity since the ers to undermine their own autonomy better open their internal markets and 1960s. One need only remember the and independence (those are worries perhaps to target purchases of specified antics of Charles De Gaulle (quite ef- left for the detritus of empire). And US goods. Negotiations continue. When fective both within Europe and in the thus, they can indulge the privilege of news leaked of those steps, global mar- effect on NATO relations). And in any dismissing the institutional structures kets responded appropriately. And thus case, the bad behavior of states on the on which their own prosperity and se- one can begin to see the contours of periphery of the US-EU “entente” may curity are based. To that end, indeed, the way in which tariffs have become an ensure the strength of the core alli- it is not the rise of the right, but the instrument rather than the objective of ance militarily and work against eco- effects of ennui, that may have a sub- trade policy. The US may now use tar- nomic policy foolishness. stantial deleterious effect on the solid- iffs as a critically important tool in the ity of the EU. reframing of US trade policy in the form Rising of rightist in Europe is a threat of the “America First” Initiative. to the future of the EU and from the The US also recently imposed tariffs The object is not to destroy trade— other side this can result in more and other measures against the the US President and his advisors have independent trade relation without the People’s Republic of China. Do you see been very clear about that (it is only that EU considerations. Considering this fact the possibility of a trade war or more people have chosen not to listen)—but how do you see the future of EU? adversarial relations between the US to reframe the basis of the global trad- Many people fear the ghosts of the and China with respect to trade issues? ing system from the forms that emerged past, and even more people believe I would suggest that the recent and after the 2nd World War to a new form that it is important to fight past battles very quick tariff exchange between whose characteristics will be shaped over and over. But like the analogy with the United States and the People’s Re- both by the Chinese One Belt One Road the trade wars of the 1920s, analogies public of China illustrates the charac- Initiative and its American counterpart, with the rise of fascist movements in ter of these tariff moves by the Trump the “America First” Initiative. It was the Europe in the 1930s may be misap- Administration and the way that they Iranian leadership itself which almost a plied in this case. Yes, indeed, the ul- have been received once governments decade ago pointed to the end of the tra-right movements have risen again finish producing the appropriate re- post-World War II era and its structures. after several generations of muscular sponses required for public consump- Few paid attention at the time. suppression in Europe, and ridicule tion by their internal and external That was a pity. For it seems that in (effective) in the US But that suppres- audiences. Consider what happened retrospect they were correct and that sion, in part, might well have contrib- when in mid-March 2018 President the global community will continue to uted to the re-emergence of the virus Trump moved to levy tariffs on up to see manifestations of the new system of right wing extremism in the face of $60 billion of Chinese imports, in addi- emerge as the first order powers realign a largely unchecked left wing extrem- tion to those imposed on solar panels, their visions, reach accommodations ism that has tended to be the darling steel and aluminum. Initially, the Chi- with each other and reorder the hierar- of the political and intellectual sets nese reacted aggressively and public- chies of power and production for the in the US and Europe since the great ly in the expected way, utilizing all of first part of this century. Interview Page 24 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Living on the edge: Asiatic cheetah in Iran

Interview by: Lachin Rezaian project failed”. That was neither the title nor the conclusion I meant from Mohammad Farhadinia, a wildlife the original article which was original- biologist, has said thanks to ly titled as “Low genetic diversity a big conservation agencies’ attempts, the threat to Asiatic cheetahs”, aiming to Asiatic cheetah has received a high encourage revising our protection ac- level of social support. It gives hope and tivities. Engaged experts may find that dedication, both to government and article useful in order to revise nearly civil society in their battle to save the two decades of cheetah conservation rarest cat in the world. for concluding a better strategic plan for future. He stressed that the cheetah project established an innovative insurance pro- What is the solution if we want the gram to compensate people’s occasional Asiatic cheetahs to survive? livestock loss to the cheetahs. “Iran must There seems to be a dichotomy in the be proud of its cheetah project which in Iran was astonishing, from an animal current cheetah conservation in Iran. In against all odds, has been a platform to quite unknown for public to the only one hand, some scholars believe that benchmark the modern nature conser- animal present on a national soccer’s “threat mitigation” is still the major solu- vation in Iran and perhaps beyond across jersey in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, tion for cheetahs, implying that mitigat- the volatile Middle East,” he noted in an facilitated by the cheetah project. The ing the threats and improving habitat interview with Mehr News correspond- cheetah inspired many young conser- and prey would allow stabilizing and ent Lachin Rezaian: vationists to build their career in saving increasing the local cheetah abundance. animals, making Iran as the most pro- In contrast, some biologists believe What is the current situation of Asiatic ductive country across the Middle East that in addition to the ongoing threat mit- cheetahs in Iran? in terms of published papers in biodi- igation efforts which must be enhanced, Until recently, Asiatic cheetahs versity conservation peer-reviewed jour- a new level of interventions is needed used to occur in three regions, or if nals. Iranian government remained high- as part of the solution, notably through we consider them as sub-populations. ly committed to save the cheetahs, for captive breeding. Recently, Iranian De- The first one is near Tehran. Sadly, we example launching many development partment of Environment declared that do not have any evidence of cheetah plans were stopped within cheetah are- Iran will pursue the second approach, presence there since 2013. The sec- as and 125 rangers are hired to protect launching a captive breeding program ond one, which is called the Southern, the cheetahs and their prey. The cheetah along with ongoing protection efforts covers several of promising cheetah project established an innovative insur- and threat mitigation. I am not aware of reserves. But to our surprise, no chee- ance program, to compensate people’s the stage of planning or implementation. tah female, and consequently no evi- occasional livestock loss to the cheetahs. dence of breeding has been detected Iran must be proud of its cheetah project Do you consider any chance for since 2011 there. Currently, we are which against all odds, has been a plat- cheetahs to survive? aware of 4 adult males, some aged 10 form to benchmark the modern nature Speaking realistically, there is still years, wandering the Southern region. conservation in Iran and perhaps beyond some chance, but it is tiny and fragile. Finally, there is a “Northern” region. across the volatile Middle East. When a population is limited to several This is the only region where we have Although we must be proud of individuals, particularly in the case of evidence of cheetah breeding, for ex- achievements in terms of activities, we Asiatic cheetahs which each individual ample three different families were should not forget our goal which is se- might be hundreds of kilometers away spotted during 2017. We are optimist curing a viable population of Asiatic from the nearest cheetah, it is difficult that there may be more cheetahs in cheetahs in Iran. As long as the cheetahs to predict the future and to control com- these areas as well as other landscapes are still away from the viability, there is plex factors affecting each of them. A where have not been explored. no question on extending or discontinu- road collision with a female from an area ing the cheetah project based on its fail- can ruin breeding of cheetahs in a big re- How do you evaluate conservation ure and success. The cheetah is, and will serve, or curious herd dogs chasing after actions for cheetahs in Iran? be, a conservation-dependent animal. a cheetah cub can destroy the breeding Iran coordinates its governmental I recently learned that a news trans- outcome of a female in a matter of min- conservation work through a cheetah lated and summarized by Mehr News utes. This is why we need to be open to project. Recently, one of the cheetah Agency from one of my detailed arti- wide range of solutions, but certainly project’s advisors evaluated it to have cles about cheetah conservation in Iran not to give up, as long as the last chee- achieved to 63% of committed activities. created disappointment among some tah is wandering parts of the Iran’s vast The way cheetah conservation evolved conservationists, after titling “Cheetah barren deserts. Opinion Opinion Page 26 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

US-EU possible soft tactic to contain Iran

By Payman Yazdani days many big EU firms and international As I mentioned in my previous writing, companies have announced their deci- the possibility of job division between the The US withdrawal from the Joint sions to stop their activities and opera- US and EU to contain Iran should not be Comprehensive Plan of Action tions in Iran including Total, Eni, Siemens, ignored. (JCPOA) has created a new rounds of Airbus and Maersk. All facts on the ground imply that all speculations about the three European Just couple of days after the US with- EU measures and promises to keep the major players’ (the UK, France and draw from the JCPOA, French gas and oil JCPOA alive will only result in remaining Germany) capabilities and abilities to giant Total has announced that due to of some small European companies in keep the deal alive without the US. return of the US sanctions against Iran it Iran. Big companies that can invest and has to pull out of Iranian Southern Pars transfer technology to Iran will leave Iran Following the US President’s unilateral oil field. to avoid the US possible punishments. move to withdraw from the Iran’s Nucle- Italian oil giant Eni has also decided to This possible soft and indirect US-EU tac- ar Deal, lots of diplomatic and political abrogate its agreement with Iran to study tic can help the joint goal of the US and efforts have been made both by the Eu- oil and gas in Iran. EU to contain Iran. ropean and Iranian officials to keep the Maersk as the biggest shipping compa- By this tactic, firstly the EU can buy internationally achieved deal alive. ny in the world has announced that due time and contain Iran so that not to leave Islamic Republic of Iran has announced to its vast activities in the US and to avoid the JCPOA. Secondly, the EU will pave the that it will remain in the JCPOA just if the possible US punishments, it will stop its way for selling of its products and servic- EU can guarantee Iran’s benefits and in- activities in Iran. es in Iran’s market without investment terests under the JCPOA in the absence Considering the limited capabilities and transferring technology. Thirdly, of the US, otherwise Teharn will leave the and potentialities of the EU to challenge Iran’s incomes and revenues will be lim- deal, too. the US hegemony and also the fact that ited which Americans and the Europeans Despite all measures taken and politi- EU governments cannot force private sec- consider it as a good soft and indirect way cal promises made by the European sides tors to work with Iran, it is not realistic to to increase pressure on Iran to limit Iran’s to keep the JCPOA alive, over the past ten expect the EU to save the JCPOA. regional influence and missile capability.

preserve the deal, weaken or strength- en US leadership position on the global US withdrawal from N-deal; scene? A growing, if not widespread, perception in Europe is that the so- called “indispensable” United States has unsettling implications increasingly become the “unpredicta- By: Mahmood Monshipouri leading world powers, which has lifted ble” United States. This element of un- sanctions in exchange for verifiable lim- predictability is likely to cause further After US President Trump’s unilateral its on Iran’s nuclear program, has creat- friction rather than unity between the withdrawal from the JCPOA, the ed a whole host of problems, not just United States and its longstanding West- European signatory states of the deal for Iran but for the European Union (EU) ern allies. as well as Russia and China announced member states. What is still to come is not clear. It ap- that they will continue abiding by It is generally believed that without pears, however, that the Europeans are the agreement without US, and a core participant and guarantor—that caught in the moment of utter confusion here Monshipouri is discussing the is, the United States— the nuclear deal regarding the cost of sticking to the deal, consequences. may not be upheld much longer. as the prospect of reaching a consensus Perhaps the broader question is: Will with the United States seems highly un- The US withdrawal from the 2015 this division between the United States likely for now at least. The enforcement Iran nuclear deal between Iran and the and its European allies, who intend to mechanisms is likely to create a tremen- » Opinion Page 27 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY dous burden on the US European allies. an awkward position, hoping to keep its US sanctions on Iran not only block Jean Claude Juncker, President of foreign investment in Iran steady while American firms from doing business the European Commission (The New at the same time not jeopardizing its in the former, but also prohibit foreign York Times, May 18, 2018:A10), has economic ties with the United States. firms that do business there from ac- said that the Commission has a “duty Volkswagen, the German automaker, cessing the larger US banking and fi- to protect European companies” from has continued exporting cars to Iran. nancial system. Renewing sanctions US sanctions, invoking the so-called Richard Grenell, the US ambassador to would make it immensely difficult for 1996 statue to block such sanctions Berlin, according to the European news- Iran to sell its oil abroad or use the in- in an attempt to salvage the nuclear papers, has warned Berlin against the ternational banking system. deal. Nevertheless, larger firms and continuing normal trade ties with Iran: Iran produces roughly 4 million multinational companies have be- “German companies doing business in barrels per day of crude oil, accounting gun to retract their commercial and Iran should wind down operations im- for about 4 percent of global supply, military agreements with Iran. Bijan mediately.” much of which is exported to Asia, in- Zangeneh, Iran’s oil minister, has an- The Trump administration has re- cluding China, India, Japan and South Korea. Tehran will look further to the east, where China and Russia will be- come its major trading partners as a result. Most notably, China’s trade ties with Iran could come into conflict with—if not countervail—US sanc- tions. While it is true the volume of trade between China and the United States far outweighs that of Iran and China, Iran nevertheless continues to occupy a pivotal place in China’s rein- vigoration of the historical Silk Road. With the threat of sanctions looming large, Iran will most likely seek new opportunities under China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative in the com- ing years and decades. The regional and international implications of this policy cannot be underestimated. On balance, the occurrence of a US policy that pushes states to choose be- tween banking in US dollars and with nounced that Chinese state-owned oil turned to the decades-old familiar US firms operating under a different company CNPC was ready to replace strategy toward Iran, one which was financial system could not come at a Total if the latter decided to with- based on sanctions and coercive diplo- worse time. The US has engaged in an draw (https://www.aljazeera.com/ macy rather than negotiation and reli- increasingly fruitless trade war with the news/2018/05/eu-moves-block-sanc- ance on agreements. Today, Trump’s Chinese, has come under heavy criticism tions-iran-180517134848253.html). aids believe that the same strategy from Europeans allies for its trade poli- For the Europeans, the lingering ques- could force Iran to change its foreign cies, and has created tension with ene- tion is: Should EU countries push back policy behavior. John Bolton, Trump’s mies and allies alike in the international against the Trump administration over national security adviser, has sent an system. Whether this pushes states to the Iran nuclear deal? French Finance utterly ominous signal to those Euro- reconsider the already diminished stat- Minister Bruno Le Maire has reportedly pean countries doing business with ure of the United States in the world sys- noted that Europe should maintain its Iran, appearing convinced that the Eu- tem remains to be seen, but clearly the economic sovereignty by challenging ropeans will find it in their interests to writing is on the wall: international re- the US role as the “world’s economic po- follow the US lead rather than resum- lations are now operating in a potential liceman.” This is understandable, given ing with the nuclear deal. Europeans post-American world and the rebalanc- that the French energy giant Total has a are torn between having lucrative con- ing as well as recalibrating of financial $5billion deal to extract Iranian natural tracts with Iran on the one hand and interests may be forthcoming. gas. The deepening French economic maintaining normal trade ties with the ties with Iran have also included Airbus, United States on the other. Mahmood Monshipouri teaches which has already begun delivering jets The extra-territorial impact of international relations and Middle to Iran Air under a multibillion-dollar sanctions has raised serious concerns Eastern Politics at San Francisco contract. about penalizing foreign businesses State University and the University of Germany has similarly found itself in that trade with or invest in Iran. The California, Berkeley. Opinion Page 28 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY How information, mass media play major role in social life? By Sajad Abedi

The media and their influential role in governments have been and will be considered by all the governments, parties and political currents.

In recent decades, the role of the media has been enhanced in the field of information dissemination in the field of influence on the governments and mac- ro policies of the countries. In the colorful or velvet revolutions in the last decade, this role has become quite distinct and has led observers to examine the dimensions of media pow- er in recent political developments. Following the end of the Cold War and the formation of a monopolistic world, the United States changed its strategy from the Cold War to the cultural battle and the duplication of society by the from the media a war on newspapers, and the Soft War to dominate the val- media, provide a platform for soft sup- microphone radios, TV screens and cam- ues of liberalism, and by implementing pression. era lenses. colored or velvet revolutions in some This is the important point here; the However, while introducing a glimpse countries, including Ukraine, Georgia, important and strategic demand of the of colored or velvet revolutions, the and Lebanon,” consolidated its foothold enemies of the Islamic Revolution is main characteristic of which is non-vi- in these countries. to realize this kind of overthrow in our olent resistance to authoritarian rule ”Soft War”, “Velvet Revolution” or dear homeland; soft subversion acts like and the struggle through civil disobedi- “Orange Revolution” are the theories a suspicious termite; it does not rush in ence, we examine the role of the media put forward by the theoritician Gene and out of the inside. and their impact on the emergence of Sharp, and has been successfully imple- It is very important to first know such revolutions in the new era; revolutions mented in the countries. a phenomenon and then to deal with it. that, unlike the great revolutions in the The most important tool is the “Soft Also, dimensions and concepts include world over the past decade, the power War” of the media. In this research, the public diplomacy, current risk commit- has been taken away from authoritarian role of the media (especially the written tee, Delta project, Rika Dubai project, systems with no serious damage to the media) has been attempted in the field effective tools in the software project, a entire country. of the development and implementa- new concept in international literature, In contemporary world history, there tion of soft overthrow in Iran. the strategy of pressure from the out- have been various examples of soft In this research, with the opinion of side and change from within, the main overthrow. Among these examples is communication experts, the role of the actors of soft suppression, the opposi- the attempt by Britain and its related media in the ineffectiveness of states, tion outside of Governance, soft threats factors to create a diversion in the Con- the creation of a climate of chaos, inflam- and media warfare - a Soft War, a blood- stitutional Movement of Iran. mation and civil disobedience, the and less war and a calm war - the use of In the course of this movement, ef- intensification of social dilemmas and the media to undermine the country’s forts were made to help with such ac- abnormalities in society, and the use of target, utilize the power and capacity tivities as penetrating the high levels of deceptive strategies has taken the lead to of the media (including the press, news the movement, creating pessimism and undesirable decisions and policies. agencies, radio, television, the Internet fidelity, and moving from the true path In this study, media techniques and and advertising principles ) to defend which created justice for the people, to tactics, including exaggeration, incite- national interests. go away in a way that is driven by the in- ment and persuasion of the audience, The most prominent media war are tensity of extremes, famine and Mark of highlighting issues such as democracy, the Soft War and the new internation- Chaos, a ground for a coup dictatorship citizenship rights, creating stress and al wars, which the parties of the battle called Reza Khan. weakening the morale of the people, use solely to advance their political ends In the nationalization of the oil indus- » Opinion Page 29 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY try, we also saw that some Western in- Although there have been limited It can be argued that the media have telligence agencies, directly or indirectly, military conflicts between two countries played a part in the above characteris- contacted with some of the newspapers in a number of cases, but at a glance, tics (the media facilitate communication and led them along their anti-govern- soft approach can be considered as the between parties, student movements, ment Mossadegh’s overthrowing goals main US policy toward the Islamic Re- foundations and NGOs, and in particular and eventually overthrew it with a simi- public of Iran in the current situation. the masses of people). lar coup d’état. In the context of the Greater Middle The fact that the disappearance of Recently, the CIA released its doc- East and World Development Program, events in Venezuela and Belarus pre- uments on its role in the Iranian press the United States has made it clear that vented the collapse of the color revolu- before the coup d’état of August 28th, social movements have led to a change tion and the influence of these countries which suggests that some newspapers in the political systems of these coun- has been fetched up. with the money, guidance and nutrition tries, and even will intervene in the of the CIA were the basis for the coup of launch of such a movement. Dr. Sajad Abedi holds a Ph.D. in National August 28th. In this regard, in particular, the atti- Security Studies from MIT Center for It is recalled that the coup was not tude of the United States and the Islam- International Studies. He has formerly the kind of universal coup d’état that ic Republic of Iran has been based on been a member of the Board of Directors was being carried out by some soldiers, various events and scenes of soft sub- of Passive Defense Organization of Iran. but rather an example of a soft over- version during a time of about 30 years; He is currently a member of Defense and throw that was carried out with the According to the famous remark made National Security Think Tank, Director demonstration of individuals, some of by Founder of Islamic Revolution Imam of the International Relations Group of whom were considered as mobs. Khamenei, “negotiation with America is Iranian Association of Geopolitics, and Following the cessation of relations forbidden as it bears innumerous disad- visiting researcher at Scientific Research between the Islamic Republic of Iran vantages and no benefit.” and Middle East Strategic Studies Center. and the United States in the early years They want to open the door to the He has published numerous articles after the victory of the Islamic Revolu- influence; in the same nuclear negoti- and research works in the field of tion, several tactics have been used by ations, wherever they may have influ- command and control systems, security the United States to weaken, isolate, enced on, we must now pay attention to theories, analysis and explanation of challenge, and waste the resources of the outstanding feature of the new me- information, cyber theorizing, and the Islamic Republic of Iran and cause dia and new information technologies in Security mainstreaming in the press and despair in the nation. shaping these revolutions and influence. specialized publications. EU’s poor record in JCPOA By: Mohammad Ghaderi And this point should be seriously tak- role in understanding the European en into consideration in our country’s troika’s demands on the “new JCPOA”. The European troika are still insisting foreign policy equations. On the other During his visit to the United States, the on having negotiations over a second hand, the Western media maneuvers in British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, or complementary agreement with the this regard should be smartly pursued, once again proved London’s direct play Islamic Republic of Iran. and there’s no place for a mistake in this on Washington’s ground. Johnson first regard. wrote at the beginning of a note in The After the withdrawal of the - Unit Some Western media believe that New York Times: ed States of America from the Joint the JCPOA without the cooperation “I believe that keeping the deal’s con- Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) of the United States is no longer valid. straints on Iran’s nuclear program will despite the official support of the Eu- Because with the introduction of sec- also help counter Tehran’s aggressive re- ropean troika and those like “Federica ondary sanctions, practically other Eu- gional behavior. I am sure of one thing: Mogherini”, High Representative of the ropean countries won’t be able to have every available alternative is worse. The European Union for Foreign Affairs, the an effective economic engagement with wisest course would be to improve the unreasonable demands of European Iran. However, some other media speak handcuffs rather than break them.” authorities over the conditions set by about the possibility of preserving the The British Foreign Secretary then Trump, including “limiting Iran’s missile JCPOA without the United States. In any uncovered his true face, and instead of power”, “controlling Iran’s Regional Ac- case, the European troika, along with “restraining Trump’s nuclear ambitions”, tivities”, “Inspection of Iranian Military the two countries of China and Russia, he stressed: sites and permanent nuclear restrictions should officially guarantee this position, What has been gained from the nu- after 2025” remain strong. and declare their commitments to Iran clear deal? Imagine all the mutually Thus “preserving the JCPOA”, doesn’t in this regard. contaminating civil wars and interne- necessarily mean the European authori- Decoding the recent positions of cine conflicts that rage across the Mid- ties support for the nuclear deal as it is. Western officials can play an effective dle East today. Then turn the dial and » Opinion Page 30 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

add the possibility of a regional nucle- merely an “introduction”, or a “symbol” British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, ar arms race triggered by Iran dashing for controlling Iran’s immense power. In French President Emmanuel Macron for a bomb. That is the scenario which the negotiations between Iran and the and German Foreign Minister Sigmar the agreement has helped to prevent…. P5+1 members in November 2014, John Gabriel all emphasized that according to It has weaknesses, certainly, but I am Kerry tried to attach a “nuclear-missile” the European troika, believes the issue convinced they can be remedied. In- dimension to this “introduction”, so that of “limiting Iran’s missile power” should deed at this moment Britain is working it would not be limited to Iran’s nuclear be included in the text of the nuclear ac- alongside the Trump administration and capability. Even it has reached a point cord in any way possible. our French and German allies to ensure that the United States has made the The French, German and British au- that they are. resolution of Iran’s nuclear case subject thorities has repeatedly expressed their As we can see, European officials are to the inclusion of the country’s missile concerns about the missile power of our trying to make public opinion ready for power in the agreement. country. That well indicates their com- accepting new limitations on the nucle- However, the wise and determined mon agreement on limiting our coun- ar deal. Meanwhile, limiting Iran’s mis- positions of the Leader of the Islamic try’s defensive power, and the European sile power is considered to be the main Revolution eventually led to the with- troika seeks to enter into negotiations demand of the West. drawal of Obama administration from with our country in this regard. Hence Last summer and during the United this demand. However, at the same we should carefully and smartly watch Nations General Assembly meeting in time, Democrats in the United States the positions of the European Union, New York, senior British officials were emphasized that the project would be and especially the three countries of committed to American and Zionist incomplete without imposing a limita- Germany, France and Britain on Iran’s authorities to do their best to “change tion on Iran’s missile power. This is a for- nuclear and missile programs to be able the nuclear accord”, or “cancelling it”. mula that is already followed by Europe. to take the proper decision and meas- In other words, British officials have Even during the time when nuclear ures. promised Trump and Netanyahu to ac- negotiations were held, the European Now that Trump has walked out of cept their final decision, even if it didn’t troika (Britain, Germany and France) the JCPOA, there is no longer any place agree with the JCPOA. In this period, the agreed that Iran’s nuclear and missile for issues such as “complementary” and European troika is attempting to imple- capabilities complement each other, “secondary” agreements. In the mean- ment the “JCPOA without US” formula, and limiting of one of these two without time, the European troika should be based on “Iran’s greater commitment” the other will not decrease the regional committed to the strict implementation compared with “less commitment” of power of Iran to the extent they had in of the content of the nuclear deal as it the West. mind. In 2015, however, the European stands, and it should provide Iran with The fact is that US Congress and gov- troika and the White House Democrats the necessary economic guarantees. It’s ernment authorities didn’t really consid- concluded that Iran’s missile power obvious that our nation will never allow er the JCPPOA as an “independent phe- could become the second priority of the Europeans to impose the “JCPOAII” nomenon,” but defined it as one of the Iran’s negotiations with the members through the smile tactic, and our coun- pieces of the puzzle of “controlling and of the P5+1, and then in the near fu- try’s foreign policy system should make restraining the powerful Iran”. On this ture the issue of limiting our country’s sure that the European authorities well basis, the JCPOA was supposed to be missile power could be discussed. The understood this issue. Opinion Page 31 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Le Pen slams Macron over JCPOA

By: Hanif Ghaffari

Although the President of the French National Front, Marine Le Pen has seriously slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for his approach towards the nuclear deal, the criticism has been censored in French media.

Although the President of the French National Front, Marine Le Pen has seri- ously slammed French President Emma- nuel Macron for his approach towards the nuclear deal, the criticism has been censored in French media! In other [of France] and to listen to the position and has only become a desperate player words, only a few French news sources of the regime. He was only interested in on Trump’s ground. Under such circum- has reflected Le Pen’s words, while oth- the American-Israeli-Saudi axis,” Le Pen stances, Macron’s words on saving the ers simply ignored them. said in a statement released on Friday. JCPOA is more like a joke. Criticizing Trump’s decision to walk Marine Le Pen’s remarks in criticiz- “France needs real world politics and out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of ing the misguided policies of the French rid itself of the neo-Conservative ideol- Action (JCPOA), France’s Far-right lead- President on the JCPOA are totally in line ogy, which has led to such destructive er stressed that this decision is “putting with current realities in French foreign consequences [in the Middle and Near French citizens at risk and is depriving policy equations. Last summer, Emanuel East] and finally to start defending the the French economy of very lucrative Macron has been committed to Don- interests of France,” Le Pen emphasized. markets.” She then described Trump’s ald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu to According to Le Pen, cooperation with decision in this regard as dangerous. include Iran’s missile capabilities and Iran, Russia and Syria against terrorism “Similar to the harsh sanctions in 2012 permanent nuclear restrictions against is of crucial importance in preventing against Iran, the US has an entire arsenal our country in the nuclear deal context. new terrorist attacks on French soil. She of means to prevent [foreign companies] Beyond that, he promised to do his best said, “secondly, we should establish the from maintaining any trade relations with in order to limit Iran’s regional activities post of a defense commissioner [in rela- Tehran. Such diktat is impermissible and through a second agreement! tions with Iran] and thirdly, we need to can’t be tolerated,” Le Pen noted. Such hideous promises indicate that work out and implement a mechanism The fact is that a number of French Macron doesn’t have the slightest and of bank payments that would help us companies, including Total, Renault, and minimum intelligence in foreign diplo- resist the US diktat and protect bilateral Sanofi, are based in Iran and could, ac- macy. Accepting Trump’s demands on exchanges [with Iran].” cording to the new sanctions, be affect- the JCPOA, Macron had practically hu- With no doubt, the French President is ed by the US measures. miliated the French diplomacy system, to blame in this equation, and he is way “By withdrawing from the 5+1 agree- and reduced it to an “impotent broker” behind being a “defender” of the JCPOA! ment, the United States, once again, of US policies. Currently the leaders of Britain, France broke their promise… for a second time It should be noted that the same and Germany have urged all the signato- in less than a month,” Le pen said. trend existed in France foreign policy ries to the JCPOA to stick to its provisions. She also mentioned that Emmanuel before, during the presidency of Sarkozy This is while the role of people like Emma- Macron bears his share of responsibil- and Hollande. France has faced count- nuel Macron, “Theresa May” and “Angela ity for the “illusions” he had about his less illusions in its foreign policy after Merkel” in breaking the nuclear deal with ability to talk Trump out of withdrawing the departure of Jacques Chirac of the Iran is no less than the US and Trump! from the nuclear deal with Tehran. Elysee Palace and the presence of new “Standing against Trump’s illusions” was “I resolutely condemn the position leaders; something we can well see the the least responsibility of the European of Donald Trump and also that of the results in Paris’s decisions on the JCPOA troika, but France, Britain and Germany French diplomacy which, in its attempts and the country’s policies in Syria. refused to fulfil it. On the contrary, those to be even more neo-conservative than In her criticism of Macron, Le Pen like Immanuel Macron did their best in [US national security adviser] John Bol- has pointed out a very important sub- feeding the illusions of the incapable ton, has found itself without US pa- ject that shouldn’t be easily overtaken: and controversial President of the United tronage and no alternative way to go, That the French president (over last States, the illusions that today have stuck … He [Macron] finally refused to go to year) hasn’t basically listened to the po- European countries, including Britain, Tehran to defend the national interests sitions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Germany and France. Opinion Page 32 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Lies of mass destruction

By: Jack Perry tured in his days as a navy aviator. Let’s not forget that Russian air de- Netanyahu’s shows about imaginary fense radar operating in Syria could nuclear weapon programs in Iran track incoming US warplanes and pass has been subject to many comments, the information on to Iran. The US could caricatures and remarks as it is discussed do nothing about it without provoking in this commentary by Jack Perry. the Russians and possibly losing the host aircraft carriers that launched the Seeing Benjamin Netanyahu stand warplanes to begin with. Of course, the up there and lie about Iran’s “nucle- United States could send out strategic ar weapons program” was one of the bombers such as the B-1 and B-52s. But, worst performances ever given. A grade again, the US lost B-52s to enemy fire in school drama production could have the Vietnam War so even that option is and insanity of war. But it did. It came at done better. And would have been more not without serious risk. Again, these a time that the United States still hadn’t convincing because children are better planes are not invisible to radar. Yes, the recovered from the way the Vietnam able to believe in fantasy, especially the US has stealth aircraft. But after they War tore the social fabric here. It literally fantasies they tell others. drop bombs, they’re no longer hidden. ripped the scab off and forced the Unit- Even worse, Netanyahu expects the They might get in, but will they get out? ed States to confront what it had done. world to believe this, all the while IDF Netanyahu also assumes Russia will But it didn’t stay that way. Because it snipers are killing kids in Gaza. Is this not continue to sit this out. At some point, was only a couple years later Reagan surreal? Netanyahu reminds me of Colo- Russia and probably China are going to told us, no, the Vietnam War was a “no- nel Kurtz from the movie Apocalypse have had enough of the US and Israel sow- ble cause” and movies appeared to cast Now. All the while going upriver, Captain ing discord and conflict in a region they a heroic light on the war not a few years Willard thinks Kurtz is on to something. are hoping for closer trade relationships after that. And now even Apocalypse But then he sees Kurtz and is astonished with. Russia and China want peace and Now has flipped from unintended anti- by the level of madness Kurtz has de- harmony in the Middle East because that war movie to being watched by pro-war scended into. The world is an unwilling is necessary for the trade relationships people who actually think Kurtz is the Willard to Netanyahu’s Kurtz. they desire. The United States and Israel hero and not a tragic character who lost Even that is too simple an expla- want discord and conflict because it keeps the battle for his own mind and took all nation. The fact is, Netanyahu is gam- the region from uniting together in their his followers along with him. bling with his own country’s fate but own interests which do not include the History is a tragedy but when it re- doesn’t see it. He thinks that if he can United States and Israel. Of all the nations peats itself it’s a farce. And no one knows just convince the United States to attack in the region, Iran holds the most promise that better than Israel and the United Iran, there will be no consequences to of becoming a regional superpower that States who accuse every nation of hav- Israel. It is perfectly clear he is wrong. could challenge American hegemony. And ing nuclear weapons programs when No one is going to forget that it was him that is what frightens the United States. the only country to use them against who needled an unstable Trump into at- Netanyahu might be saying this from people was the United States. And the tacking Iran. But should Israel join a US his own Kurtz-like personality. Or he only nation in the Middle East who has coalition, it certainly will not escape. could be saying this at the behest of US nuclear weapons is Israel. So it goes that Be that as it may, Netanyahu thinks interests. Maybe it was the price for the Iraq went down and no one was really the US can launch its famed Tomahawk release of the jailed spy Jonathan Pol- surprised when it was revealed they cruise missiles at Iran and run, as it did in lard, who funneled US nuclear secrets didn’t have a nuclear weapons program. Syria. Not so fast! Syria air defense shot to Israel for years. Either is possible. Or, Well, Israel knew it already before 2003. down most of the Tomahawks in the perhaps, both are. The madness of Net- Because it was them who destroyed the last attack on Syria, which the US gov- anyahu is clear, given the actions of the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak in 1981. ernment has been worked feverishly to Israeli military in Gaza who are certainly But no one has learned that the United deny. There is no solid evidence Toma- acting upon his orders. The world watch- States and Israeli “lies of mass destruc- hawks launched into Iran will reach their es IDF snipers shoot children and giggle tion” programs are alive and well. targets. Therefore, it would take aircraft about it. The world sees this, fidgets in to attack Iran. But the truth is, the US its chair, and does what? Worries about Jack Perry is a writer who lives with his military has not taken on an air attack whether Trump paid off Stormie Daniels wife in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. where it will face vast surface-to-air mis- to keep quiet a rather distasteful pecca- When talking about the ambitions and sile batteries and fighter/interceptor air- dillo. An affair that, honestly, didn’t kill goals of the United States government, craft since the Vietnam War. Where, by anyone so why get so focused on it? Jack warns: “Always Assume It’s A Scam.” the way, it lost quite a few aircraft which The movie Apocalypse Now didn’t in- Jack writes, bakes bread, and is a Path is how Senator John McCain was cap- tend to portray the madness, hypocrisy, pilgrim and wayfarer of this world. Opinion Page 33 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Reasons for snap elections in Turkey, Erdogan’s easy way to win

By: Seyed Mahdi Nabavi

Here the contributing commentator from the IIWFS touches upon the reasons behind Erdogan’s call for snap elections in Turkey which seems to cloud over democracy in Turkey,

Over the past two years, Turkey’s po- litical sphere has been accompanied by major and controversial developments. The unsuccessful coup and massive ar- rest of government opponents, chal- lenges with the United States over the extradition of Fethullah Gülen and YPG, the referendum on the reform of the constitution and the change in the sys- tem of government, the military inter- vention in Syria and the occupation of Afrin were only part of these develop- ments. Now Erdogan has started a new upcoming elections in Turkey. Turkey’s the occupation of Afrin. Turkey faced a challenge and is looking for a snap elec- economic growth has been the most security problem affecting the crisis of tion. He, who had repeatedly called the important strength of the Justice and Syria and the Kurdish forces’ growing snap election supporters a traitor sever- Development Party over more than 16 power and managed to create an at- al times before, announced on April 18 years of rule over Turkey. Though Tur- mosphere of intense nationalism inside that he will hold the presidential and key’s economic growth was about 7.4 Turkey, with the occupation of Afrin and parliamentary elections, approximately percent in 2017, the general trend of the defeat of the Kurdish forces in the 17 months earlier than scheduled, on Turkey’s economy and its outlook for absence of the interference of other June 24, 2018. This issue was raised by next year is not clear, and it is likely to actors, while enhancing the strength of Bahçeli, the National Movement Party’s face serious problems. Turkey’s 2018 the Syrian crisis and inducing the fight leader, one day before its announce- budget faces a potential deficit of $ 17 against terrorism inside Turkey and now ment by Erdogan’s government. The billion; The Turkish Lira against the dol- it’s the best chance to wave on national- snap elections, scheduled by the Justice lar reached its lowest level of 4.13 last ist feelings and win votes. and Development and National Move- month. The foreign investment rate in 3. The municipal elections next ment parties, was immediately passed Turkey in 2017 fell by 17% due to geo- year and preventing its possible neg- to parliament and approved by the Turk- political tensions and domestic policy ative impact on the first Turkish presi- ish Parliamentary Election Commission. problems in Turkey. The IMF warned in dential election with the new system is When announcing this, Erdogan said February 2018 about the emergence of one of the things that can be part of the that the decision was made to hold ear- economic risk areas in Turkey, and such reasons for this decision. ly presidential and parliamentary -elec cases as foreign major financial needs, But how will the presidential race tions, taking into account the specific limited foreign exchange reserves, in- be? Can Erdogan retain the power in circumstances of the region, especially creased dependence on short-term cap- Turkey’s politics, or can rivals stop him? the crisis of Syria and the developments ital flows, including Turkey’s economic It seems that Erdogan will not have a in Iraq. The spokesman for The Prime turmoil. Therefore, fears of a downturn hard path to win the presidential elec- Minister of Turkey announced the move in the year leading up to the election tion and to gain more power in light of to thwart anti-Turkey initiatives. But it and its negative impact on the Justice the President’s increased authority. The seems that there are more important and Development Party’s vote can be following can be attributed to this issue: reasons behind this decision. Here are considered as one of the reasons for the some reasons: snap elections. 1. Opposition’s short time for 1. One of the most important 2. Another point is the use of the preparation reasons for this decision is the probable nationalist atmosphere resulting from By announcing snap election, Erdo- negative impact of the economy on the the operation of the olive branch and gan has made his opponents face a done Opinion Page 34 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY deal and put them under pressure of Radio and Television Council of Turkey and journalists has caused the freedom the shortage of time and they have less (RTUK) indicate that out of a total of of expression in Turkey to be distorted; than 66 days to plan and campaign. This 17 major Turkish TV channels, from 1st and the cost of opposing Erdogan’s poli- will affect the opposition’s strategies to 20th March 2017, before the April cies would be higher and the possibility for having a strong electoral campaign referendum, 470 hours of live program of maneuvering the opposition parties against the government. were allocated to Erdogan and the AKP, would be reduced. while this amount was only 45 hours for 2. The disintegration of the opposition the Republican People’s Party (CHP), and 5. New Electoral Rules In recent polls in Turkey, the popu- 15 hours for National Movement Party Another point is some of the elec- larity of AK Party varies from 46% to (MHP) [1]. On the other hand, recently toral laws that were communicated and 52%, with the highest percentage of Turkey’s largest media group, the Doğan applied at the same time as the referen- CHP being about 30% and IYI Party, Media Group, a pro-government cluster dum. According to these rules, local about 38%. The point is that Erdogan’s company, has been sold to Demir ören’s election committees can take ballot box- opposition parties do not have integ- holding company; So practically, most es wherever they think it is necessary to rity, while he is a candidate for the of the Turkish media are in the hands take a vote and even votes that do not three parties of Justice and Develop- of the Justice and Development Party, have the specific seal of the election are ment, Nationalist Movement and Pa- which will be the party’s propaganda counted. This is a risk that challenges triotic. His most important rivals are machine ahead of the election. the credibility of the election. The point Meral Akşener of IYI Party and Mu- that opposition parties objected during harram Ince of CHP. Opposition could 4. Widespread arrests of political the referendum. not reach a single candidate and their opponents Finally, according to the points men- votes goes for several candidates who Turkey has been in a state of emer- tioned, if there is no particular incident cannot gain majority. gency since the coup, and recently its that would impose a political earth- duration has been extended. The excuse quake on Turkey, it seems that Erdogan’s 3. Erdogan’s media power of the coup and the establishment of a re-victory is not unexpected. Despite the development of social state of emergency allowed Erdogan to [1].http://www.dw.com/tr/refer- networks, audio and visual media still eliminate and imprison a large part of andum-yar%C4%B1%C5%9F%C4%B- have a significant impact in Turkey. The the opposition, get even with military 1nda-ekran-adaletsi- results of a study by the “Demokrasi and intelligence agencies as well as the zli%C4%9Fi/a-38378613 için Birlik Association”, which consists of government of Turkey, and pave the way more than 100 organizations and insti- for repression and singularity. This mas- Seyed Mahdi Nabavi is a senior research tutions, according to records from the sive massacre of arrests of opponents fellow at IIWFS Washington’s biggest mistake in Syria By: Mohammad Ghaderi lost, and thus the US has spared no ef- the European partners and their Ameri- fort to revitalize the assets. can ally in Syria. Over the past five years, US, UK and French air strikes in Syria Second, during the 2016 presidential France and Britain, along with the US, has attracted the attention of many election, Donald Trump promised US cit- have made every effort to overthrow the media outlets and analysts. The US, izens that his administration would cut ruling system in Syria, but to no avail. Fran- despite Trump’s claims, has carried US foreign policy costs in Western Asia cois Hollande and Emmanuel Macron, as out a limited attack on the Middle and focus more on America’s internal the former and current French presidents Eastern country, but its consequences affairs. However, Trump has proved oth- respectively, have done their utmost to will certainly affect Trump and his allies erwise and has taken the same path that support the terrorist groups in Syria. Par- in the near future. The issue can be former US president Barak Obama took is is considered to be the main sponsor of analyzed from various angles. (supporting the war and insecurity in Saudi Arabia, an Arab country that is also Syria), and perhaps Trump has even put known as the main supporter of terrorist First, the Trump’s administration’s Obama to shame with his international groups in Syria and Iraq. objective in Syria was to salvage terror- expenditures. As mentioned “creation Ultimately, the United States, Britain, ist groups and takfiris. The fact is that of insecurity in Syria and the West Asia France, the Zionist regime and Saudi Ara- the US has opened a special account for region” is a major objective in US foreign bia will pay a very high price for the air extremists such as ISIL, Jabhat al-Nusra policy, supported by both Democratic strikes. The Oval Office and its allies have and Jaish al-Islam, in line with the rise and Republican Parties. seriously miscalculated the consequences of the security crises in Syria and West In addition to America’s, Britain’s and of the attacks and made security mistakes. Asia. With the defeat of terrorist groups, France’s participation in the recent attacks It’s as if Washington and its partners have a significant part of the US capital and its on Syria, it also reflects the lack of ration- not learned their lesson in Syria and the partners in the region would have been ality and reveals the dangerous game of West Asia region for the last five years. Opinion Page 35 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY A dead-end for Trump

By: Hanif Ghaffari hearing, Mike Pompeo has emphasized that he didn’t find any evidences that Last August, the International Atomic Iran has violated the nuclear deal. Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed But Trump is undoubtedly interested for the eighth time that Iran has in tearing down yet another pillar of for- been committed to the 2015 Joint mer President Barack Obama’s legacy. Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). As US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Fox News on the day of Trump’s could withdraw from the JCPOA and re- According to the agreement, which U.N. speech, “the president really wants sume its previous activities and peaceful was negotiated among the United to redo that deal.” nuclear program. States, China, France, the United King- Since the beginning of his presidency, In the meanwhile, European authori- dom, Russia, and Germany (P5+1) and Trump tried his best to stand against the ties tried to play a dual role regarding the Iran, we accepted significant constraints nuclear accord. He also tried the strate- JCPOA. In other words, The US breach of on our country’s nuclear ability in ex- gy of “decertification and renegotiation” the nuclear deal and the dual approach change of lifting sanctions. over the JCPOA. In this way, he could of Europeans towards the JCPOA are The fact is that many experts over- turn the nuclear deal into an accord considered the two main pieces of the whelmingly support the JCPOA and have which was completely to the benefits same puzzle set by Washington and the urged all sides to continue implement- of the United States and of course, Isra- European Troika. The United States and ing it. But the deal isn’t safe. Not by a el. His approach, was self-contradictory the EU are using a leverage called “the long shot. anyway. Although he had to certify that JCPOA” to lead regional negotiations On Sept. 19, the US President raged Iran was complying with the JCPOA un- with Iran, and press our country to ad- against the nuclear deal at the United der INARA, he has made no secret of his dress US regional demands. Nations General Assembly: frustration with this outcome. In other words, the JCPOA, instead “… (Iran has) destabilizing activities During an interview with the Wall of remaining as an independent legal while building dangerous missiles, and Street Journal in July, Trump said he’d document, has become a political tool we cannot abide by an agreement if it be “very surprised” if Iran were found in to exert pressure on Iran. Here, the di- provides cover for the eventual con- compliance next time, noting, “If it was plomacy apparatus and foreign policy struction of a nuclear program. The up to me, I would have had them non- of our country should be very smart. Iran deal was one of the worst and compliant 180 days ago.” Afterwards, Meanwhile, we should be extremely most one-sided transactions the United US Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley careful not to cross the red line of our States has ever entered into. Frankly, presented the case for decertification foreign policy which is “preserving the that deal is an embarrassment to the in a speech to the American Enterprise regional authority of Iran” rather than United States, and I don’t think you’ve Institute on Sept. 5, 2017. Shortly after, “preserving the JCPOA.” Obviously, no heard the last of it. Believe me.” Trump told reporters: “You’ll see what one can bargain on our strategic prin- Trump then announced that he’s go- I’m going to be doing very shortly … ciples in the region and this should be ing to walk out of the nuclear deal by They’ve violated so many different ele- exactly understood as a definite propo- May 12. Trump has claimed that Iran ments and they’ve also violated the spir- sition by the opposite side (Washington didn’t comply with the JCPOA, which is it of that deal.” and the European Troika). in full contradiction with what the IAEA By going forward with decertification European leaders have suggested stated. According to the American law, of the nuclear deal, Trump’s goal is to that they are open to considering “sup- the president should confirm that sus- refashion the JCPOA to address its sup- plemental” arrangements to address is- pension of sanctions in accordance with posed “flaws”, most notably by making sues not covered by the nuclear accord, the deal remains vital to the national permanent constraints on Iran’s urani- that is, changing the JCPOA. As noted, security interests of the United States. um enrichment capacity, elements of Iran isn’t going to accept this “plan”. Iran But Trump doesn’t seem to have such which loosen at the 10-year and 15-year will never re-negotiate over the JCPOA. an intention! marks of the deal. Under this scheme, the For us, change of the nuclear deal Some hawks, including former US administration would also seek to expand means nothing other than its breach. Ambassador the United Nations John the contours of the deal beyond the Beside Iran, China and Russia had also Bolton, has encouraged Trump to de- nuclear domain to place limits on Iran’s confirmed that the outcome of Europe- certify Iranian compliance and abandon conventional ballistic-missile arsenal. ans and American negotiations on the the JCPOA. For these hard-liners, that But Iranian authorities would never nuclear deal isn’t considered legal and would pave the way for Congress and accept and yield into the US-Israel tricks. authentic. Consequently, a US threat to the administration to impose a “de facto If Washington doesn’t comply with its exit or dismantle the deal will leave the global economic embargo” on Iran. This obligations under the nuclear deal, it Trump administration, not Tehran, dip- is in spite the fact that at a recent Senate gives us an excuse to do the same. Iran lomatically isolated. Opinion Page 36 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

By: Jack Anderson

The suspicious AIPAC’s $ 4.5 million AIPAC’s $ 4.5 million support support for appointing the young Arkansas senator, Tom Cotton, as the for young Tom Cotton Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), or the US National Security Advisor has been discussed here by Jack Anderson.

In recent months, news sources in the United States have reported the possibility of the appointment of the young Arkansas senator, Tom Cotton, as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), or the US National Secu- rity Advisor. 40-year-old Cotton is con- sidered the youngest American senator, and, of course, many of the active Israeli lobbies in the United States count on his role-making in American political-secu- rity equations. In April 2015, the New York Times admitted that the Zionist lobbies’ financial support for Tom- Cot ton was much higher than that for oth- A security analyst in the United States cancel it. Another 46 Republican sena- er Republican senators. The New York who didn’t want his name to be revealed tors also signed the letter. Times has announced that the amount told our reporter: The existing evidences suggests that of this financial assistance was around “Given the young age of Cotton com- such a letter was ordered by the direct $ 2 million. This is while some informed pared with other American politicians, order of the AIPAC lobby, and was de- sources in the US say the AIPAC lobby and his commitment to Tel Aviv, the Is- signed to negatively influence the nego- has spent $ 4.5 million for Tom Cotton to raeli authorities have tried to use him tiation process. However, Tom Cotton’s insure his winning against “Mark Pryor” as an influential factor in US domestic commitment to the AIPAC lobby, and in the 2014 Senate elections. security and foreign policy. AIPAC has beyond that to Israel, is much more than In August 2013, Tom Cotton, with AI- always named Cotton as a trend-mak- that. PAC’s green light and support, entered ing agent in its calculations. This Zion- Accordingly, Cotton is consulting AI- the political scene against former Arkan- ist lobby’s recent attempts for Cotton’s PAC before making any decision in the sas Senator Mark Pryor. In the mean- presence as the CIA Director can also be field of US domestic and foreign pol- while, some prominent personalities analyzed in the same vein.” icy, and asks for the views of the lob- and politicians in the Republican Party This analyst added: by’s leaders. Even in cases which AIPAC of America, such as “Marco Rubio” and “It is likely that the AIPAC lobby doesn’t express its views on critical is- “Mitt Romney”, by the order of AIPAC would ask Cotton not to run for the sues to American senators, Cotton has leaders, had also fully supported Tom Senate in the congressional elections in the duty to indirectly impose AIPAC’s Cotton. 2018, so that he can be employed by the stances on senators and even on key Eventually, Cotton won 56.5% of the US government as the National Security members of the House of Represent- vote (against 40 percent of Pryor vote), Advisor, or CIA Director in Trump’s gov- atives. It is not without a reason that and thus defeating his rival, entered the ernment.” Tom Cotton is named as the main AIPAC Senate. However, the main question is, In January 2015, Tom Cotton played piece in the Senate. For the thorough what’s the reason for this huge, unnat- an important role in leading and man- financial and political support of AIPAC ural support of Zionist lobbies, AIPAC aging the anti-JCPOA movement in the leaders and Israeli authorities, Cotton in particular, for Tom Cotton? In other US Senate in the midst of nuclear talks has turned into Tel Aviv’s agent in the words, what capacity did these organi- between Iran and the members of the Senate (in the current period), and gen- zations and lobbies see in Tom Cotton, P15+ 1. On March 8, 2015, Senator Cot- erally in the political scene of the United that they have been willing to use their ton wrote and sent a letter to Iranian States. full power to help him enter the US Sen- leaders. In this letter, it was insisted that Retrieved on April 26, 2018, ate? Is AIPAC’s goal of such widespread any nuclear deal without the approval from https://moderndiplomacy. support merely Cotton’s gaining the Ar- of the US Congress would only be valid eu/2018/04/25/tom-cotton-whats-the- kansas seat in the Senate? The answer until the end of Obama’s presidency in reason-for-aipacs-4-5-million-support- to this question is negative. 2017, and the next president may easily for-the-young-senator/ Opinion Page 37 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump lacks proper strategy towards Middle East, Syria

By: Mohammad Ghaderi and Takfiri groups such as ISIL, Jabhat al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham and others About five years ago, when former in Syria can be analyzed in relation to US President Barack Obama spoke this strategy. The recent limited mili- of a military strike in Syria, Zbigniew tary intervention performed by Trump Brzezinski, former US National Security has been based on this same strategy. Adviser, who is also a prominent foreign The move was aimed at helping the policy strategists, objected to the call of Takfiri terrorists and “preserving the White House and the Pentagon don’t the White House. security crisis in Syria.” exactly know how to answer this ques- The fact is that the destruction of tion! He noted that the United States lacks the ISIL caliphate in Syria has made the It’s obvious that the United States a proper strategy towards the Middle worst possible impact on the United has suffered from a “false strategy” in East and Syria. Military action should, if States and its allies. This important de- Syria between the years of 21011 and it is inevitable, take place within a more velopment has had a “strategic” nature. 2017 (when the ISIL caliphate was de- developed strategy. Because it eliminated a significant part stroyed), and from “lack of strategy” Otherwise, the results will not be of Washington’s tools to achieve its since 2017 so far. The White House has positive. But the main question is strategy in “destroying Syria” and mak- lost most of its power in Syria following whether military action solves the prob- ing this country “insecure”. Since then, its failure to realize its initial strategy. lem and if there is basically any strate- the United States has faced some kind On the one hand, Washington is now gy to solve this problem. Who is part of of strategic confusion in Syria. faced with serious security, military and this strategy and who is not? These are On the one hand, the American au- financial consequences of backing and questions that people should think very thorities can well see that their tools supporting Takfiri and terrorist groups in seriously about before they take military for realizing their primary strategy in Syria, and on the other hand, it’s impos- action, which will have undesirable con- Syria are destroyed, and on the oth- sible for the US authorities to define a sequences. er hand, they don’t have the power new strategy in the region. We can see We are now in 2018. Donald Trump to plan and define a new strategy in the result of this confusion in the behav- is at the head of US political and exec- Syria. Many regional analysts believe ior of US officials towards Syria and the utive equations. Unlike his promises in that Washington is not essentially af- West Asian region. 2016, he has begun a costly dispute in ter adopting a “new strategy” in Syria. The gap between the primary goals the West Asian region. In his speeches, Furthermore, the resistance front has of Washington in the region and the ex- Brzezinski has unveiled the US “lack of been really successful in Syria, and this isting situation today is indicative of the appropriate strategy” in Syria. This inap- largely affected US strategic maneu- strategic defeat of the administrations propriate strategy has left both Obama verability in this scene. of the 3 US presidents, namely Bush, and Trump’s governments as defeated The recent US military strike against Obama and Trump in West Asia. Un- states in Syria. Indeed, what exactly has Syria has been a reflection of the US’ doubtedly, when the defeat is resulted this strategy been? And why has it be- strategic weakness toward the country. from tactical mistakes, it may be possi- come the basis and framework for the This military attack, on the one hand, ble to make up for it. But when it has US measures in the region? challenged the missile and military ca- a strategic nature, it’s very difficult and We can come to an understanding pabilities of the United States before the even in some cases impossible to make of the US strategy in Syria through the eyes of the most experienced missile ex- up for it. words of “Henry Kissinger”, former Sec- perts in the world. On the other hand, it This fact is true of the strategic defeat retary of State, which was published was identified as an “aimless” attack by of the United States in Syria. Under such in New Yorker weekly. In this inter- analysts of military issues in the world. circumstances, the only way left for the view made in January 2011, Kissinger The fact is that with this attack, the United States is to “confess to defeat” Stressed that Syria should be ignited United States even sparked the an- in Syria. Any other choice will have ex- “from inside”, and this is what “is cur- ger of its Takfiri mercenaries in Syria. tensive costs for Trump and his govern- rently happening in this country.” In recent days, many western media ment, and even the next Democratic or The destruction of Syria in a civ- have sought to answer one question: Republican governments of the United il war, is a strategy and goal pursued “What exactly was Trump’s purpose States. Undoubtedly, US allies and mer- by US officials over the past six years. by the recent attack on Syria?” This is cenaries in the region and the world The continuing support of Obama and while even the president of the Unit- are also going to be forced to pay these Trump governments from terrorist ed States and his companions in the heavy costs as well. Opinion Page 38 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Decoding Pompeo’s words at US senate

By: Mohammad Ghaderi

Political commentator Mohammad Ghaderi tries to decode the recent remarks of the CIA Director Mike Pompeo in his hearing at the Senate that Iran has never been after nuclear weapons.

The CIA Director “Mike Pompeo”, who is nominee for Secretary of State, has recently mentioned meaningful words in his hearing at the Senate on Iran and the nuclear deal. In his words, he acknowledged that Iran was not after nuclear weapons even before the nucle- ar deal, nor will be in the future. Donald Trump may not make a final de- and analysts saw the nomination of On the other hand, he has announced cision on the nuclear deal with Iran on Mike Pompeo for secretary of state by that he is seeking to fix and correct the May 12, and he will continue to consult Trump as a sign of Washington’s with- nuclear deal with Iran! This is while the with his European allies on what he calls drawal from the nuclear deal. Beyond US President Donald Trump is scheduled “fixing the flaws of the JCPOA”. that, John Bolton’s appointment as US to announce his final decision on Iran’s Pompeo’s remarks indicate that the national security advisor also sent a nuclear deal by May 12. “I want to fix White House hasn’t come to a deter- clear message to the international sys- this deal,” Pompeo said. “That’s the ob- mined and clear decision on how to deal tem that Trump is about to pull out of jective. I think that’s in the best interest with the JCPOA yet. On the other hand, the nuclear deal with Iran. of [the United States].” numerous consultations by represent- John Bolton is now silent about the At his recent Senate hearing, Pom- atives of the four countries, the United fate of the JCPOA! The silence seems peo has emphasized that as CIA Direc- States, France, Britain and Germany, very meaningful at the current time. tor, he didn’t find any evidences that continues in silence. It’s obvious that John Bolton is one of Iran has violated the nuclear deal. At Western sources have argued that the main opponents of the nuclear deal the same time, he believes that Tehran these countries are consulting on the with Iran, and he doesn’t even believe in can’t expand its program shortly after three controversial issue, namely “the negotiating with the European Troika on the US withdrawal from the nuclear Sunset clauses”, “limiting Iran’s mis- maintaining the JCPOA. accord. He emphasized that his goal is sile power” and “extensive inspections The important question, however, to correct the nuclear deal with Iran. of Iran’s military sites”. These sources is whether Bolton’s silence reflects the Pompeo said: claimed that the only remaining disa- continuing paradoxical and vague ap- “If there’s no chance that we can fix greement between the four countries proach of the US towards the JCPOA? it, I will recommend to the president is over deletion of the so-called Sunset Or did Trump ask him to be silent in this (Trump) that we do our level best to clauses from the nuclear deal, and thus regard and wait for the final results of work with our allies to achieve a better putting permanent limitations on Iran’s their talks with Europe? outcome and a better deal,” he said. nuclear program. American senators still don’t have a “Even after May 12, there’s still much Pompeo is currently the CIA direc- clear picture of Trump’s final decision diplomatic work to be done.” tor, and ironically, he was one of the about the JCPOA. Meanwhile, some A simple decoding of Pompeo’s re- foremost critics of the Iran nuclear deal Republican senators like “Rand Paul” marks suggests that, despite the oppo- when he served as a House Republican and “Jeff Flake” are worried about the sition to the nuclear accord, he is - try from Kansas. Trump fired Secretary of costs and consequences of Trump’s de- ing to deal differently with this issue as State “Rex Tillerson” over the raised dis- cision to refuse joining other members the future US Secretary of State. Some agreements, and picked Pompeo as his of P5+1. analysts also believe that Pompeo has successor in March, just two months be- Most US senators tried not to men- adopted such an approach to face the fore the deadline on May 12 to decide tion the nuclear deal with Iran in their US Senators’ relative opposition to the whether to bring back sanctions that speeches during recent weeks. This is White House’s withdrawal from the former President of the United States while some senators such as “Tom Cot- JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac- waived when the JCPOA was first imple- ton” and “Ted Cruz” strongly encourage tion). mented. Donald Trump’s government to pull out In any case, according to Pompeo, Before this, many Western politicians of the nuclear deal with Iran. Opinion Page 39 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY US limited symbolic attack on Syria

By Payman Yazdani

Recent chemical attacks in Douma, Syria provoked international community’s anger. The attacks happened when the Syrian army had upper hand and inflicted heavy defeat to the terrorist groups in the region.

Couple of weeks before the attacks, Russian officials had repeatedly an- nounced that some efforts were being made by some terrorist groups in the re- gion to carry out chemical attack intend- ing to create enough pretexts for the US to invade Damascus. As the Russian officials had predict- ed, based on a pre-designed plan the chemical attacks in Douma were carried out by the terrorist groups in coordina- tion with some foreign forces present in the area. Minutes after the attacks Washington, Paris and London accused Syrian government forces of the attacks warning just in 40 minutes softened his - Announcing clearly that Assad gov- without presenting any documents and tone against Russia and suggested Rus- ernment would not be target of attacks began to threaten Damascus with mili- sia working together and ending an arm before the assault which was later re- tary assault. race. confirmed by France after the attacks. The US, France and the UK threats Also after serious reaction from Syr- - The US announced the operation against Syrian government led to ia’s allies, France retreated from its pre- lasted just 60 minutes and continued air strong reaction from Syrian allies, vious stance and announced the pos- strikes will not take place. Russia and Iran. Russian ambassador sible attacks on Syria would be carried - US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of to Beirut warned that any missiles out from its main land not from its war- Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford after the -at launched against Syria not only would ships or bases in the region. This could tack said the de-confliction line with be shot down but also the locations decrease the possibility of the Russia’s Russia was “active” this week. the missile are launched from would retaliatory attacks on France since the -Dunford also said the targets in Syria be targeted. country is NATO member. were decided on with the goal of mini- In a meeting with Syrian President While Russia reacted seriously to US mizing impact on Russian forces. Bashar Assad in Damascus also senior threats against Damascus, reports of se- - Pentagon Chief, Mattis opposed any adviser to Iranian Leader Ali Akbar Ve- cret talks between Moscow and Wash- prices on Russia and Iran during the at- layati emphasized that Iran would fully ington were published that showed Rus- tack in a meeting with Trump and his support Syria against any encounter sia’s firmness and seriousness against advisers. with foreign military aggression. the United States. Russians emphasized -No key places like Damascus interna- Following Syria’s allies serious warn- that the US missiles must target terror- tional airport were targeted. ings against any foreign military aggres- ists not Syrian legal government fighting Blackmailing Saudi Arabia by prom- sion on Damascus, despite his initial against terrorism. ising Saudi Prince Bin Salman again to rhetoric threats and 48 hour deadline, Finally 2 days after the end of Pres- confront Iran in the region during his the US president Donald Trump began ident Trump’s deadline, the US and recent visit to Washington, derailing As- to retreat and softened his tone. its allies launched a limited symbolic tana talks on Syria, diverting public opin- Trump had earlier tweeted “Russia missile and aerial attacks on Syria. The ion inside America from Trump’s moral vows to shoot down any and all missiles above and below mentioned points indi- scandal in respect to his illegal relation fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because cate the limited symbolic attacks by the with a porn star and trying to keep Iran they will be coming, nice and new and US have been carried out just to keep busy to prevent Iran’s retaliatory attack “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with Trump’s face as the US president whose on Israel regime for the regime’s attack a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people initial tweets were even confusing for on a Syrian base where some Iranians and enjoys it!” but after the Russians his advisers: were stationed. Opinion Page 40 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Douma, false flag may ignite WW III By Stephen Lendman Russia earlier warned of serious con- sequences if Washington attacks Syrian Trump’s war cabinet policy toward forces, especially if its personnel in the developments in Douma, Syria may country are harmed. ignite an uncontrollable firestorm - During Tuesday’s Security Coun- risking WW III. cil debate, Russian UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya stressed the warning, saying: I followed events in Serbia. Poland “We have repeatedly warned the was ground zero for WW II. Will East/ American side about highly negative West conflict in Syria escalate to war to consequences that may follow if they end all others, risking catastrophic nu- apply weapons against the legitimate clear war? Syrian government, and especially if The stakes are potentially monu- the use of these weapons - God forbid, mental. Humanity’s fate could ride on affects our military men, who legally events as they unfold. stay in Syria.” Washington wants another imperi- Russian and Syrian forces are on high al trophy ahead of a similar campaign alert, an attack by Washington and its against Iran. Its goal is hegemonic re- aircraft carrier, its battle group war- allies could come at any time. gional control partnered with Israel and ships, and guided missile USS Donald Moscow’s ambassador to Lebanon its key NATO allies. Cook destroyer are heading toward Alexander Zasypkin said “Russian forc- Its larger objective is unchallenged Mediterranean Sea positioning off es will confront any US aggression on global dominance, eliminating all sover- Syria’s coast near Russia’s Tartus na- Syria, by intercepting the missiles and eign independent governments, replac- val facility. striking their (land and/or sea-based) ing them with subservient pro-Western According to lower house State launch pads.” regimes - Russia and China its main tar- Duma Defense Committee chairman Trump cancelled a Summit of the gets. Vladimir Shamanov, Moscow’s wasn’t Americas trip to focus on Syria. A po- Moscow’s intervention in Syria informed about the deployment, say- tentially important development could changed the dynamic on the ground, ing: A group of ships of the US Navy alter his plans. foiling Washington’s objective - what it (other than the Harry S. Truman battle On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister The- aims to regain. group) has appeared at a distance of resa May said Britain needs more evi- Tactics include rejecting peace, 150 miles from the Tartus region.” dence of the alleged Douma incident waging endless war, controlling as “It is common in international prac- before committing to military action much Syrian territory as possible, es- tice potential participants of events in against Syria. pecially along the Turkish, Iraqi and the area should be notified accordingly She rejected acting before OPCW Jordanian borders, continued use of in advance.” inspectors visit Douma and report on terrorist foot soldiers aided by ter- “We have not been notified, al- their findings. French President Macron ror-bombing, and false flags like Dou- though we had legally ratified the signaled he’s ready to ally with a US at- ma last Saturday to demonize Damas- agreement on two bases in Tartus and tack on Syria if use of CWs in Douma is cus and Moscow. Khmeymim.” confirmed, adding only chemical facili- Security Council debates are theater, “Trump said that he would think ties would be struck. accomplishing nothing, rule of law prin- about the missile attack on Syria- de None are involved in CW develop- ciples irrelevant. spite any resolutions at the UN Security ment and production. No evidence Washington and its rogue allies op- Council.” suggests otherwise. US-supported erate by their own rules, battleground “All this smells of something are out- terrorists alone used CWs numerous Syria an example of their ruthlessness. side the framework of universally rec- times, in most cases falsely blamed on Moscow’s good faith Security Coun- ognized international norms.” Damascus. cil efforts are foiled by US obstruction- EU air traffic control issued a Rapid A likely US attack on Syrian forces ism, wanting nothing interfering with Alert Notification for the eastern Med- looms, with or without allies. Russia’s its imperial agenda. iterranean, warning airlines of a possi- response will be a defining moment. Dangerously escalating events in Syr- ble attack on Syria “with air-to-ground Syria is a hugely dangerous tinder- ia risk a potentially defining moment of and/or cruise missiles within the next box. Along with his hardened war cabi- our time. World peace could be hinging 72 hours, and the possibility of inter- net, Trump’s rage for war making could on events as they unfold. mittent disruption of radio navigation ignite an uncontrollable firestorm - risk- Washington’s Harry S. Truman equipment”. ing WW III. Opinion Page 41 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump expects Turkey to side with US aggressive policy toward Iran for Israel’s sake. Fourth, Trump’s ulti- mate agenda is confronting Iran in the region and for this reason he may feel he would need logistical facilities in Syria. And finally, for all the inter-con- nected reasons above, he will contin- ue to support and feed PYD/YPG. In a fundamental sense, what Trump does in Syria would be best understood in terms of what he intends to do regard- ing Iran. This is a critical question. Trump will by 12 May have made his decision on the nuclear agreement with Iran. He said he will leave the agreement if his demands for changes in it have not been met by that time and recommend to the Congress the imposition of new sanctions. With the likes of Bolton and Pompeo in the line-up, Trump is likely to pursue an increasingly more By Osman Faruk Logoglu: those most negative views. So the pros- aggressive approach to Iran. And he pects for Turkish-American relations are will want to see Turkey on his side as The erratic and unending changes in not necessarily encouraging with these a NATO ally and expect access to Turk- the administration by President Trump two men in office. ish facilities in case of a military oper- reflect first and foremost his unique The key question now is how the two ation. So Turkey has to make a choice conception of the Presidency. sides will handle the question of Menbij to side or not to side with America in in Syria. Turkey threatens military ac- Trump’s Iranian offensive. He views the Presidency as being tion there to clean the area of Kurdish The choice for Turkey should be the CEO of USA, Inc. He prefers to YPG listed by Turkey as a terrorist organ- clear. Let’s remember that Ankara work with individuals who will not ization. The area is currently under the pursued a policy of proactive neutral- challenge or disagree with him. The joint control of American forces and SDF, ity during the 1980-1988 Iranian-Iraqi choice of Bolton and Pompeo as Na- the core of which is the YPG. The initial war. Turkey not only did not take sides tional Security Adviser and Secretary bilateral talks at the level of high offi- in the conflict, but worked active- of State respectively has also a lot to do cials in Washington have not produced ly with both sides to end it. US is a with the more aggressive hard-power an agreement. Now it is reported that friend and an ally, but Iran is a friend driven foreign policy Trump wants to talks would be resumed after Pompeo is and a neighbor. Furthermore, Turkey pursue. Both men are known not only sworn in as the new Secretary of State supports the Iranian nuclear agree- for their hawkish positions but also for in May. ment. Hence, Turkey must work other their willingness to implement their Trump has recently signaled ear- signatory countries that still support radical views and to use American mil- ly withdrawal from Syria, citing “high the agreement to dissuade the US uni- itary power. The changes have been financial costs” of American engage- laterally from abandoning it. Howev- dubbed as the “war cabinet”, a fitting ment. But Pentagon and other admin- er, at the end of the day Turkey must description indeed. istration sources have downplayed the make clear that it will not be a part of How these changes will affect Turk- Trump announcement, indicating that or accessory to any hostile action by ish-American relations remains yet to be the US is there to stay. I believe Trump the US against Iran. The US will one seen. Both Bolton and Pompeo had, in will not withdraw from Syria. First, his day leave, but Iran will continue to be their previous lives, made highly dispar- number one mission of defeating ISIL our valued neighbor.” aging comments about Turkey, criticiz- is not yet accomplished. ing the Turkish government for its pol- Second, he will not abandon Syria Osman Faruk Logoglu is Turkish veteran icies at home and abroad. Since then, to the Russians. Third, he will want to politician and member of Turkey’s they have not said anything to amend maintain American presence in Syria Repuplican People’s Party. Page 42 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Report Report Page 43 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ‘One Belt-One Road’ may be Iran, China gateway to becoming soft-power giants

By: Marjohn Sheikhi

‘One Belt- One Road’ is generally known as a mega infrastructure project aimed at promoting trade among countries along the new Silk Road routes; but the project also includes initiatives for boosting cultural exchanges – a chance that Iran and China could use to exercise their soft power.

China is well on its path to dominate global trade, but when it comes to soft power, the country is sadly lagging be- hind its other rivals in the East Asian cultural sphere in exporting its commer- cial pop culture to other countries. Ask any Iranian on the street about their knowledge of Japan, for example. They would tell you about Haruki Murakami or Kazuo Ishiguro if they are the reading bit better than China in exporting its northwest city is just as big as the whole type; or Hayao Miyazaki if they like Japa- cultural products. Looming politics over- country of Iran. nese animations (or ‘Death Note’ if they shadow cultural activities; still, the Ira- I ask him about the progress of watch too many anime); there is even a nian cinema has been worming its way, Iran-China’s cooperation in the ‘One chance – small as it may be – that they slowly but surely, into the hearts of cin- Belt- One Road’ project. will tell you about Konami, Hideo Kojima ema goers across the world through the The ‘One Belt- One Road’, or OBOR, or or Final Fantasy if they are the gaming painstaking efforts of Abbas Kiarostami the Silk Road project as mostly known in type. With South Korea, we had a golden and Asghar Farhadi. Our contemporary Iran, is for the most part, a mega infra- era of Korean TV series; I don’t think you literature is still obscured by the - over structure project dedicated to promoting can find many people in Iran who would whelming greatness of our ancient liter- transport and energy development plans look in confusion if you tell them about ature. Our classic music is an acquired in the countries along the new Silk Road Jang-Geum – the lead actress in ‘A Jewel in taste, and the pop music is favored routes. The project is valued at about $5 the Palace’; I have even met a few Iranian mostly by the Iranians themselves. trillion, spanning over 60 countries across people who were K-pop fans. “Cultural exchange is the real ex- Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. But when it comes to the Chinese change,” says Ms. Gulinaer Wulfuli, Pro- Iran is one of those countries that have pop culture, that’s where many – if not fessor of the Kashgar University, who is signed up for the project. all – draw a blank; one reason may be visiting Iran as part of a cultural delega- “Iran and China’s cooperation in OBOR that China isn’t trying too hard to create tion from China’s Xinjiang Uygur Auton- is highly significant in terms of humanistic the kind of content in the music, cinema omous Region. And I might be biased, values and people-to-people exchanges,” or book industry, that could be interna- but I have to agree with her on that. he says. “I feel that there is more potential tionally competitive. The large popu- The Chinese delegation, which held for cooperation in this field. The two coun- lation of China may have played a part a press conference at the Chinese Em- tries have such rich resources for cultural in turning the focus of cultural products bassy in Tehran on Monday, was headed and people-to-people interactions. The inward, on domestic consumers. Anoth- by Xu Guixiang, vice secretary-general of OBOR is one of the many advantages pre- er reason may be the struggle to move the Chinese Overseas Friendship Associ- sented by this cooperation between Iran past the negative Chinese stereotypes, ation, who says the visit to Iran aims at and China.” as promoted throughout the US history. introducing Xinjiang and enhancing cul- “We, as part of this cultural delega- The government’s strong sway over Chi- tural and people-to-people exchanges. tion, have drawn up a number of pro- na’s cultural sphere may also be another Mr. Guixiang describes Xinjiang as jects within the OBOR framework, such reason for the lack of Chinese cultural the largest Chinese administrative divi- as ‘The Scent of Books’. The project in- products in the world’s mainstream. sion, spanning over 1.6 million km2 – a vites countries along the new Silk Road I would say Iran has fared just a little staggering area when you realize this routes to translate their books into the » Report Page 44 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY language of one another.” “No, I haven’t. What is it about?” expected to introduce the Persian liter- He maintains that the US pullout from So I launch into an enthusiastic de- ature and culture more and more to the the JCPOA and the subsequent possibility scription of one of my most favorite TV Chinese nation,” she adds. of imposing old and new sanctions will not shows: It’s an American drama series I ask if the OBOR vision is to take the affect Iran-China’s cooperation in OBOR. in which a Chinese cyber-terrorist also love for Persian literature out of the aca- “It’s because the relations between Iran serving as China’s Minister of State Se- demic monopoly and bring it among the and China go back to thousands of years. curity leads a series of cyberattacks as ordinary people. The friendship between the people of the the head of the Dark Army against the She is hopeful about that prospect two countries are very deep.” US largest conglomerate, Evil Corp, and says OBOR has an aim to “build a “China welcomes the efforts made by with an intention to sway the UN vote human community with shared desti- regional countries towards the promotion in favor of China’s annexation of The ny”; a concept which embodies a hope of national unity. China plays a significant Congo, and hurting the US economy in for an open, inclusive, and beautiful life role in maintaining the peace and stabili- the process. I also mention how the se- for everyone in the world. ty in the region. The development of ties ries made it look like China was behind “One of the exchanges among coun- between Iran and China amid a peaceful Trump’s election victory, as contrary to tries along the Silk Road routes is a and stable region will serve the interests the mainstream opinion in Western me- cultural one, beside the economic and of both countries,” he says.” dia that puts the blame on Russia. trade cooperation,” She says. “This- ex What he says about ‘The Scent of “That’s some absurd imagination,” change includes sharing books and po- Books’ project intrigues me. The idea he sounds shocked by my description etry of each nation. Xinjiang acts as a of organizing a group of translators to of ‘Mr. Robot’, and I wonder if I should bridge through which China exports its engage in promoting the literature of have also told him about how this Chi- culture and in turn, receives other coun- the countries which have signed up for nese character ends up blaming the tries’ cultures. This route introduced so OBOR definitely holds a lot of merit. Es- cyberattacks on Iran because it’s a be- much of the Iranian culture to us. I be- pecially considering that China will be lievable story in Western media. “We lieve that in future, Iran and China will the Guest of Honor at the 2019 Tehran Chinese never intervene in the domestic have so much more cultural cooperation International Book Fair; an occasion that affairs of other countries. About Russia’s under the OBOR project.” will give China a good opportunity to in- dealings with the US, I don’t know any- Two factors that are likely to bring a troduce its cultural and literary products thing about that either.” foreign book into focus of Iranian book to the Iranian public. I catch up with Ms. Gulinaer Wulfuli readers is that if the book has won a ma- “This will be a good opportunity to later, who has more to say about Iran and jor literary award, and if it has already display the history and culture of Chi- China’s exchanges in the literary sphere. been translated into English. na,” says Mr. Xu Guixiang. “China is very “A lot of Persian titles have been She says a Chinese writer has actually keen on participating at this cultural translated into Chinese, such as Rumi’s won a Nobel Prize, but does not name event, to present top Chinese books to ‘Masnavi’, Ganjavi’s ‘Layla and Majnun’, him. It is actually Mo Yan, the writer of the Iranian book lovers. I will talk to rel- and Ferdowsi’s ‘Shahnameh’,” she says. 11 novels, several novellas and short evant organizations back at home about “Persian language is also being taught at story collections, who received the pres- my proposals and suggestions regarding some universities in China, most notably tigious literary award in 2012. His case this matter.” Peking University and Shanghai Interna- proves my point about literary prizes I shift the discussion to China’s in- tional Studies University.” being one of the deciding factors for fluence, or lack thereof, in today’s cin- “China has a comprehensive program prompting Iranian translators into -giv ematic trends across the globe. Mr. Xu for introducing the culture and litera- ing a book some consideration: none of Guixiang, however, believes that Chi- ture of Iran to Chinese people.” But the Mo Yan’s books had been translated into nese TV series have their own influence focus is still on academics, and I want Persian before he won the Nobel Prize. I in foreign countries. “When I turned on to know how much a random Chinese have only seen the Persian translations the TV back at my hotel, I saw an Irani- person on the street can tell you about of his ‘Red Sorghum’ and two short sto- an channel was broadcasting a Chinese Persian literature if they haven’t studied ry collections titled something like ‘Stop show. But of course, China has a long the course at university. This Nonsense, Avesta’, and ‘The Calf way to reach the level its vast poten- Rumi, for example, is particularly pop- and the Endurance Runner’ [I might be tials demand. More cultural exchange ular with the West. His somber quotes completely off the marks with these ti- is needed to help China spread its pop on Tumblr get a lot of notes (most nota- tles, seeing how the collections are ac- culture and appeal among the Iranian bly: ‘The wound is the place where the tually a selection of the translator’s per- people. When I go back, I will call on Light enters you.’ Or, ‘Don’t grieve. Any- sonal favorites and not enlisted as such relevant organizations at home to have thing you lose comes round in another in the writer’s bibliography.] more interactions with Iran in the cul- form.’). Ms. Wulfuli says, however, that At any rate, Ms. Wulfuli says that the tural sphere.” Rumi has not yet become integrated in ‘Scent of Books’ project will be an effort Still, the China image that the world China’s pop culture, and his full sway to get the Iranian people more familiar gets to see comes, not from Chinese dra- is still focused on academic circles and with Chinese contemporary literature. ma series, but from the American ones. I over literary figures and researchers. I can’t wait for the project to get un- ask him if he has watched ‘Mr. Robot.’ “The ‘One-Belt One-Road’ project is derway. Report Economy Page 45 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY China strongly supports JCPOA, says ‘a deal better than no deal at all’ China’s position on Syria is clear, he noted, “we believe that the crisis in Syria needs only a political, but not mil- itary, solution.” China has kept contacts with vari- ous parties, i.e. Syrian government and opposition, to advance peace process and will play a constructive role in the reconstruction of the country in the fu- ture, he added. Chinese envoy also said about the design of a belt road: Some people think the plan is just about China, while the Silk Road had existed thousands of years ago, and even named it a Ger- man scientist. Xiaoshong added that the design of a China-owned beltway, all the countries that are on the path to By: Lachin Rezaian involved; this is not only for establish- this plan, and other countries in the ing peace and security in the region, world, which in the past went to the China’s special envoy for Middle but also for preventing any encroach- Chinese traders to West Asia and Eu- East issues, Gong Xiaosheng, while ment on the Non-Proliferation Treaty,” rope, and European, Iranian and Arab announcing his country’s support for he stressed. merchants also on this route. They the nuclear deal, said having a deal on Regarding China’s position on the traveled to China. Iran’s nuclear program is better than nuclear deal, he said China’s stance Chinese envoy also pointed to the no deal at all. is clear on JCPOA; we will continue it, One Belt, One Road initiative, say- and I hope that Trump will consider ing some people think the plan is just Speaking to the reporters during a the international community’s reaction about China, while the Silk Road has ex- press conference in Tehran on Tuesday, while making any decision. isted for thousands of years, and even Gong Xiaosheng said his visit to the “China will abide by its commitment the term Silk Road (Seidenstrassen, in Islamic Republic addresses two impor- to the Iran nuclear deal since the IAEA German) was first coined by German tant issues, i.e. JCPOA and Syrian crisis, had verified Iran’s compliance with the geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen about which he has held some meet- accord several times,” he added. in 1877. ings with Iranian officials. China-Iran relations are not merely Gong Xiaosheng added that the Expressing that he is visiting Iran for based on what JCPOA dictates; there initiative belongs to all the countries the second time, Chinese envoy praised are many bilateral agreements signed alongside the Silk Road rotes, passing Iran’s development since his first visit between the two countries, and Chi- through many different empires, king- to the country two years earlier; “I am na respects its commitments; China is doms, reigns and societies throughout proud of being in Iran,” he noted. very concerned about its traditional history. Pointing to JCPOA, Gong Xiaosheng friendship with Iran and will respect Regarding Iran-China ties after US underlined the need for all parties in- that in the future, too. withdrawal from JCPOA, he described volved in the Iran nuclear pact to stick Syrian crisis was the second issue that the position is threefold; first, to the deal and use dialogue and nego- chinese envoy addressed during his talk we are trying to maintain this agree- tiation to resolve the disputes. He said with Iranian officials; Gong Xiaosheng ment. Second, the differences will be China was willing to strengthen coop- said tensions in Syria are likely to esca- resolved through dialogue, and third, eration with all parties involved in the late and China is further focussing on China-Iran economic and financial re- Iran nuclear pact. the issue and hopes the war-stricken lations will continue, and the Chinese “JCPOA is a multilateral pact and country may reach permanent cease- government will fulfill its obligations needs to be protected by all the parties fire in the near future. entirely. Report Page 46 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

with at least 20 pages. What is digital marketing and Domain name: name of domain should be simple and able to become a brand. For this purpose, proper names why is it important? are superior to the key names. Web design: the more simple, the better. Avoid using flash, file and volumi- nous copies. Remember Google’s special lesson that, “users want simplicity.” Webpage dimensions: make webpag- es as small as possible. Although it is a difficult task, it is worth trying. (try mak- ing each page between 5k to 10k). This will be both useful for the user and the search engine. ‘Speed’ is almost the most important factor. With bigger webpages, you will lose 10 percent of your customers. This 10 percent can the difference between success and failure. By: Yashar Zhaleh Doust ed in cyberspace quickly and accurately. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Timing of Producing Content: ‘Digital Marketing’ or electronic Search Engine Optimization is the The timing of the publication of the marketing dubbed ‘e-marketing’ is an process that makes a website or web content is important. approach that reaches users via the use page more visible while using a cost-free The social networking channel as well of digital technologies and turn them search engine, usually referred to as nat- as the website itself have different traffic into customers. ural or acquired results. at different times of the day. Digital Marketing is active in the fol- For example, statistics show that the lowing areas: Digital Marketing Principles sharing of photos and videos, hours and 1.Search Engine Optimization (SEO) The quality of visitors is more impor- days of using Facebook networks are 2.Content marketing tant than the number. Remember that quite different with Instagram. As a re- 3.Marketing through impact not everyone out there is your costumer! sult, planning should be made to update 4.Content automation In digital marketing campaign, just various channels of digital marketing in 5.Campaign marketing do not look for numbers, because, digi- order to find the traffic peak and share 6.Electronic commerce dubbed ‘e-com- tal marketing is not a goal! Rather, it is a points. merce’ helping tool to achieve the goal. Locating and Density of Words: Use 7.Marketing through social networks The number of interactions, i.e. the the ‘keyword’ once in the heading, once 8.Demo advertising (banner) number of likes, comments, and shares, in the explanation and once in the head- 9.Electronic books dubbed ‘e-books’ is important and this issue will ultimate- line, once in URL and once in bold and 10.Optical disks and game diskettes ly help you promote your brand and sell once diagonally. This density should be 11.Other forms of digital media more. between 5% and 20%. In addition, digital marketing can be It is important to note that increasing Inbound and outbound links: Google expanded to other non-internet channels the interactions of users in the website attaches great importance to links. of digital media including cell phones and social networks is the main goal of Inbound links are the links of other (SMS, MMS), voice answering services digital marketing and ultimately, it should sites to your site. and/or text message on hold. lead to obtaining revenues and returning Output links are the links of your site the digital marketing costs. to the other sites. What are the advantages of Digital Another important point is that such Google uses both of its algorithms: Marketing? optimization is not just for websites rath- From the Google’s perspective, in- In this day and age, undoubtedly, digi- er, it is for all the digital marketing cam- bound links are the links that other web- tal marketing is the most reliable and the paigns including social networks. sites tell you who you are and outbound safest way of communicating between links are the links that you use to intro- the marketer and customer. In this type Successful digital marketing in less than duce yourself. As a result, be sure to link of marketing, you can design messages a year to valid and relevant websites on your in such a way that fully responds to the A successful website can be launched webpages. certain needs and requirements of the in less than a year through taking the fol- Links between webpages: The struc- customer. lowing measures into consideration: ture of linking to your webpages is of In the digital advertising, it is easy and Preparatory work and preparation of paramount importance. All webpages time-efficient to design a very attractive the text: First, provide the content and should be easily accessible with 2 to 3 message, which position can be promot- notes that are required to prepare a site clicks. Page 47 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

36th International Film Festival (FIFF) Dossier

By: Marjohn Sheikhi Dossier Page 48 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY I trust my heart, says Ludovico Einaudi about his successful musical career

Interview by: Marjohn Sheikhi

Award-winning Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi, who is scheduled for three shows in Tehran starting Tue., says he follows his heart in creating music, citing ‘luck’ as the factor that his passion aligned itself with something that a lot of people like.

The first thing that you should know about Ludovico Einaudi’s music is that it is the kind of music that reflects the man himself. “I love new experiences,” he says with sincerity, and he does not need more proof to back up that claim other than his mere presence in Tehran. A place which, although a mere 2,120 miles away from his homeland, account- ing for a 4-hour flight and a 2:30 hour of time difference, is always considered as an adventurous tourist spot, because of lack of representation, an abundance of misrepresentation and the usual case of ‘I put off visiting Iran until I amold enough to fully appreciate its ancient history’. But he is here now, for the very first time, scheduled for three sold-out shows at a venue large enough to house over 2,000 people, and he is excited to tour the city and meet his Iranian fans; “I know that I have a large fan base here in Iran, waiting for my performances. This is actually the main reason why I’m here today, because I know it is very dif- Einaudi and his band at a Q&A panel with the press, Tehran ficult for many people to travel around to watch the live performances of their favorite musicians, so here I am bring- as a teenager. Later, he studied at the compose, and also the kind of music I ing my music to them,” he says during Conservatory in Milan, spending several like, cannot be crammed inside a box. a Q&A panel on Monday at the Interi- years composing in traditional forms, in- I like a kind of music that connects dif- or Ministry Hall, where he and his five- cluding several chamber and orchestral ferent worlds, doesn’t stay in a closed man band will go on stage on Tuesday, compositions. There, he met Luciano place, but has windows open to differ- Wednesday and Thursday night. Berio, the Italian avant garde compos- ent airs.” “Music is a fantastic way to commu- er known for his experimental and pio- I ask him if he was worried about the nicate with other people around the neering work in electronic music. Berio reaction from the classical circle now world, because it’s one of the few lan- taught him ‘a very open way of thinking that his piano music has ventured into guages that doesn’t need translation. about music’, and he has carried that the realm of electronics, synthesizers Music speaks from heart to heart.” philosophy into his music up until now. and popular film scores. Born in Turin, Italy on 23 November “I’ve always been told that there’s a “Well, I started to feel that the clas- 1955, Ludovico Einaudi started his musi- bit of difficulty in defining and labeling sical environment didn’t like what I was cal journey by composing for folk guitar my music. The quality of the music I doing, but I keep saying that the great » Dossier Page 49 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY composers of the past, like Mozart, you meet something different from breen Glacier slowly melting in the didn’t confine themselves in a box. Mo- yours is the moment you discover; it’s a background, ‘The Elegy for the Arctic’ zart’s opera, The Magic Flute, constantly new experience.” was composed to draw attention to cli- interacts with different styles and lan- For Einaudi, creating music is like vis- mate change. guages and this is why I think his mu- iting new places, having new experienc- “I like that this track is connected sic was great, because it encompasses es, and opening yourself up to adven- with the theme of environment, which many of his interests.” ture and risk. is important to everybody. We all “It is important to keep your mind But did he know the risk he was tak- should realize that the planet is warm- open, eyes open, ears open while com- ing would actually end up in his favor? “I ing up. That by 2050 there will be posing music and sharing it with the didn’t do any calculations about where more plastic than fish in the oceans. people,” he says. “It is a risk [to mix the future of my career would take The video has million viewers on You- different genres of music] in the sense me. I have always just followed where Tube. The commission did not react that there are people who won’t like it, my passion leads. It was a matter of positively, but the important thing is but I have been following my vision, I luck that my passion aligned itself with that more and more people are be- trust my heart.” something that a lot of people like.” coming aware of the issue.” Einaudi was once invited to be the di- Speaking about the upcoming shows “Every time I play the solo parts dur- rector of La Notte della Taranta festival, in Tehran, he said that his set list in- ing a performance, I play something dif- in Salento in southern Italy, and the set cludes tracks from his latest album Ele- ferent based on the vibes I get from the he created expanded to include music ments, as well as film scores from The place, and I give back the vibes to the from North Africa and Turkey. Intouchables, such as Una mattina and audience as a gift,” Einaudi says, noting “I like the fact that I can travel Fly. “I will play a repertoire of the mu- that the improvisation is connected to somewhere, hear something that I re- sic I have been composing in the last 20 the feeling that he gets from the atmos- ally like, and then incorporate it into years. So it’s like a portrait of my music. phere. my own music. Maybe I even do a pro- It is a good set list to present myself in a The award-winning composer will go ject with Iranian musicians in the fu- new place.” on stage at the Interior Ministry Hall on ture,” he says. Einaudi said that he would also per- April 25, 26 and 27. His band includes “I think what makes music interesting form ‘The Elegy for the Arctic’, the track Redi Hasa on cello, Federico Mecozzi on is the moment all these different genres he played in the Arctic Ocean in Sval- violin, Francesco Arcuri on guitar, Riccar- and sounds meet with one another and bard, Norway for Greenpeace. Sitting do Laganà on percussions, and Alberto start a dialogue,” he says. “The moment at a grand piano with the Wahlenberg- Fabris on bass.

Ludovico Einaudi playing ‘Elegy for the Arctic’, June 16, 2016 Dossier Page 50 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Franco Nero: The Golden Age is over

Interview by: Marjohn Sheikhi

The legendary Italian actor Franco Nero says the golden age of the Italian cinema “will never return” and blames it on television and the damage it has done to people’s film-watching habits.

For many Iranians, he is better known as the title character in Django (1966), an Italian Spaghetti Western film direct- ed and co-written by Sergio Corbucci, in which Franco Nero plays his break- through role as a drifter riding into the middle of a border fray between Mexi- can bandits and the Ku Klux Klan. “I belong to Sean Connery’s James Bond era. He went on to act in many other films, but for many, he was still known as James Bond. The same thing happened to me. I’ve played in many gary, Britain, Canada and the US, but about the difference between working movies but it is Django, made on almost Iran was absent on the list. So the Fajr in Italy and working in the US. I said that no budget, that still holds a special place festival was a good opportunity to finally in the US, there are six big film studios, over the others,” he tells an enthusiastic come here.” such as Warner Bros., Paramount Pic- gathering of the press and fans at a Q&A He admits he isn’t much familiar with tures, Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century panel as part of the FIFF36 programs on the Iranian cinema. But he mentions Fox; and they decide to make a movie. Friday. that he is friends with Vittorio Storaro, The first thing they look for is the most He talks of Tarantino’s Django Un- the Italian cinematographer and three- popular star in Hollywood at the time. chained (2012) in which African Amer- time Oscar-winner for masterpieces Then they look for a best-seller to adapt icans replace the Mexicans as the such as Bernardo Bertolucci’s ‘Last into a screenplay or sometimes they go downtrodden and Nero had a cameo ap- Tango in Paris’ and Francis Ford Cop- for an original script. In 90% of cases, the pearance, and goes on to promise with pola’s ‘Apocalypse Now’, who worked director is chosen by the studio, and if 90% certainty that a new movie in the as a cinematographer on Majid Maji- the director comes into conflict with the franchise, named ‘Django Lives!’, will be di’s biopic ‘Muhammad, Messenger of cast, it is the director who gets kicked soon made in the future, with a screen- God’ in 2015. “It was a great film, and off the production. And the whole team play by John Sayles and Nero himself re- Storaro was very pleased with the pro- sticks to a strict, meticulous schedule prising the role. ject.” He says he has also seen works by that even includes the weather forecast. “I am an actor, director, producer, and Abbas Kiarostami and Asghar Farhadi, It is a real industry. a lucky man,” this is how Nero introduc- the two major Iranian filmmakers that “But in Italy, it’s a different story. es himself. He puts great emphasis on have made a noticeable impact on the First, there is a director who wants to ‘luck’ as a key factor in his international world’s cinema scene. make a film. He goes to a producer and exposure which, to this day, has land- Asked to comment on his experienc- the producer says let’s hear what you’ve ed him as many as 220 roles all across es in filming in different cinema indus- got. The director then turns into an ac- the world. “If I ever win an Oscar, I will tries he said, “The spaghetti that we tor as he plays out the script in order to dedicate it to all the great actors and ac- make in Italy is totally different from the move the producer so he would fund his tresses in the world who were not just ones made around the world,” he says. film. Then they look for an actor. They as lucky,” he says. “I believe in destiny. “The same is true about the cinema in think of Franco Nero but dismiss him as There’s an African proverb that says, you each country.” being too expensive. The director has to can wake up early in the morning, but Here, he shows off his acting skills round up his own team and they work your destiny has woken up 30 minutes and charismatic power of storytelling on their own sweet, leisure time. before you.” as he keeps the audience, who don’t “I told Johnny Carson that in Italy, all “I’ve never been to Tehran,” he says. even know Italian and have to wait for directors have low blood pressure. It’s “I’ve travelled to over 100 countries the Persian translations, captivated by very difficult for them to start work early across the world, including Sweden, anecdotes. “A few years back, I was on in the morning, so they get to the loca- Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, Hun- Johnny Carson’s show, and he asked me tion rather late,” he finishes his tale with » Dossier Page 51 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

taste for television and the change it has made on people’s film-watching habits. “You can no longer make a film with- out first obtaining broadcasting rights from the television. In the past, there was a producer, but now there are a handful of employees on various TV net- works who read the script and have the final say on it. They’d say, ‘ahh this scene can’t be shown on TV at 8:30 PM, so we have it to cut it out.’ So the filmmaker is castrated and can’t create the content he wants.” “Unfortunately, television ruined cinema. And I’m going to tell you why: When you go to the cinema, you have made a conscious choice to watch a movie. You pay for the ticket, watch the Nero’s Q&A panel at Charsou Cineplex, 20 April 2018 movie in silence and in the dark, and de- a friendly jibe at the notorious Italian notable figures of this era who filmed cide at the end if you liked it or not. On tardiness. Well, that part of the story we on location to reflect the ‘real Italy’ on TV, during the primetime between 8:30 could totally relate. Iranians are guilty of the screen. The movement died out in to 10 PM, this is how a movie is watched: the same crime, after all. Italy by mid-1950s, but it went on to while on the phone, eating dinner, burp- He says Spencer Tracy was his role influence cinematic trends around the ing and farting, and all the while the model in acting when he was younger. world. You can perhaps even see the im- movie is rolling. They pay no respect for “But a couple of years later, I had the pacts of that Italian brand of neorealism the efforts put into the film. One of my chance to work with one of the greatest in Asghar Farhadi’s works, where you dearest friends Fernando Rey, who was stars in the world, Laurence Olivier. One barely register that you are watching a a great Spanish actor, told me once that day he told me that I reminded him of film and not, in fact, looking through a his Don Quixote had 15 million viewers. his younger self. You have the physique window at someone’s actual life. I told him, no way. Perhaps 200,000 at for always playing the hero, he told I ask Franco Nero if he believes that the most, who had really watched the series me, the way Americans do. Americans golden era of Italian cinema is well over with full attention. The rest just watched always want to be the hero of a story and done with, or if another revival is on bits and pieces. I ran the same test in where the Europeans are the losers. But the horizon, which can leave as great an Italy. Someone said, ‘hey Franco, I saw you have to play in one film in a year and impact on the global cinematic trends as you on TV last night.’ I said, oh really? make sure that the movie is really going the Italian neorealism once did. What was the story about? He said he to sell. But that’s monotonous, Franco. He answers with a resonating, ‘No.’ just watched a part of it when he was So be an actor. Take risks. This way, your “The 50s, 60s and 70s were the shin- having dinner.” path will go through ups and downs, but ing periods of Italian cinema. Many “The only benefit that the TV can in the long-run, you will reap the ben- great American filmmakers said that have is that if you missed the chance efits of your hard work. And I took his they have been influenced by that era. to watch a film in the cinema, you can advice.” That age will never return.” watch it a few months later on televi- “I think I am the only actor in the Why, though? “Because now there is sion. Unfortunately, the good movies world, and I say this with much pride, television.” are only shown on TV very late at night,” to have taken on personages from 30 He seems to hold a particular dis- he laments. different nations. Obviously, it has been a great risk, but a pleasant one nonethe- less,” he adds. The Italian cinema is best known for its ‘Golden Age’ of the 1940s, the post- war neorealism characterized by stories about the poor and the working class, usually casting non-professional actors to deal with themes of everyday life and difficult economic conditions, in clear opposition to the Hollywood-influenced productions of the Fascist years. Rossel- lini, Luchino Visconti, Giuseppe De San- tis, Vittorio De Sica and Carlo Lizzani are For many Iranians, Nero is still known as Django. Dossier Page 52 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Ludovico Einaudi promises surprises in upcoming Tehran shows Interview by: Marjohn Sheikhi

Critically-acclaimed composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi told Mehr News that he will perform a few ‘surprising’ tracks for the Iranian audience during his shows on 25-27 April in Tehran.

The experimental Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi told Mehr News cor- respondent on Saturday that he is “very excited” and “curious” about his upcom- ing performance in Tehran, which comes in the wake of years of studies he has done on the country; “finally, I can make my first trip to Iran and I am hoping that the trip would present me with a special sic and I hope that they will be able to a chance to perform for my Iranian opportunity to get a better and closer appeal to the senses of the Iranian audi- fans.” understanding of the life style and cul- ence,” he added. “I believe that music is an amazing ture of the Iranian people,” he said. The Bafta-nominated Italian pianist, way for connecting with various peo- “The setlist that I am going to perform who is better known for his film scores ple and cultures across the world, and together with my ensemble in Tehran for ‘This is England’, ‘I’m Still Here’, it does not need any more explanation,” includes pieces that I have composed in and ‘Doctor Zhivago’, was pleased to he said. the last 20 years,” he said. “Some of the learn about his rather large fanbase Einaudi is scheduled for three shows tracks will be performed as piano solos in Iran; “In the past few days getting at the Ministry of Interior Hall in Tehran and the rest will be performed with my ready for my trip to Iran, I have heard on April 25, 26 and 27. His upcoming ensemble.” from friends that I have a lot of fans concert follows the unprecedented per- “I believe that the tracks selected for in that country, and I know that they formances of Icelandic composer Ólafur my Tehran performance will be a good are looking forward to the concert, so Arnalds and German electronic band indicator of my personality and my mu- I am really excited and happy to have Schiller on the Iranian stage.

Freedom of expression is key, says filmmaker Jörn Donner in Tehran Interview by: Marjohn Sheikhi ducer, politician, and founder of Finnish he says, was his chance meeting with Film Archive, Jörn Johan Donner, has the Fajr International Film Festival Direc- Jörn Donner, the producer of Ingmar given up filmmaking because he got tor Reza Mirkarimi in Moscow. The both Bergman’s ‘Fanny and Alexander’, says tired of “influencing the money people” of them were part of a jury panel at the in a presser in Tehran that the basis to sponsor his films. “If there’s money 39th Moscow International Film Festival for all artistic mediums is the freedom coming, I can make a film next year,” he in 2017. Naturally, Mirkarimi invited him of expression, hoping that the up-and- jokes with his trademark deadpan ex- to be a special guest at this year’s Fajr coming Iranian filmmakers will be able pression; but until then, as the author of festival. Donner, ever so graciously, ac- to enjoy freedom of expression in their 55 books to date, he will mostly focus on cepted. productions. his writing. He is best known for his collabora- 43 years have passed since the tion as a producer in Ingmar Bergman’s At 85 years of age, Swedish-speaking last time Donner was in Tehran. What films such as “Fanny and Alexander”. Finnish writer, film director, actor, pro- brought him back after all these years, During a workshop on Thursday, Donner » Dossier Page 53 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Jörn Donner and Ingmar Bergman announcing the Fanny & ipation in the future.” Alexander project in the 1980s As a filmmaker dabbling in politics, Donner calls himself a ‘dissentient’. “I have shown in my documentaries that I am very critical of the present politics in Finland,” he says. “I have a complete- ly different opinion than of our present government, and I will continue to be a critic and no one can ever stop me from creating the content I want.” He admits that he knows too little of the Iranian cinema (he is later gifted a complete collection of works by notable Iranian filmmakers Asghar Farhadi and Abbas Kiarostami, as a crash course), but he is aware of the rather wide cul- tural gap between Iran and Scandinavia. He is quick to add that despite the dif- ferences in culture, which sometimes makes it difficult to find a common lan- guage between nations, the films con- tinue to deal with the eternal questions of life and death and love. While he is on the subject of universal themes shared across different cultures, I ask him if he believes that the film in- dustry in Scandinavia, in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience by detouring around cultural differences, is shifting away from artistic values toward Holly- wood commercialism. “I personally think that films made by a particular nation tend to encompass the experiences of that nation. So, the Scandinavian and Northern cinema will continue to be based on those experi- ences, but still, good filmmakers, like In- gmar Bergman, are able to eliminate the borders between people by doing films screened his documentary movie about at Charsou Cineplex in downtown Teh- that are considered just as important Bergman’s life in celebration of Ingmar’s ran. “And I knew I could trust Bergman outside the national borders. The best centenary of his birth in 1918. “Berg- in keeping within the timetable and the films are the ones which can close the man was a film maker with a Swedish budget as he was very particular about borders and be shown and understood mind. That does not mean he didn’t these things.” all across the world. Of course, that’s care about life and death, but his mind Donner makes a point to talk about not an easy thing to do.” always circled around social inequalities the share of women filmmakers in the Donner is very particular about the and questions about life,” he said about cinema industry. “As a reflection on Har- importance of “freedom of expression” the legendry Swedish auteur during the vey Weinstein’s scandal in the United in filmmaking; “You have to remember workshop that introduced the partici- States, there has been a very aggressive that the basis for all artistic mediums is pating young Iranian filmmakers to the movement in Scandinavia to have more the freedom of expression,” he says. “It roles, tasks and obstacles faced by film equal opportunities for women direct- is just as important to make a film about makers and producers. ing films or working as cinematogra- the Iranians as it is to make films that “While working with Bergman as a phers. I have produced quite a number concern Scandinavian people. I hope producer, I never messed up with the of films directed by women in Sweden that the up-and-coming filmmakers of content of what he was directing. The and Finland, but what I hope for is for Iran will be able to continue the tradi- only thing that concerned me was the the share to rise. Currently, 90 percent tion of open-minded filmmaking and en- schedule and the money,” Donner says of movies are directed by men, which joy the required freedom of expression at the presser held on Friday morning necessitates much more female partic- in their creation.” Dossier Page 54 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY 2018 Fajr Intl. Film Festival roundup: Stronger than ever

By: Marjohn Sheikhi public transportation but heavy traffic Nordic landscapes and a deeply-rooted if you chose to drive your car, was per- rural culture, one could say there is a Iran’s largest annual film event and haps more vibrant than ever, not only certain love among the FIFF juries for the longest running in the Middle East in terms of movies high in quality and films about the distant lands that do not wrapped up on Fri. after running for number, but also in terms of the spe- usually get a chance to be presented to 9 days. This year’s festival was abuzz cial guests attending the event, such as a wider audience. The conflicts in ‘Aga’ with more energy and activity in the legendry Italian actor Franco Nero and are subtle, sneaking upon the characters presence of Italian actor Franco Nero distinguished American filmmaker Oli- as unobtrusively as they do upon the and American director Oliver Stone. ver Stone. audience; the dialogues are scarce and The awards ceremony held Thursday at times disjointed; but the cinematog- Running for 36 consecutive years, night at Vahdat Hall of Tehran saw ‘Aga’ raphy is gorgeous, and message is clear: Fajr International Film Festival is Iran’s directed by Milko Lazarov snatching the the environment is in dire danger. largest annual film event and the long- festival’s top prize in the main competi- Dovlatov (2018), a co-production of est running of its kind in the Middle tion section. Russia, Poland and Serbia and directed East. For three years now, Fajr festival A joint production of Bulgaria, - Ger by Alexey German Jr., was the winner of has been holding its national and in- many and France, ‘Aga’ paints a melan- the festival’s Critics’ Choice Awards. It is ternational sections separately. The cholic picture of the isolated and self-suf- a Russian biographical film about a few international event this year screened ficient life of an old Inuit couple living days in the life of writer Sergei Dovlatov over 100 films from all across the world in the Russian republic of Sakha, des- (Serb actor Milan Marić) in 1971 Len- during 9 days of intensive, back-to-back perately trying to hang onto the dying ingrad, on the eve of the emigration of programs which also included work- culture of hunting in the vast, snow-cov- his friend, the future Nobel laureate Jo- shops, press conferences, exhibitions, a ered ground against the ticking time seph Brodsky (Artur Beschastny). It may talent campus and a film market. of global warming and the destruction be long-winded and the references lost The 36th edition, running from 19- caused by modern lifestyle. on an audience uninformed about the 27 April in Charsou Cineplex as the Remembering the grand prix winner Russian literary circles at the time, and main venue and Felestin Cinema both in 2015, Icelandic feature ‘Rams’ by Gri- especially with Dovlatov himself, whose in downtown Tehran with easy access mur Hakonarson, and its particular fo- popularity may not have extended well to the subway and other means of cus on bringing to life the breathtaking beyond the national borders, but the » Dossier Page 55 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY film offers a clear, at times satirical- out has a story, and when we are dead that in Django (1966), an Italian Spaghetti look of struggling writers and artists story is lost too,” Rithy Panh added. Western film directed and co-written by who refuse to conform. Member of Jury Mohammad Ali Sergio Corbucci, in which Franco Nero The Mohammad Al Ameen Award Bashe Ahangar described the judging plays his breakthrough role as a drifter went to acclaimed Iranian filmmak- process as consisting of viewing, dis- riding into the middle of a border fray er Majid Majidi whose ‘Beyond the cussing, voting, and awarding; “FIFF is between Mexican bandits and the Ku Clouds’ opened the FIFF36. An India-set no lesser than its counterparts in the Klux Klan. melodrama, Majidi’s flick paints a tex- West. In fact, in some cases it is even bet- Attending a Q&A panel on April 20, ture-rich picture of humanity at its best ter,” Ahangar said, while noting the Tal- Nero introduced himself as a ‘lucky’ and its worst. ent Campus workshops, feature-length, man who has taken on personages from While presenting the award, Culture short and documentary movies of all 30 different nations; “Obviously, it has Minister Salehi noted that Iran is recog- genres, and serval other sections like been a great risk, but a pleasant one nized in the world by its culture, poetry the Film Market and Digital Content nonetheless,” he said. and art; “True, there are many who are Market, each adding a different color to “Unfortunately, television ruined cin- trying to show a distorted image from the vibrancy of this year’s festival. ema,” Nero lamented about the long Iran, but there are also many others like Personal tastes sometimes get in the passed golden era of the Italian cinema. Iranian poets, artists and filmmakers who are making every effort to show the real image of Iran to the world; the way it was, is and must be,” he said. The Peace Award, the first of its kind at FIFF, went to Cambodian writer-direc- tor Rithy Panh whose co-production of documentary film ‘First They Killed My Father’ (2017) by Angelina Jolie was se- lected as the Cambodian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film for the 90th Academy Awards. The film focuses on the aftermath of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. “I suffered a lot because of the bitter events of my past,” Rithy Panh explained his reason for becoming a filmmaker in a country where art had no place. “I could have done music and painting to alle- viate my psychological sufferings, but way of judging, but for Ahangar, the de- “Cinema is like a big city, where dif- went for filmmaking instead, because ciding factor to choose a particular film ferent citizens live. Cinema means free- there were no pictures showing the as the winner is the attention given to dom, and there will be cinema as long as crimes committed against humanity by the techniques used in a film’s struc- there is freedom,” he added. the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. I had all ture, directing, cinematography, and the On April 24, Fajr hosted a workshop the images recorded in my head but not overall production design. on acting with French actor Jean-Pierre on reels. I had to picture those things ei- French director Olivier Megaton, best Leaud, a significant figure of the French ther as a drama or documentary, and I known in Iran by his action movies ‘Tak- New Wave, best known for playing An- had to make it. It was a tough time for en 2’, ‘Taken 3’, and ‘Transporter 3’, was toine Doinel in François Truffaut’s series me to once again rerun those terrible a special guest at the festival; “I love of films about that character, begin- scenes and I had no intention to make the tone,” he said of his experience at ning with ‘The 400 Blows’ (1959). He my viewers suffer with me either.” Fajr. “Because it’s like International Is- expressed joy for seeing his film ‘The The Fajr Peace Award aims to raise tanbul Film Festival or Mexico Interna- Rise and Fall of a Small Film Company’ awareness for the social relevance of tional Film Festival, where everything screened at Fajr and urged his students films, and to make use of the influence is organic. In fact, I don’t like the tones not to lose their enthusiasm for world of movies and documentaries on the in so many festivals. When you arrive in cinema. perception and resolution of social, po- Tehran, it is super organic even if it is a “The cinema of Iran enjoys interna- litical and humanitarian challenges on little too polluted for me, but everything tional recognition, especially this year the international scale. in the streets is all human. Even the old with good films in the Cannes Film “We usually end up with numbers in building from several decades ago, they Festival, and this is all thanks to young massacre. We do not talk about humans have souls and have their own stories.” filmmakers of Iranian cinema; some like and their stories. While it was natural Other notable guest was Italian leg- Asghar Farhadi whose films I like very for me to tell the story of these people end Franco Nero, who is, for many Irani- much and are among the best films I as a survivor of this genocide. Each of us ans, better known as the title character have ever seen,” he said. » Dossier Page 56 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

On April 25, 2018 FIFF host- ria and director Irakli Bagaturia ed a music composing mas- were the main panelists, who ter class with A. R. Rahman in discussed the cinema of Georgia Charsou Cineplex. Rahman is a notable for its cinematography two-time winner of the Acade- and simple storytelling. They my Awards and five-time nomi- also talked about the industry nee of the Academy Awards. He and how the fall of the USSR, also scored for Majid Majidi’s civil war and unrest threatened Muhammad, The Messenger Georgia’s proud cinematic tradi- of God (2015), and Beyond the tion. Clouds as his second collabora- According to FIFF director tion with the Iranian filmmaker. Reza Mirkarimi, this year, there On ‘Mohammad, The Mes- were 1690 film submissions senger of God’, Rahman said, and 120 were selected from 54 “Majidi wanted his music to be countries and regions to com- a character, otherwise silence pete in various categories. 29 would have prevailed. His view films, including 20 foreign and was that music is the angle of 9 Iranian ones, were enjoying God’s sight towards His serv- their premieres at Fajr festival. opportunities for attending producers, ants.” 25,000 students attended The 7th distributors, exhibitors and sales agents Later that day, Italian composer Nico- Hour program, designed for younger of films and TV programs with Iranian la Piovani performed a classical music audience; 47 international distributing filmmakers. According to the IFM man- concert at Vahdat Hall following a mas- companies took part at the Film Market ager, animated films were a great hit ter class entitled ‘Italian Music’ attend- in 42 pavilions; 300 A-list guests from 78 with international distributors this year; ed by Fajr Club members who met with countries were present; and a new cate- the reason for which he attributed to the instructor to get a feel for his teach- gory was added under the name of First the fact that animated movies play well ing style and skills. Film Award. The award in this category overseas and have a much wider appeal Iranian government officials, 200 went to Dressage by Iranian filmmaker than the sequels and niche movies; “But guests from Italian embassy in Tehran, Pooya Badkoobeh (Iran). maybe more importantly, this year’s university scholars and a number of Missing from this year’s festival was crop of animation production compa- filmmakers whose movies were compet- the “Shadows of Horror” category, ded- nies did well because they are using ing attended the one-off musical con- icated to the screening of horror films more advanced techniques and practic- cert. at midnight throughout the event. Last es,” he added. “Music is dangerous, that’s what year saw the screening of ‘Train to Bu- Short animated piece ‘Mr. Deer’ by Fellini would say. He was afraid of mu- san’ from South Korea, ‘The Darkness’ Mojtaba Mousavi received a Special sic because it made him excited,” the from France, ‘The Bride’ from Russia, Mention at FIFF36. ‘Mr. Deer’ utilizes Academy Award winner Nicola Piovani and ‘Zar’ from Iran, which was a success- the puppet technique to narrate a sto- said before performing a piece in the ful production in a genre that has been ry set in an unknown time, in a ruined memory of the great Italian filmmaker long neglected in the Iranian cinema. subway station which is similar to those Federico Fellini. According to Mirkarimi, since its in- in modern European societies. People in But perhaps the most exciting at- ception, the festival has been and still is this society have animal faces and have tendance at this year’s Fajr belonged dedicated to promoting Iranian cinema forgotten humanity. to distinguished American director, and culture, discovering and cultivating Elsewhere in his remarks, Yadegari screenwriter and producer Oliver Stone, new talent, and has contributed to the talked about co-productions, noting a whose press conference on April 25 careers of countless Iranian and interna- deal between Iranian and French com- draw a lot of attention from Iranian and tional filmmakers. panies for production of documentary foreign media and press. Mirkarimi stressed that FIFF is series, as well as animated movies. Ira- Being as much of an artistic filmmak- strengthening its collaboration with the nian companies also inked 5 MoUs with er as a political commentator, it was no Film Market and aims to contribute to Germany’ international news channel surprise that the press conference geared the development and expansion of Ira- Deutsche Welle to produce five animat- toward Oliver Stone’s remarks on Trump, nian cinema not just as a culture but as ed movies. Similarly, the IRIB sealed a French President Macron, US wars in the an industry and identity. deal to produce a documentary film Middle East, and Iran nuclear deal. “The Fajr Film Festival exists to pro- with Deutsche Welle, according to the “We make a mess and call it peace,” vide a time and place to share in the IFM manager. he said, while describing the United allure and delights of Iranian cinema, Fajr also hosted Cinema of Georgia States is a global “outlaw”. aims to program a rich and diverse line- Panel, with A-list actors, actresses, and The Iranian Film Market (IFM) is one up each and every year, and aspires to filmmakers from the country in attend- of the main sections of FIFF, which pro- create a festive event with regional and ance. Georgian actress Salome Demu- vides exclusive meetings and exchange international appeal,” he added. Dossier Page 57 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ‘There is no exit’, Oliver Stone slams US foreign policy in ME

this time to do a film on an Iranian pol- itician, and dismissed rumors about his asking Ahmadinejad, the then Iranian president, for an interview in 2007. “Be- lieve me, I’m much less ambitious than that,” he said. He called Saudi Arabia out on being one of the major destabilizer in the Mid- dle East, describing the Saudi regime measures in the region as ‘creative de- struction’ – a term he also uses for the US’ foreign policy in the region; “We make a mess and call it peace,” he says, while describing the United States is a global “outlaw”. “We are outlaws, we’re doing some- thing that is outlawed internationally, we had no permission to invade Iraq from the UN, we did it, and we continue By: Marjohn Sheikhi me being in touch with the real world”, to do this.” he says about his passion for making “We made a mess out of Iraq, Syria, Distinguished American director documentaries on political figures. So, Libya, but it doesn’t matter to the Amer- Oliver Stone, while visiting Iran, drew it was no wonder that the press confer- ican public. It’s OK to wreck the Middle attention to the ‘creative destructive’ ence on Wednesday held among a large East,” Stone said. “It doesn’t matter who foreign policy of the US in the Middle gathering of Iranian and foreign press at is president — Bush, Obama or Trump, East, aimed at bringing US more profits. Charsou Cineplex in Tehran, geared to- the US will break any treaty.” ward Oliver Stone’s remarks on Trump, Stone later likened Donald Trump to The 36th Fajr International Film Fes- French President Macron, US wars in the Beelzebub, the biblical devil, and high- tival posed a good opportunity to have Middle East, and Iran nuclear deal. lighted the US involvement in various distinguished American director, screen- “In 2003, George W. Bush invaded proxy wars in the Middle East. writer and producer, three-times Oscar Iraq, which we know was a disaster,” Stone also criticized French President winner, Oliver Stone, right here in Teh- Stone said while talking about ‘W.’ Emanuel Macron for joining Trump on ran. and how he tried to deal with Amer- his stance against the 2015 Iran nucle- Stone is best known for the hit films ica’s foreign policy regarding the Mid- ar deal. He called Macron a “young man ‘Platoon’, ‘Scarface’, ‘Born on the Fourth dle East in his ‘satirical’ production. who doesn’t have much of a sense of of July’ and ‘Natural Born Killers’. He is “There is a very important scene in history or memory of the great tradi- also known for his films on political fig- that movie where the national securi- tions of France”, saying that by standing ures, such as ‘JFK’ (1991), a polarizing ty and the goals of the United States alongside Trump, Macron is trying to investigation of the circumstances- sur are discussed. Dick Cheney (played show a sign of ‘French power’, the same rounding the assassination of President by Richard Dreyfuss) points at a map way as former French President Nicolas John F. Kennedy, ‘W.’ (2008), based on in the situation room, and it shows Sarkozy did. the life and presidency of George W. the Middle East. Cheney is a ruthless “This is a return to the colonialism Bush, ‘Comandante’ (2003), about Cu- authoritarian and a believer in the and imperialism of the old France,” ban dictator Fidel Castro, and ‘South of American empire. He talks about our Stone stressed that Macron needs to the Border’ (2009), which focused on goals around the world, the prize – learn not to become an imperialist. several other left-wing leaders, notably oil, money, resources – is in Eurasia, The 36th Fajr Film Festival will wrap Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. and he points right at [Iraq] and says, up on Friday after running for 9 days and He is as much of an artistic filmmaker ‘we’re going to Baghdad. Real men go screening over 100 films from across (as proved by his ‘Any Given Sunday’ – a to Baghdad’. Then someone says, ‘and the world. Other notable guests at this 1999 sports drama film about a fictional what is your exit strategy, sir?’ and year’s edition included actors Franco professional American football team) as Cheney says, ‘there is no exit.’” Nero and Jean-Pierre Leaud and Italian he is a political commentator – “It helps He mentioned that he has no plans at composer Nicola Piovani. Dossier Page 58 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Oliver Stone raps Macron for joining Trump in calling for N-deal revision

By: Marjohn Sheikhi

Influential American director Oliver Stone at a presser Wed. in Tehran said he could not believe that French President Macron had joined voices with US President Trump on calling for a revision on Iran nuclear deal.

During a press conference at 36th Fajr International Film Fes- tival on Wed. in Tehran, distinguished American director, screen- writer and producer, who has been invited to the FIFF as a special guest, made a request to address the AFP correspondent present at the conference to talk about his impression of French Presi- dent Emanuel Macron’s position on Iran nuclear deal. to withdraw from the deal. “Back at my hotel room, I saw on television your President Oliver Stone went on to praise the foreign policy of former Macron standing alongside President Trump, calling for a re- French President Jacques Chirac, which marks a great contrast vision on Iran nuclear deal. I couldn’t believe it,” Oliver Stone with the position of the current French president. said among a large gathering of Iranian and foreign press at “I remember very well, with great pride, when President the FIFF’s main venue, Charsou Cineplex, in downtown Tehran. Chirac said no to President Bush when he wanted to invade The three-times Oscar winner was referring to remarks Iraq. And now to see this young man who doesn’t have much made by Macron and Trump at a joint press conference at the of a sense of history or memory of the great traditions of White House on Tuesday. The two presidents hinted at a new France…we have to remember that Mr. Macron, much the agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. same way as Mr. Sarközy, seems to want to stand alongside Macron’s visit comes ahead of a May 12 deadline for Trump America as a sign of ‘French power’.” to decide whether to extend waivers of economic sanctions “This is a return to the colonialism and imperialism of the old on Iran, a US commitment under the agreement. Trump has France,” Stone warned. “France has to learn it can’t be an imperi- been aggressively railing against the Iran nuclear deal, calling alist anymore. Mr. Macron has to learn not to be an imperialist.” it “worst deal ever”. “They will have bigger problems than “For me, to see him join Mr. Trump in his declaration is very they ever had before,” Trump threatened Tehran at the press- depressing,” he said, adding that he will always remember er should it resume its nuclear program if Washington decided “the better side of France” with Mr. Chirac. Dossier Page 59 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ‘Beyond the Clouds’: A picture of humanity at its best and at its worst

By: Marjohn Sheikhi minutes left to the screening, with some as Amir), and the Best Editing Award having already booked their tickets on- for Hassan Hassandoost. Majidi’s lat- ‘Beyond the Clouds’ by Iranian line, and some hoping to be let in with- est flick was also screened at the 29th filmmaker Majid Majidi raised the out a ticket; which they did, as long as Palm Springs International Film Festival curtain at 36th Fajr International there were still free seats left for them, in California in January, before it finally Film Festival on April 18. An India-set and this is one of the main reasons why arrived at the gates of the Iranian movie melodrama, Majidi’s flick paints a I love the Fajr festival time – in the case theaters. texture-rich picture of humanity at its of international film festival and theater An ambitious project to be sure, but best and its worst. festival at least – when the focus shifts perhaps not as much as his previous away from making money to getting production – a religious biopic on the The 36th edition of Fajr Internation- as many people as possible to watch Prophet of Islam, “Muhammad: The al Film Festival opened Wed. night with the festival’s carefully-handpicked pro- Messenger of God,” also premiering at the festival director Reza Mirkarimi cut- grams. and opening the 2015 FIFF – Majidi’s ting into a cake in celebration of the While FIFF’s priority is for films enjoy- Indian-set melodrama feature is set to 120th anniversary of the Iranian Cine- ing their world or at least international premiere on April 20 in 34 territories ma, followed by the national premiere premiere, ‘Beyond the Clouds’ raised across the world, including the Persian of Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s dra- the curtain at the prestigious festival Gulf region, the United States, Canada, ma ‘Beyond the Clouds’. after its screening at the 48th Interna- Pakistan, Singapore, among others. Although the screening was set at 9 tional Film Festival of India in Goain ‘Beyond the Clouds’ follows the story PM on the last working day, the number Nov. 2017, followed by its participation of a brother and sister – Amir and Tara of people who showed up at Felestin at Istanbul’s Fifth International Bospho- (played by Malavika Mohanan) – who Cinema in downtown Tehran was stag- rus Film Festival, where it won the Best were estranged after one calamity only geringly high. The ticket line outside was Fiction award, the Best Actor award for to be reunited years later after another. at least 30-people long with only five Ishaan Khattar (enjoying his debut role As a drug-dealer, Amir is leading a dan- Dossier Page 60 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY gerous life constantly dodging trouble in the underbelly of Mumbai. After a drug bust and evading the cops, Amir finds himself at the doorstep of Tara’s house, seeking shelter and redemption at the same time as venting years of pent-up frustration at his sister for remaining married to a man who would constantly beat them. The reunion is short-lived, however, as Tara’s altercation with her boss (Ak- shi), to whom she owes money for the place she is living in as well as being in- debted to him for his earlier cover for Amir, ends up with the man attempting to rape her and her striking him in the head with a brick in self-defense – a scene that employs Majidi’s favorite shadow-play technique for this film, amid the billowing bedsheets on the rooftop, and the splatter of blood red on the creamy-white cotton. The crisis is set early in the two-hour narrative, allowing Majidi enough time to delve freely in some cinematographic delights carried out with much splendor by Anil Mehta: The Thane creek with its flocks of flamingos, the Mumbai coasts and jam-packed ferries sailing across calm waters, the scene with Amir and Akshi’s two children drawing with pas- tels on the wall, but perhaps the most memorable and symbolic of which, the scene wrapping up Amir’s arc follow- ing him out of the hospital after he’s informed that Akshi has died after all, ting the characters through tests after keep sidetracking us. and he steps into the sun and people tests to see how well they will fare on For those interested in seeing Maji- are on the streets celebrating the Holi that spectrum. It is also an attempt to di’s latest film, ‘Beyond the Clouds’ will festival, by throwing colored powders at celebrate life in all the smallest details have three more screenings on April 20, each other, which fits nicely into Majidi’s that we take for granted in the face 21, and 23 at Charsou Cineplex. celebratory story of love, life and the tri- of bigger troubles. “Moon? What is Presided over by Iranian film writer umph of good versus evil. Moon?” becomes a harrowing real- and director Reza Mirkarimi, the 36th ‘Beyond the Clouds’ deals with the ization when the words are uttered edition of Fajr International Film Festival cliché, and in its earnest, naïve faith in by some five-year-old boy who has will be held in Tehran on April 19-27. the ultimate triumph of good versus lived all his life inside a prison and has Production: (India) A Zee Studios In- evil, it does not shy away from predict- never set foot outside. And when the ternational, Namah Pictures production. ability, the way Asghar Farhadi’s ‘The boy, together with Tara who has made (International sales: Zee Studios -Inter Salesman’ does with its convoluted nar- a close bond with after his mother’s national, Sydney.) rative of the same theme of women’s death, reach out their hands through Producers: Shareen Mantri Kedia, plights in a man-ruled society steeped the creak in the door to feel the wet- Kishor Arora. in aggression, injustice, and destitution. ness of the rain and wait for the sky to Director: Majid Majidi. Screen- Where Farhadi leaves the fate of his fe- clear up and the clouds to move away play: Majidi, Mehran Kashani. Camera male protagonist in ‘The Salesman’ up so they could see the moon and con- (color):Anil Mehta. Editor: Hassan Has- in the air as the camera shifts its focus to sequently leave the prison life behind, sandoost. Music: A.R. Rahman. the fate of her aggressor, Majidi is more it leaves the audience with an urge to Cast: Ishaan Khattar, Malavika Mo- resolute to give his own female lead the look up at the sky as they step out of hanan, Goutam Ghose, Dhwani Rajesh, kind of happy ending that she deserves. the movie theater and relish in the G.V. Sharada, Amruta Santosh Thakur, Majidi’s latest drama is about hu- smallest beauties that the world has Shivam Pujar. manity at its best and at its worst, put- to offer beside all the hardships that IMDB rating: 7.4/10 Page 61 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

6th International Conference Of independent Thinkers and Artists (New Horizon) Dossier

By: Lachin Rezaian Dossier Page 62 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY 6th Intl. New Horizon Conf. kicks off in Mashhad, focuses on JCPOA, al-Quds

2nd day of the 6th International its chairman Nader Talebzadeh elabo- States Donald Trump makes a statement Conference of Independent Thinkers rated that the conference hosts special about JCPOA and al-Quds. In fact, it is and Artists (New Horizon) kicked off guests this year, including well-known planned that these people will gath- in the capital city of Khorasan Razavi senior officials who have already been er here at this time. This is to say that province, Mashhad, today on Sunday. in the Pentagon, as well as those we some of the guests are veterans and have invited to attend the conference prominent people who wrote important The conference will host academics, for many years. books about the 9/11 and are experts in politicians, authors, journalists, -activ What we do in this event, he under- this field. ists, filmmakers, and media commenta- lined, is like being a helping hand to the The first edition of the International tors from around the world to discuss dif- Foreign Ministry, to help public diploma- New Horizon Independent Conference ferent viewpoints and show worldwide cy, launch a kind of soft war and provide was presented in 2012 along with a film solidarity with palestinian oppressed an opportunity for the guests to see festival centered on the related issues. people. each other in Tehran. New Horizon conference and festival The participants flocked to the three- Touching upon the time of this event, is aimed at providing a platform where day event from the UK, the United Talebzade said, “the time for this confer- independent thinkers can gather togeth- States, and several countries of Europe. ence was very important to us, because er, feature their films and engage in de- The conference chairman is Nad- Americans are coming to Tehran follow- bate and deliberation on various aspects er Talebzadeh who is an Iranian iconic ing the time President of the United of world and the reality of Hollywood. cultural figure, documentary filmmaker and director of controversial movie The Messiah (2007), and prestigious TV host. The theme of this year’s conference is “JERUSALEM/AL-QUDS, THE ETERNAL CAPITAL OF PALESTINE” which is organ- ized by New Horizon Secretariat, as well as Secretariat of 6th International Con- ference in Support of the Palestinian In- tifada, and is taking place on May 12th through the 18th – 2018. The event’s press conference was held on Sunday, 6 of May, during which Dossier Page 63 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY US embassy move ‘Netanyahu’s plot to destroy all Palestinian lands as his legacy’

Interview by: Lachin Rezaian Trump on the issue and honestly and openly talk about what else they can do David Lawley Walkelin, British to deconstruct the idea. documentary film maker and a peace Regarding the motivation behind the activist, said US embassy relocation to move, he said the relocation of embassy Jerusalem al-Quds was an idea totally was an idea totally based on Zionist desire based on Zionist desire to clear and to clear and destroy all of the Palestinians destroy all of the Palestinians and have and have the whole land for themselves; the whole land for themselves. that is exactly how Netanyahu sees it. He is pragmatic, he wants to leave the legacy US transferred its embassy to al-Quds of destroying all Palestinian lands for the because the Zionist lobby in the US is Zionism. “They are not interested in any- enormous, Walkelin said, adding that Expressing that President Rouhani thing less that the entire place belonging there are lots of banks and money they made a good decision on protecting to Israel,” he added. are bringing to the United States; Jew- the deal, he said “nuclear deal is a good Al-Quds has been in the entire history ish lobby in America is very powerful deal; the involved parties have worked a a holy city, it doesn’t belong to Jews. You indeed and they are always doing busi- lot on it and it has many advantages; for don’t make a holy city the capital of one ness inside the country; nobody cares Iran it is a good deal because Iran can religion, so the decision was nonsense about morals or family values, people’s still develop its ballistic missiles and oth- and the most provocative move Trump lives, love and peace and these things; er weapons.” could have done. they only care about how much mon- Walkelin underlined that “it is neces- US transferred its embassy to al- ey are in their pockets and how much sary for Iran to have the nuclear program, Quds because the Zionist lobby in pleasure they can have with that money. so JCPOA is a good idea to stay in it, es- the US is enormous; there are lots of David Lawley Walkelin visited Iran in pecially which it is the only deal we have; banks and the amount of money they mid-May to atted the 6th Internation- having a deal is better than no deal.” are bringing to the United States; Jew- al Conference of Independent Thinkers On the possibility of implementation ish lobby in America is very power- and Artists (New Horizon), where he sat and survival of JCPOA without US, he ful indeed and they are always doing with Mehr News correspondent Lachin said “it is a question for the future, you business inside the country; nobody Rezaian to discuss JCPOA and US embas- cannot tell it right now. We have to wait cares about morals or family values, sy move. what is going to happen to the deal in people’s lives, love and peace and Regarding the trust in European coun- the Congress and if they would vote for these things; they only care about tries to continue the implementation of the sanctions.” how much money are in their pockets JCPOA, he said “yes, Iran can trust in EU.” He stressed that Netanyahu is trying and how much pleasure they can have He said the issue now is the re-impo- to push Iran to take the first move; he with that money. sition of sanctions; US did not actually wants Iran to try to hit Israel so that he destroyed the deal, however, it just left can hit it back ten times bigger. He keeps David Lawley Wakelin is a the door a little bit open; Trump said he trying that. documentary film maker. His work wouldn’t certify the deal, which means Touching upon the relocation of includes “The Alternative Iraq Enquiry”, that somebody can take it back to the US embassy to Jerusalem al-Quds, he a documentary alleging that Tony Blair Congress in 60 days. And also due to the called Trump’s move again a dangerous is a war criminal. In May 2012, he pressure that Europe will give to Trump, one. “It is up to the Palestinians and interrupted the Leveson inquiry during maybe the US might change the decision. President Rouhani and other nations Tony Blair’s statement, alleging that Netanyahu wants European coun- who are supporting Palestine to step Blair had been paid off by the American tries to withdraw from Iran deal like in proving that al-Quds has been in bank JP Morgan Chase for agreeing to the US, too. In his eyes the deal is not the entire history a holy city, it doesn’t take the United Kingdom into the Iraq good, because after some years, Iran belong to Jews. You don’t make a holy war. Blair denied the charge. Lawley can start its nuclear program again city the capital of one religion, so the Wakelin was later fined £100 plus and they don’t want that because they decision was nonsense and the most costs. Speaking on the steps outside the believe, which is rubbish, Iran would provocative move Trump could have court afterwards, Mr Lawley-Wakelin use nuclear weapons against them. done which has been faced with the revealed he had received messages It is necessary for Iran to have the nu- protests in the rest of the world. “ of support from the Nobel Laureate clear program, so JCPOA is a good idea He said Mr. Rouhani must pay visit Mairead Maguire and Archbishop to stay in it. to other countries who do not support Desmond Tutu. Dossier Page 64 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump wants JCPOA ‘in a different colored folder, with different name’ Interview by Lachin Rezaian

A former US army psychological operation officer and counter-terrorism analyst Scott Bennett said Trump wants to put the JCPOA in a different colored folder and a color of his and not Obama’s.

Scott Bennett stressed Iran cannot put trust in E3 over JCPOA due to the close ties between US and Europe and their com- mon interests. Rejecting the possibility of war be- tween US and Iran, Bennett said American people would not allow war and probably impeach Donald Trump on it. On the role of Muslim countries in con- fronting against Trump’s decision on re- location of US embassy to Jerusalem, he noted that they should be unified to say pullout; but Iran can disengage that by di- And the same is true in Europe and Rus- if you are going to declare Eastern Jerusa- rect talks with US. sia, so there is always a chance but I think lem being Jewish then you have to declare Iranians are better say “Mr. Trump we with the internet and alternative media the other part of Jerusalem being Islamic. know your concerns about JCPOA, and we and international media like you, you are Following is the full text of Bennett’s are happy to talk about what you propose, doing wonderful service by allowing truth interview with Mehr News correspondent but nothing is going to change that we in people that hear and respect them; Lachin Rezaian: have already signed. We are not going to they can arm them with knowledge, and give any concession. You want to put the the conviction to stand up and influence Regarding the close ties between US JCPOA in a different colored folder and a the political parties. and Europe and their common interests, color of yours and not Obama’s? That’s can Iran put trust in E3 over JCPOA (as fine but nothing can change that is going How will Iran-Europe economic ties Iranian Leader has announced clearly on to damage our country, our culture, and suffer if the US resumes Iran sanctions? Wednesday that he does not trust them security of our people. It would be wise if Iran, Russia and Chi- either)? And I think Donald Trump may surprise na make deals with Europeans that gave No, obviously not. Iran would be fooled everyone by saying I agree, I just didn’t Europeans a sense of being treated better to lower its weapons or put itself in a po- want Obama’s name on it but my name and having a better deal than they would sition that would be harmed, like Libya on it. OK, it doesn’t matter who gets the with the US. US is essentially saying if you or Iraq. The JCPOA and Iranian-Ameri- name, what matters is that Iran is left don’t do, we are doing, we are going to can relationship has not been destroyed alone, the sanctions must be lifted; Iran is hurt you with sanctions. So a combined yet and it does have 60 days to re-evalu- allowed to be paid back the money that is economies of Russia, China, Iran and ate everything, the Iranian position now frozen and not be attacked or undermined whatever is needed to present alternative should be to engage with Donald Trump in by Israel or the US. So I think Russia needs economic deal to make the Europeans not dialogue, they need to communicate with to step in and play a part of the diplomat- want to side with US and of course pay- him. Because if they don’t communicate, ic conversation and I think Europe also ing attention that the European people do that is exactly what the Zionists want, needs to pay attention that the people of not want war. they want silence so they can cultivate US and Europe do not want another war, false flag attacks, more chemical attacks, there is no reason for war, other than to How do you evaluate Trump’s decision to blaming on Iranians, plotting destructive help the Zionists to destabilize the region. move embassy to Jerusalem? protests and engage in psychological war- But people in US, Russia, Europe, they do Trump’s decision to relocate US em- fare to get prepared for military activity not want war. Only Israel wants war. bassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was a like they did against Iraq and accusing Iran So I don’t think there is going to be war, great mistake because it insults all of the of chemical weapons and hyper-activating because American people would not allow other Muslims around the world that see a weapon system because of their JCPOA it and probably impeach Donald Trump. Jerusalem as a portion of their own part. » Dossier Page 65 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

The Christians own part of it, Jews own part of it and Muslims own part of it too. Because Rouhani at OIC meeting: they all have a historical lineage to Jerusalem which is true. So for Trump to declare a place New US administration, as the property of only one group is very foolish and no American will want it like that. America is a Jewish-Zionist country. There are Israeli occupation biggest Jewish Zionists who have influences on me- dia and lobbing groups that give them a lot of threat to world peace money. Trump is not politically sophisticated enough to know the full detrimental effects Iran’s president has said that the Israeli occupation is the biggest threat against it would have. the Islamic world, adding the new US administration is also the biggest threat for the world order, peace, and stability. Does embassy’s move to Jerusalem, is based on “give and take” policy between US and Hassan Rouhani made the remarks at the extraordinary summit of the Organ- Israel or based on US national interests? ization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on Friday. I think it is based on personal relationship At the start of his address to the OIC meeting, the Iranian president said “hold- that Trump has with Netanyahu because his ing Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation immedi- son-in-law Jared Kushner is Jewish so there ately after the Extraordinary Meeting of the Palestine Committee of the Parlia- is a sense of Jewishness there. He is been in mentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) in Tehran on May 14th this year New York and he was surrounded by Jews. contains the important message that the Islamic Ummah, like a single hand, is Trump is not Jewish but he has affiliations standing strongly against the greatest threat to the World of Islam, which is the and he ignorantly and naively has a sympathy occupation of the Palestinian land by the Zionists.” that leads them to make these choices that Rouhani then expressed hope “this (OIC) meeting, with cooperation and ca- have very negative effect and he is given back pability of Islamic countries, will lead to the adoption of practical solutions to end with money, hundreds of millions of dollars, this dangerous crisis and to immediately assist the oppressed Palestinian people, and made the choice to move the embassy especially the oppressed residents of Gaza.” for them. He underscored that criminal Zionists have challenged the global community before the tearful eyes of the world by trampling human dignity and belittling What Muslim countries can do to confront all values, adding “if the Zionist Regime is surrounded by developed, demo- Trump’s move to relocate US embassy? crat countries, facing with a united Ummah, it will never be able to continue its First of all, the Islamic countries should be crimes in such a relief.” unified to say if you are going to declare East- The Iranian president said that today, we are mourning the last act of the ern Jerusalem being Jewish then you have 70-year-old genocide against the innocent in Palestine. The criminal Zionists to declare the other part of Jerusalem being have challenged the global community before the tearful eyes of the world by Islamic, you have to give us equal right and trampling human dignity and belittling all values. While hundreds of thousands then if they don’t do that, they have to pro- of innocent people are deprived of the most basic human rights, the Zionist re- test internationally against Israel, boycott all gime is falsely introducing its own apartheid and ethnocentric system as democ- Israeli services until there is equal division for racy, calling its religious extremism secularism; what is more unfortunate is that the Jerusalem. some Western countries are justifying the invasions of the occupiers. Rouhani then lashed at the US move in relocating of his embassy to al-Quds, Dr. Scott Bennett, formerly of the US Army saying, “in these conditions, the government of the United States moved its em- 11th Psychological Operations Battalion, bassy to Bayt al-Maqdis. This arbitrary action which is contrary to international attempted to blow the whistle by contacting regulations gave the Zionist regime the go-ahead to commit another brutal kill- the commercially controlled media and ing. The White House has shown that it does not hesitate to destroy foundations writing to US politicians after being sacked and rules of international order, and goes to war against the right with forced. from his job as terrorist finance investigator Just days before the US embassy was transferred to Bayt al-Maqdis, the Presi- after he proved too zealous at the job. He also dent of the United States delivered another blow to international security and tried to expose Union Bank of Switzerland credibility of the international community and withdrew from a multilateral nu- for financing terrorism (Al Qaeda, Benghazi, clear agreement that had been approved by the UN Security Council. The move, ISIL) through the US and Allies, Saudi, Qatar, in pursuit of a unilateral withdrawal from some of the other important inter- Turkey, Israel back in 2012; then thrown in national agreements, has shown that the new US government is a dangerous prison for it. Bennett had a background in threat to the global legal system and world peace and security.” advertising, before being fast tracked into “But on the other hand, the popular resistance in Black Monday showed that the US military PSYOPS division, receiving a the new and young Palestinian generation is aware of its rights; that it does not Direct Commission as an Officer, and held intend to stop it or make a trade it in; that it is possible to reveal the violent face a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized of the usurper and show the moments of perseverance of believers at the early Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. Islam to the world. Palestine has shown that it deserves peace and full respect for its legitimate rights,” Iran’s president continued. Dossier Page 66 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Former CIA officer: Trump’s Quds (Jerusalem) move to fulfill campaign promise to Jewish donors

Interview by Lachin Rezaian

Former counter-terrorism specialist and military intelligence officer of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Philip Giraldi said Donald Trump fulfills a promise to very wealthy Jewish contributors to his campaign, adding Benjamin Netanyahu wanted it and Trump is seen as someone who listens to Netanyahu.

Giraldi stressed that Israelis would like a war in the region, noting that Israelis may attack Iranian sites in Syria hoping to draw reactions and response of Iran because they are sure if this happens the and china too. So they have the possibility contributors and they are expected to be United States will get involved and will of doing this and they at least can break big contributors in the elections coming take Israel’s side. the US politically and very sharply. And I so Donald trump to respond to them he Following is the full text of Philip Gi- am not sure they are prepared to do that. also he did it because Benjamin Netanya- raldi’s interview with Mehr News corre- Again as I said this is a developing situa- hu of Israel wanted it and Trump is seen as spondent Lachin Rezaian, on the sidelines tion I think you will know that in a week or someone who listens to Netanyahu. of the last day of the 6th International at most in a month. Conference of Independent Thinkers and What do you think about the role of Artists (New Horizon): So you think JCPOA can survive without Saudi Arabia in provoking US to make the US? decision? How do you evaluate the possibility of In a form I think JCPOA can continue. It Saudi Arabia certainly was in the deci- war in the region after US JCPOA pullout? depends on what the US decides to do if sion but I think they played major role. I Well, that’s a complicated question. I the Germans, or the British, or the French think even for Saudis Jerusalem is a holy think the Israelis would like a war in the decide to trade with Iran and if so maybe spot so I think they said yes but in private region. I think what they will do is that the US would take steps to punish them and secretly. they will make attacks on Iranians in Syria. and that is a cripple question; well it can And they are hoping that Iran would then continue but it depends on the US not How do you evaluate the role that respond. And possibly the United States going after the people that are trying to Muslim countries can play in confronting will get involved and will take Israel’s side. trade with Iran and we don’t know right this decision? But I think they would be a little bit cau- now what is going to happen. Well, Muslim countries through the or- tious because I don’t think that United ganizations have already condemned this States is ready to go to war with anyone What do you think about the relocation of and I think they should keep condemning and I believe that the politics of JCPOA is US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? it and they should put pressure on the still continuing. The Europeans are very Do you think this move is because of Saudis, in particular, to join the group and upset and angry about what the US did. “give and take” policy between the two make serious their complaint and also the And I think they might make it difficult for countries or US does that based on its Muslim countries that are friendly with Donald trump and the make efforts to im- national interests? Israel should put pressure on Israel, like prove the situation. Well, the move of the embassy to Jeru- Jordanians and Egyptians. salem is not for US national interests. That Philip Giraldi is a former counter-terror- You said that Europeans are angry with is not the issue. The issue is Donald Trump ism specialist and military intelligence officer Trump. Do you think Iran can trust them fulfilling a promise to very wealthy Jewish of the United States Central Intelligence in continuing commitment to JCPOA? contributors to his campaign. Their names Agency (CIA) and a columnist and television I think yes they can. They can continue are Sheldon Gary Adelson, Bernard Mar- commentator who is the Executive Director with it. They will get the support of Russia cus, Paul Singer, and these people are big of the Council for the National Interest. Dossier Page 67 |No. 9| May 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Embassy move ‘US plot to change region’s major issue from Palestine to Iran’ Seyed Ebrahim Raeisi, custodian and Raeisi delivered a speech condemning is trying to change the most important chairman of Astan Quds Razavi said US and Israeli acts as a move to ignite issue of the region from Palestine to the Trump’s move to relocate embassy fears of violence in the region. Islamic Republic.” to al-Quds aims at normalizing the “The Zionists and those who support US failure in embassy mover to Holy relations between Arab governments them are destroying the rights of all hu- al-Quds is definite and inevitable, he with Israel and the to change the most man beings and those who believe in noted, adding Muslim nation will not let important issue of the region from God, such as Christians, Muslims, Jews this great oppression happen; the noble Palestine to the Islamic Republic. and all those who are righteous; they re- Palestinian nation will continue - resist gard the issue of Palestine and the free- ence and fight against Zionism more The closing ceremony of the 6th In- dom of the al-Quds as their most im- determined tan before; for years, Arro- ternational Conference of Independent portant concern; today we have to see gance has tried many times to margin- Thinkers and Artists (New Horizon) was who and which movement is supporting alize al-Quds issue, however, they have held Monday afternoon, in the presence Palestine and al-Quds, to know who is not succeeded and will never succeed of Seyed Ebrahim Raeisi, custodian and seeking justice in the world. do. chairman of Astan Quds Razavi in Mash- Raeisi underlined that “the criterion On the last day of the conference, had. for justice in today world is what posi- foreign guests also visited Imam Reza’s 6th International New Horizons tion a person, a group, a government or holy shrine to pay tribute to the 8th Shia Conference, entitled “JERUSALEM/AL- a country takes on the issue of Palestine; Imam. QUDS, THE ETERNAL CAPITAL OF PAL- 70 years ago, the Zionist occupying re- The three-day event kicked off on ESTINE”, wrapped up in Mashhad on gime began to violate the rights of the Saturday, hosting academics, politicians, Monday, attended by Seyed Ebrahim oppressed Palestinian people, and to- authors, journalists, activists, filmmak- Raeisi, custodian and chairman of Astan day, 5 million Palestinians are displaced ers, and media commentators from Quds Razavi, academics, politicians, au- and 71% of their land is seized; today around the world to discuss different thors, journalists, activists, filmmakers, Gaza, contrary to all UN resolutions, is viewpoints and show worldwide solidar- and media commentators from around occupied by the Zionist regime, too.” ity with Palestinian oppressed people. the world, among them were former Referring to the recent decision of the The conference chairman is Nad- and current members of the Europe- President of the United States to trans- er Talebzadeh who is an Iranian iconic an Union and the current member of fer US embassy to Jerusalem, custodian cultural figure, documentary filmmaker the parliament of one of the European and chairman of Astan Quds Razavi stat- and director of controversial movie The countries), former US army psychologi- ed “Trump’s move is a dangerous con- Messiah (2007), and prestigious TV host. cal operation officer, former CIA officer spiracy and he wants to normalize the New Horizon conference and festival and a number of anti-war activists. relations of the Arab governments with is aimed at providing a platform where During the ceremony held on the day Israel. He added, “today Crown Prince of independent thinkers can gather togeth- US officially recognized al-Quds as the Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman is er, feature their films and engage in de- capital of Israel by moving its Embassy pursuing policies of Arrogant in the re- bate and deliberation on various aspects from Tel Aviv to al-Quds, Seyed Ebrahim gion, and on this basis, the United States of world and the reality of Hollywood.