Islamic Unity + Special Dossier: Mustafa Scientific Prize Page 2 |No

Page 1 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Mehr Vision|No.2|January 2016

Islamic Unity + Special Dossier: Mustafa Scientific Prize Page 2 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Contents

29th Intl. Islamic Unity Conference held in Tehran 3 US destroyed some Muslim countries by sowing discord 4 Beginning of violence, deviation from moderation 8 29th International Islamic Unity Conference final statement 9 Syria a swamp where west stuck 11 Cover Story Cover

Saudis playing with fire by killing Nimr 13 The New Saudi-Iranian standoff 14 People’s Mobilization backbone of Iraqi forces 16 Russia serious in Syria; America schizophrenic 18 US-led coalition pretends fight against ISIL 20 EU crucial in deescalating Turkey-Russia tension 21 Turkish economy to bear Russian jet downing costs 22 Turkey acting as hired gun for US, Israel 23

Politics ‘Truth, reason constituting our weapons’ 25

Islamic Unity Muslim lives don’t matter 27 + Special Dossier: Censorship vs. Letter4U: NYTimes, WP censor Leader’s letter 28 Mustafa Scientific Prize IAEA report on Iran’s PMD ‘commendable’ 29 Fascism in Donald Trump’s America:Dirty secret of American politics 30

Mehr Vision Investing in post-sanction Iran 34 Global market in oil at point of ‘Peak Demand’ 35 Managing Director: Ali Asgari Iran, France to build 1st FLNG unit in Persian Gulf 37 Iran’s ISOICO, Russia’s Barrikady ink shipbuilding MoU 38 Editorial Board: Seyed Amir Hassan Dehghani, Iran, Russia sign 2 economic MoUs 39 Mohammad Ghaderi, Worth of Iranian oil reserves to rise by $30bn 40 Economy HamidReza Gholamzadeh Germany to build 4 solar power plants in Kerman 41 Editorial Coordinator: Marjohn Sheikhi Iran’s Cinéma Vérité: Pulsing heart of ‘truth’ among the debris 43 Contributors: Iranian filmmaker ‘Alone among the Taliban’ 45 Lachin Rezaian, Parnaz Talebi, Marjohn Sheikhi, Pegah Hajian, Shariati’s ‘return to self’ rejection of sectarianism, ethnocentrism 46 Samad Habibi, Abdolhamid Asiatic cheetah extinction trend reversed 48

Bayati, Somayeh Khomarbaghi, Culture MNA throws birthday bash for kids in need 49 Mohammad Mazhari

Art Director: Mahboubeh Azizi Mustafa Scientific Prize 51 Phone: +98-21-43051350 Laureates of First Mustafa Scientific Prize 52 Email:[email protected] Mustafa Prize, a global cooperation to eliminate poverty of mind 53 Mustafa Scientifc Prize to present Islamic values 54 Address: No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran Dossier Mustafa Prize to act as beacon to Islamic researchers 55

Mehr Vision welcomes contributions by readers which can be sent via email. News in vision 56 Cover Story Page 3 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Tehran held the 29th International Islamic Unity Conference on 27-29 Dec., with extensive discussions on the ‘Present Crises of Muslim World and Ways to End Them.’

The 29th Islamic Unity Conference with the theme of “Present Crises of Mus- lim World and Ways to End Them” was held on Decem- ber 27-29 December, 2015, concurrent with the birthday anniversary of Prophet Mo- hammad (PBUH), dubbed as Islamic Unity Week. The event with more than 600 scholars from Iran and across the world of Islam in attendance, began its three- day work with the opening speech delivered by Iranian th President Hassan Rouhani 29 Intl. Islamic Unity and continued with other speeches delivered by participants from other Islamic Conference held in Tehran states and also 14 sideline noted the Leader asserting favor of Islam as sheer lies who expressed hope the committees discussing the “to that end, scholars and and hypocrisy adding “they International Islamic Unity current issues of Muslim intellectuals of the Islamic are merely trying to create Conference would pave the World. world rather than politicians discord among Muslim sects way for further consolidation Participants in the 29th Is- need to take enlightening one example being the for- and unity among Muslims. lamic Unity Conference also measures among Islamic na- mation of ISIL and other ter- “Takfiri thoughts are - de met with the Leader of the tions having faith that the rorist groups financial and finitively rooted in the lack Islamic Revolution Ayatollah establishment of the new civ- political support causing the of moderation and are led Khamenei listening to his ilization is feasible.” current disasters.” by dogmatic minds,” Rou- thoughtful remarks on the Ayatollah Khamenei said “We should not remain si- hani had underlined, adding main theme of the confer- the enemies cause discord lent or surrender to the plot; that if people failed to follow ence. among Muslims as a tool to rather, we need to confront a fair, moderate tone of dis- During the meeting prevent the formation of the their plans with insight and course, the real result would which was held on Dec. modern Islamic civilization strength,” Iran’s Leader as- only be violence. 29, Ayatollah Khamenei as it became clear after the serted. Rouhani said enemies and referred to the West’s ex- dangerous plot of highlight- Ayatollah Khamenei fur- big powers are doing their ploitation of Islamic knowl- ing the distinctions between ther pointed out capacities best to portray Islam as a reli- edge and philosophy to es- Shias and Sunnis. and capabilities of the Is- gion of violence, urging Mus- tablish their own civilization He stressed the Americans lamic world including good lims to take necessary steps adding “even though the are against the principle of lands, excellent geograph- to thwart all efforts aimed Western civilization offers Islam and one should not be ical location, abundant at depicting Islam as the reli- shades of technological fooled by their statements natural resources as well gion of violence. beauty, speed, ease as well in support of some cults; as talented manpower; “a Over 300 Muslim figures as life facilities, it would “previous statements made mixture of these capacities and scholars from 70 coun- never lead to happiness, by the former US president and the teachings of Islam tries attended the three-day prosperity and justice due after the September 11th in- would lead to artistic crea- event. The conference is to suffering from internal cident were indicators of the tions in all scientific, tech- annually held by the World contradictions.” arrogant world’s war against nological, political and so- Forum for Proximity of Islam- “It’s high time for the Is- Islam.” cial areas.” ic Schools of Thought with lamic world to take steps Leader of the Islamic Rev- The opening ceremony the aim of promoting and towards establishing the olution evaluated the US was addressed by Iranian strengthening unity among modern Islamic civilization,” officials’ claims on being in President Hassan Rouhani all Muslims in the world| Cover Story Page 4 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Leader: US destroyed some Muslim countries by sowing discord

Today, the enemy seeks to set off an day and be’that was a spirit that was are being suppressed, human blood is internal war among Muslims and, breathed into the body of the dead world constantly being shed at the hands of unfortunately, to a certain extent, they of those days. That world was apparently unscrupulous powers and some nations have succeeded in doing so. We can alive. Governments, monarchies, efforts die of hunger because of being looted see their evil work as they destroy one and activities existed, but that world was by powers. This is the condition of the country after another -- look at the the death of humanity and the death of world in the present time. This era is like situations in Syria, Yemen and Libya. virtue. What existed was cruelty, oppres- the Jahiliyya era which existed before the sion, discrimination and brutality. Virtues emergence of Islam. This is a kind of Ja- The following is the full text of the were dead and the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) hiliyya as well. speech delivered on December 29, 2015 and his invitation breathed a spirit into Today, the responsibility of the Islamic by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of that world. When I say the Holy Proph- Ummah is not only to hold a celebration the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with et (s.w.a.) himself and his invitation, the in memory of the Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) government officials, ambassadors of Is- reason is that the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) birthday and be’that. This is a small and lamic countries in Iran and participants was the embodiment of Islam. The Holy minor task compared to its duty. Today, of the 29th Conference on Islamic Unity. Prophet’s (s.w.a.) wife has been quoted the world of Islam has a responsibility The meeting was held on the occasion as saying, “His behavior was the embod- to breathe a spirit into this world – just of the birthday anniversaries of the Holy iment of the Holy Quran” [Commentary like Islam and the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) Prophet and Imam Sadiq. on Nahjul Balaghah, Volume 6, page himself – to create a new environment 340]. He was the embodiment of the and to open a new path. We refer to this In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, Holy Quran. The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) phenomenon, which we are looking for- the Merciful and his religion breathed a spirit into ward to, as “the new Islamic civilization”. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of that dead world: “Give your response to We should be striving for the new Islamic the Worlds, and peace and greetings be Allah and His Messenger, when He calls civilization- for the sake of humanity. This upon our Master Muhammad and upon you to that which will give you life” [The is dramatically different from what pow- his immaculate household Holy Quran, 8: 24]. What he brought to ers think about humanity and from how I would like to congratulate you hon- those people and to that dark, dead and they act. orable and dear participants, the officials pest-stricken world was life. This does not mean conquering lands. of the country, the guests of conference You and I are commemorating this It does not mean violating the rights of on Islamic unity and the honorable am- occasion today. Well, commemorating nations. It does not mean imposing one’s bassadors of Islamic countries who are something in words and by gathering beliefs and culture on other nations. present in the meeting on the occasion together is a good deed, but this is not Rather, it means offering a divine gift of the auspicious birthday anniversary what we who claim to be following Is- to nations so that they choose the right of the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) and lam and the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) are ex- path of their own volition and with their his great son, Imam Sadiq (a.s.). I also expected to do. This is not enough. We too own choices and decisions. The path that tend my congratulations to all the people should try to breathe a spirit into today’s global powers have dragged nations to- of Iran, the entire Islamic Ummah, all the dead and pest-stricken world. Today too, wards is a wrong and deviant path. To- liberated people in the world, those who the world is suffering from oppression, day, this is our responsibility. place great value on virtue, morality, dil- cruelty and discrimination. Today too, One day, by using the knowledge and igence and jihad in the way of righteous- the death of virtue is the big problem of philosophy of Muslims, the people of Eu- ness and ethics. humanity. Virtues are being suppressed rope managed to build a civilization for The Holy Prophet’s (God’s greetings by the instruments of materialistic pow- themselves. Of course, this civilization be upon him and his household) birth- ers. Justice, human values and morality was a material one. Since the 16th and » Cover Story Page 5 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

17th centuries of the Christian calendar, this regard, but unfortunately, this hope enth in one area, sixth in another area the Europeans began to shape a new civ- has diminished. Today, we have pinned and five in another. Thanks to Islam, the ilization. Because it was a material civi- our hopes on religious scholars through- people of Iran have managed to show lization, they used different instruments out the world of Islam and on sincere their identity and character. This can be without any scruples. On the one hand, intellectuals who do not consider the extended to other countries, the con- they moved towards colonialism and west as their qiblah. We have pinned our dition for this being that the heavy and towards conquering nations and looting hopes on them and this is possible. They sinister shadow of superpowers stops their wealth and on the other hand, they should not say that this is not possible. looming over the heads of countries. This strengthened themselves from the inside This is possible and this can be done. is the first condition. Of course, there is by means of knowledge, technology and The world of Islam has many tools a price to be paid, but there is no great experience. This was how they helped at its disposal. We have a good popula- feat without a price. In this weighty and this civilization dominate the human tion, we have good lands, we have an important assembly – in which important world. This was what the Europeans did outstanding geographical location and and great personalities are present – I in the course of four, five centuries. we have many natural resources in the want to say that with a jihadi and serious The civilization that they presented world of Islam. We have very talented effort, the Islamic Ummah can devise a to the world provided beautiful reflec- and outstanding human resources in the new Islamic civilization which is suitable tions of technology, speed, comfort and world of Islam. If we educate them with for our time. It can shape and attain it different amenities for the people, but the teachings of Islam, they can show and it can present it to humanity. it did not provide them with happiness and it did not administer justice. On the contrary, it struck justice on the head, it held some nations captive, it made some nations poor and it humiliated some other nations. Besides, it witnessed certain contradictions in itself. They became corrupt in terms of morality and they became hollow and empty-headed in terms of spirituality. Today, westerners themselves are confirming this. An outstanding western politician said to me that their world is hollow and empty and that they are feeling this. He is right. This civilization had a flashy appearance, but its true nature was dangerous for humanity. Today, the contradictions of this western civilization are showing themselves. They are showing themselves in different ways in America, in Europe and in regions which and present their artistic creations in the We will not invite anyone to Islam are under their control throughout the arena of science, politics and technology by force. We will not force any country world. and in various social arenas. into accepting the domination of Islam. Today, it is our turn. Today, it is Islam’s The Islamic Republic is an example in We will not act like the Europeans. We turn: “Such days of varying fortunes we this regard. It is a testing ground and a will not act like America. The Europeans give to men by turns” [The Holy Quran, tried and trusted method for the world moved from an island on the edge of the 3: 140]. Today, it is the Muslims’ turn to of Islam. Before the current rule of Islam Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean and shape a new Islamic civilization with their over this country, we were a backward they occupied and looted- by force- a own determination. As the Europeans nation in the real sense of the word. We great country like India and a number of used, in those days, Muslims’ knowledge were dependent and scientifically, polit- countries surrounding that country. They and benefitted from their experience and ically and socially backward and isolat- themselves became wealthy and they philosophy, we too are using the world’s ed in world politics. However today, the dragged those countries towards a cata- knowledge in the present time. We are achievements of the Islamic Republic strophic condition. They moved forward using the current tools in the world to have even made our enemies acknowl- like this. Today too, they are doing the build a new Islamic civilization, but it is edge them. Today, after the passage of same thing in the world with other meth- accompanied by an Islamic and divine nearly 35 years from the victory of the ods and tactics. They work themselves spirit. Today, this is our responsibility. Islamic Revolution, we are among- ad towards progress with others’ money, This is primarily addressed to religious vanced countries in the world in terms of investments, wealth and products and scholars and sincere intellectuals. I am science, technology and many new fields they beautify their appearance. not hopeful about politicians anymore. of knowledge. Of course, their inner selves are be- In the past, it was thought that the pol- The reports whose reliability and truth ing ruined and are decaying. As I said, iticians of the world of Islam can help in have been proved tell us that we are sev- they are becoming emptier on a daily » Cover Story Page 6 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY basis. What you Muslims achieve will to do with making judgments about Sun- use and that has made them advocate make your enemies displeased and the ni and Shia in the world of Islam? Why and support us. disasters that befall you will make them should he say something about Sunni They are opposed to the essence of pleased and happy: “If aught that is good and a completely different thing about Islam. This is the reality of the matter. In befalls you, it grieves them, but if some Shia? Since the Shia and Sunni discourse the event of the 11th of September that misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice showed itself in American words, those took place in New York, America and on at it” [The Holy Quran, 3: 120]. They people who were perceptive and intelli- the issue of the bombardment of the are like this. These are the words of the gent in the world of Islam became con- towers, the U.S. president of the time Holy Quran. We should not look at them cerned. They understood that a new said that that [response] was a crusade. [westerners]. We should not look at their scheme was being devised, and it was He was right. He was a bad person, but hands, their smiles and their frowns. In- finally put into practice. this statement of his was correct: the stead, we should find our own path and There is a history behind waging a war battle between Islam and arrogance. move forward. This is our responsibility between Shia and Sunni. The English are Of course, he said, “Christianity” and a and the responsibility of everyone in the experts at this. We have many records crusade but he was lying. Christians are world of Islam. and abundant information about the his- living with complete security inside the One of the instruments that the ene- tory of waging a war, creating discord and world of Islam and this is the case in mies use is creating discord among us. I instigating grudges between Sunni and our country today. This is also the case insist that we stress and place great em- Shia. Such discord was created by English in some other countries. What he meant phasis on this matter. Brothers, sisters, agents – whether in our country, in the was the battle between arrogant and Muslims in the world of Islam, if this call former Ottoman government or in Arab dominant powers in the world, and Is- reaches your ears, you should know that countries – with the purpose of pitting lam. This was correct and it was a sincere the day when the words “Sunni” and these countries against one other. How- statement. When the gentlemen who “Shia” appeared in the American dis- ever, the plot that the Americans have are ruling over America in the present course, we became concerned. Every in- hatched today is a more dangerous plot. time say that they have nothing against sightful person became concerned. What Does supporting a denomination against Islam, but that they are opposed to such does America have to do with Sunni and another denomination in the world of Is- and such an Islamic denomination, they Shia? What does such and such a Jewish lam make us happy? If they advocate us, are lying. They are acting in a hypocriti- Zionist politician in America – who has should we be happy then? No, we should cal and dishonest manner because they done nothing except for showing malev- become sad and see what week points are opposed to the essence of Islam and olence against Islam and Muslims – have they have found in us that they want to they have found the way in waging a war » Cover Story Page 7 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

In Bahrain, why do they exert such pressures on Muslims? Why do they create such disasters for that peaceful, con- ciliatory and believing Sheikh [Ibrahim Zakzaky]? Why do they murder about 1,000 people who are close to him? Why do they martyr his six children in the course of two years? Why does the world of Islam remain silent in the face of such crimes? Why is the world of Islam toler- ating the day-and-night bombardment of Yemen that has lasted about a year? It is about a year – 10-plus months – now that the houses, hospitals, schools, roads, innocent individuals, men and women of the people of Yemen have been under bombardment. Why? Is this to the interest of the world of Islam? And they are striking Syria and Iraq in different ways. Their goals are dangerous goals. They between Muslims. any Islamic motivation, they do not show are devised in their – as they say – “think One day, this battle was introduced as any feelings of enmity towards them, but tanks”. We should be awake. pan-Iranism, pan-Turkism, pan-Arabism when Islamism, commitment and loyalty As I said, our hopes have been pinned and the like which was of no avail. Today, to Islam and Islamic governance and the on the ulama of Islam and on sincere in- they want to create discord in the name formation of the Islamic civilization step tellectuals in the world of Islam. This is of religion and they want to pit youth into the arena, then enmities begin. He their responsibility and duty. They should against one another. The result is that was right. His enemy is Islamism. This is speak to their people and to their politi- terrorist denominations – the likes of why you witness that they become very cians. The conscience of some politicians DAESH and others – are produced with nervous and agitated whenever Islam- in the world of Islam is awake and we the money of those who are dependent ic Awakening emerges in the world of have witnessed this up close. They too on America, with the help of America Islam and they work to destroy and to can play a role. and with the collaboration of America’s eradicate it and in certain cases, they What I want to say in this meeting is allies. This way, they have found the op- succeed. Of course, I will tell you that that we should benefit from the com- portunity to be dynamic and to commit Islamic Awakening is indestructible. By memoration of the Holy Prophet’s such crimes in the world of Islam. This is Allah’s favor and will, Islamic Awakening (s.w.a.) birthday to make an effort to do the result. will achieve its goals. what Islam did in the first day which was They are lying when they say that they Their goal is to wage a civil war among to revive the dead world of those days. are opposed to Shia and that they ad- Muslims and unfortunately, they have And this requires wisdom, intelligence, vocate Sunni. Are the Palestinians Shias succeeded to some extent. They are de- thinking, insight and knowledge about or Sunnis? Why do they have such bad stroying Islamic countries one after -an the enemy. We should know the enemy behavior with the Palestinians? Why do other. They are destroying Syria, Yemen and his plots and we should not be de- they not condemn crimes against the and Libya and they are destroying their ceived by him. Allah the Exalted should Palestinians in any way? How many times infrastructure. Why? Why should we give help us take His straight path and be- was Gaza struck? How many times were in to this plot? Why should their goal re- come steadfast. the lands in the West Bank placed under main unknown to us? We should find in- The Arab poet [Ahmed Shawqi] was pressure? In the present time, they are sight. If we want to succeed in this path, right in saying: under pressure as well. They are not Shias, we should find insight. The Commander “The world is alive and incidents have rather they are Sunnis. For the Americans, of the Faithful (peace and greetings be not drifted into slumber the issue is not about Shia and Sunni. Any upon him) said, “And this banner will be So, what does your slumber mean, oh Muslim who wants to live with Islam and borne only by him who is a man of in- you best nations?” with Islamic laws and rules and any Muslim sight, of endurance” [Nahjul Balaghah, When the world of power and the who fights for it and moves on that path is Sermon 173]. We should find insight and world of gold and bullying is paying at- considered an enemy for them. be patient on this path: “But if you are tention to you with all its resources, you They interviewed an American politi- patient and do right, not the least harm do not have the right to be dozing and to cian. The interviewer asked him, “Who is will their cunning do to you” [The Holy drift into sleep! America’s enemy?” He replied, “Ameri- Quran, 3: 120]. If we move forward with Dear God, place us on this straight ca’s enemy is not terrorism, nor is it Mus- insight, show patience and be resistant, path in a way that is liked by Islam and lims. America’s enemy is ‘Islamism’.” This their cunning will be of no avail, but the world. means that as long as Muslims move for- when we speak and act like them, then Greetings be upon you and Allah’s ward in an indifferent way and without this will be the result. mercy and blessings| Cover Story Page 8 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

President in the opening ceremony of Islamic Unity Conference: Beginning of violence, deviation from moderation/ Terrorism disappears by conversation, not bomb

Islamic World should call had.” non-Islamic countries, prac- Messenger?” out for putting an end to “Maybe we would never tically, nothing was seen out “It is in human nature to violation and beginning think that one day in the Is- of good will in fulfilling the interpret religion differently, to cooperate and help lamic World, the Zionist Re- proposal.” but conflict is not acceptable each other, said President gime would be forgotten as “Without a doubt, intellec- at all,” said Rouhani, adding Rouhani while addressing the main aggressor and even tual violence is the source of that nobody should forget the 29th International put aside from the news, practical violence started with unity as the foundation of Islamic Unity Conference in and instead, the media focus wrong understanding of the the Islamic World. Tehran on Sunday. on news about the killing of texts,” he added when speak- “We all believe in God’s Muslims by pretenders to ing about the roots of violence. book and agree on many “Today, responding to the Islam who have the glorious “Beginning of violence is words and Prophet Moham- great Prophet of Islam’s call name of Allah and the great deviation from moderation mad’s lifestyle but the prob- depends on unity, abstinence Prophet of Islam (PBUH) on in thought and speech. The lem arises when other dog- from violence, and expansion their flag” added Rouhani. real danger is when in a com- matic texts become the base of Islamic amity,” said the The President continued, munity violence turns into of defining identities and as President. “so far, the enemies have de- rhetoric and unless our rhet- a result, instead of the con- He also congratulated the scribed Islam as the religion oric is based on moderation trast between religion and advent of the birthday of of violence and bloodshed, and away from extremism, it blasphemy, it puts Islamic the great Prophet of Islam and currently, some inside will result in intellectual and factions against each other,” (PBUH) and Imam Ja’far al- the Muslim community are practical violence,” the Pres- added Rouhani. Sadiq (PBUH) and continued, introducing Islam as the reli- ident noted. Referring to claims of ‘Shia “if some day our concern was gion of carnage and tyranny He also deplored run- Crescent’ by some people as that foreign powers were kill- in the name of Jihad.” ning schools in the name of baseless, he said, “there is no ing and plundering Muslims On the responsibility of all religion but teaching and Shia Crescent and no Sunni and their lands, today we are Islamic nations, he said, “two promoting violence instead, Crescent, rather it is an Islam- facing a situation in which a years ago the government of saying “why shouldn’t our ic full moon.” country with an Islamic flag the Islamic Republic of Iran societies, schools, and les- He further stressed the drops bombs and missiles proposed WAVE underlin- sons be based on monothe- need for unity among the over the heads of innocent ing extremism and violence ism and resurrection; isn’t Is- Muslims of the world and Muslims or some groups tar- as the biggest global threat. lam based on merits such as posed questions, “to whose nish the image of Islam under Although it was apparently “There is No God but Allah” benefit is the destruction in the disguise of religion and Ji- approved by all Islamic and and “Mohammad is Allah’s Syria and looting the Syrian » Cover Story Page 9 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY nation’s oil? To whose bene- choose the right and correct cultural discourse dominated someone is against the leader fit is undermining a country path,” he added. by the scholars and sages of of a country, they can resort which has resisted against the Directing his speech ad- the time, the same Mongols to spreading violence and Zionist Regime for years?” dressed at certain countries turned into preachers for Is- bomb and missiles to change Saying that 84 percent of who bombard their neigh- lam and constructors of big it; the future of nations is at the ongoing violence, acts bors, Rouhani said, “if you Islamic mosques.” the hands of the people of of terror and massacre are had given the money you had He then stressed the need that country and with bombs taking place in the Muslim used on purchasing bombs to impress the youths of the and missiles you cannot decide World, North Africa, the Mid- and missiles from the US to Islamic World by the cor- for a nation’s future. Everyone dle East and West Asia, he de- the hungry and impover- rect discourse, as well as the should surrender to the power manded an end to the “intel- ished, the Islamic World to- need to make the true Islam of nations.” lectual and discourse-based day would not be struggling known to the public opinion. It is not possible to un- violence.” with poverty.” “After 12 years of accu- dermine the government of President also called for President Rouhani empha- sation and intimidation, we a country and, at the same correction of the negative sized: “If a small group like proved by reasoning that Iran time, claim that you are fight- image of Islam in cyberspace. ISIL can recruit soldiers, that does not lie to anyone and ing terrorism, said President. “In the current situation is chiefly because of financial the IAEA also clearly stated “If we want to respond to there is no option other than and cultural poverty; so let’s that Iran has no secret place the Prophet of Islam’s call, Muslims joining hands in uni- join hands and eradicate this for enriching uranium,” said we should all promote unity ty. I also call on those Islamic kind of poverty.” Rouhani about the country’s and introduce the beneficent countries inside and outside “In an era of the Iranian peaceful nuclear program. Islam, as well as the Proph- the region, and even those history”, he said, “Mongols Reiterating that terrorist et’s lifestyle to the world and who have so far dropped dominated the country and groups cannot be beneficial unite for a bright future of Is- bombs and missiles over killed scholars and destroyed to anyone, President Rouhani lam,” the President conclud- their neighbors’ heads to the mosques but when Iran’s said: “It is a false belief that if ed his speech|

29th International Islamic Unity Conference final statement

The 29th International Islamic Unity Conference on the ‘Present Crises of Muslim World and Ways to End Them’ released a final statement on December 29.

The final conclusions of the 29th In- ternational Islamic Unity Conference are as follows: 1. Participants believe that the- ma jor crises the World of Islam is suffering from include disintegration of Islam- ic countries and lack of trust amongst Islamic states. This has led to division which has paved the way for penetration of enemies into Islamic communities in a bid to fuel clashes between Muslims.

2. Present violence and terrorism faced by the World of Islam are within 3. The wave of terrorism harassing chaos” for shaping the so-called New preplanned plots to tarnish the image of Muslim countries is in line with Zionist Middle East. Certainly these destructive Islam and pave the way for intervention terrorism and American plots whose hands will not be confined to a single of the enemies in the domestic affairs of final objective is to dominate Muslims country since they intend to carry out Muslims. following their redrawing the World of their plots in all countries including sup- Islam and carry out the plot “managed porters of terrorism. » Cover Story Page 10 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

4. The Palestinian question is high on dollars belonging to Muslim people and obtain the recommendations and values the agenda of Muslim Ummah and with using that for massacre of Muslims, de- of Islam from its proper source and un- respect to the crises faced by Muslim struction of their countries and fueling derstand that the policy of hatred is in World; Palestine is on top of the agen- the disagreements as well as hatching pursuit of distancing them from truth. da. In fact illegal regime of Israel is the plot against resistance movement. Participants also join the voice of the major cause of Muslim World crises. Supreme Leader, where His Eminency Hence participants in this conference 8. Scholars, elites and religious in- stressed that the first steps in resto- demand the nations and governments stitutions in the world of Islam should ration of security and peace is rectify to maintain their utmost attention to avoid intrigues to buy off people and thoughts and policies which lead to vi- Palestinian cause and do not let pres- protect their character, status and iden- olence and an example of this policy are ent fake crises distance them from the tity. They also warn those Muftis who dabble criteria imposed by the west and issue of Palestine. Participants also call support violence, terrorism and Takfir also diving terrorism to good and bad Palestinian groups to resolve their disa- calling them to maintain piety and pre- and also give priority to interests of the greements replacing them with unity to vent atrocities to lives, reputation and governments instead of those of the na- confront their common enemy. families of Muslims. tions.

5. Participants also warn against dev- 9. The only way to confront present 14. Need to cooperation among ed- astation of some Muslim countries in- crises requires resistance, ideological, ucational and research centers and also cluding Syria, Yemen and Iraq which is in cultural, economic, military and politi- universities of the Muslim World ina line with interests of the Zionist regime cal views and that does not realize un- bid to spread the culture of proximity and world arrogant powers ,demanding less through cooperation among Islamic and introduction of the true nature of mobilization of all capabilities and all countries based on pervasive resistance. Islam as a religion against violence and out efforts for preventing the disinte- extremism. Here it is necessary that all gration of regional countries in a bid to 10. Present economic crises in the groups and entities of the society includ- restore peace and security in the region. world of Islam are partly due to deci- ing parties, unions and institutions of sions made by the capitalists and arro- women and youths play an active role to 6. Participants in this conference de- gant powers; hence, it is necessary that spread this culture so that it is not lim- nounce worsening of the sectarian in- Muslim countries cooperate with each ited to a certain group. Also proximity trigues which have led to atrocities and other within the framework of a com- activists should not confined to the the- insulting religious sanctities and Islamic mon market. oretical aspects rather they should be in rituals with recent suppression of Mus- serious pursuit of carrying out proximity lims in Nigeria and Azerbaijan. They de- 11. Muslims should adhere to top through practicing proximity projects. mand Nigerian authorities to investigate Islamic objectives and mobilize all their and bring to justice those responsible efforts for achieving this great objective 15. Participants congratulate achieve- for the crime which has left hundreds of avoiding trivial issues in ideological and ment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in people dead or wounded and reveal the practical views and maintain creation of nuclear talks and great successes in the present condition of the prominent cler- a new Islamic civilization. field of the technology demanding other ic Sheikh Ibrahim al Zakzaki, member of countries to promote their capabilities the Supreme Council at the World Fo- 12. One of the crises challenging in the field of technology and science. rum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of the world of Islam is misleading people Thought and also bring him safely to his through propaganda and media outlets 16. Participants expressed their grat- family to continue his Islamic activities. and these crises have worsened due to itude for Islamic Republic of Iran in They also demand Azeri government to expansion of communication and sat- proposing Islamic unity and proximity guarantee the rights of its nation and ellite means and in this line enemies of of Islamic denominations and also its ef- prevent any similar oppression like what Islam make use of media propaganda in forts in that respect. They also extend has recently happened to the Muslim a bid to fuel sectarian conflict among thanks to the World Forum for Proxim- community in the country. Muslims; therefore, cooperation of all ity of Islamic Schools of Thought and Islamic countries in a bid to launch sat- efforts in line with improving the qual- 7. Participants to 29th Islamic Unity ellite channels for broadcasting the dis- ity of the conference and hospitality. Conference demand for Muslim World course of proximity and unity as well as They pray that God Almighty bless the decisions to be made away from dom- thwarting the intriguing lies seem to be Islamic nation to follow the path of inance or pressure by arrogant powers quite necessary. late Imam Khomeini (RA), and pioneer and Zionist regime and that the poten- of unity and proximity among Muslims tials of the Muslim World are used for 13. Participants also acknowledged and his rightful successor grand Aya- promotion and advancement of the the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Re- tollah Khamenei, founder of the World Muslim World instead of infighting, de- public, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools struction of Islamic countries, keeping where His Eminency has addressed the of Thought who have been in pursuit of Islamic countries backward. Participants public opinion of the west particularly realizing the plan of unity of the Islamic express regret over wasting of petro- those of the youths demanding them to nation| Cover Story Page 11 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Naim Qassem: Syria a swamp where west stuck

Interview by: Mohammad Ghaderi

Lebanese Hezbollah deputy-Secretary such as this establishes itself; howev- supremacy which Saudi princes try to General has told Mehr News er, with blessings from Heaven, the seek in the region. The US has always International Service the quadrilateral information from the situation on the come to seek dominance as an im- alliance of Russia, Iran, Iraq, and ground would clearly indicate the Tak- perliast power and colonialist power, Syria is resolved to prevent a US-led firist project coming to its headlong and Israel as an occupying force; so, coalition upper hand in Iraq and Syria. debacle, and the path for advance of there is no such thing as Shia-Sun- western-Zionist project of the impe- ni sectarian strife dominant in the Sheikh Naim Qassem who is in Teh- rialism has come to its grinding halt; region, rather, the petty politics as- ran to participate Islamic Unity Con- they were seeking to down Assad and sumes a religious façade and finds ference underway in Tehran, gave an Syrian government within months of the US and Zionism on its side,” said exclusive interview to Mehr News battle, however, Syria has been resist- Hezbollah deputy-secretary general. International Service, where he being for 5 years with success and it has “A small minority of Muslims who lieved that Takfirist-Terrorist insurgen- now recovered, but the west, for sure, believe in Wahhabist tenets, excom- cy backed by the west had come to has been stuck in this swamp; so the municating all other Muslims, contrib- failure; “the national expediencies of four-member alliance should continue utes directly to sectarianism; this is not all these four members of the quadri- cooperation which will be to the inter- merely sectarian, but is an issue within lateral requires them to prevent a US- est of the group at large,” Sheikh Qas- Sunni Islam itself as well, as majority led coalition gains upper hand in Iraq sem emphasized. Sunnis oppose their utterly fundamen- and Syria, effectively ruling out political On a question of the most impor- tal reading of the book,” Sheikh Naim changes in Baghdad and Damascus,” tant factors of discord among Mus- Qassem told Mehr News. Sheikh Naim Qassem asserted. lims and the role of terrorist groups On the role of great hegemonic “I believe that facing the US-led axis and western propaganda machinery, powers in their plans to disintegrate constitutes an inevitable expediency of Hezbollah senior official believed that the whole region, Hezbollah official be- all countries member to this four-sid- the widening of the gap between Shias lieved that the US was quintessence of ed alliance, since none of these coun- and Sunnis was the major factor to be the global imperialism, which seeks to tries would manage to defend them- blamed; “in the second level of impor- dominate the region, viewing the dis- selves on their own alone; for the very tance is political vested interests which cord among Muslims and destabilizing reason, they should give hands to at- assumes a religious hue, since we have those countries via internecine strife tempts to repel Takfirist groups which not had any direct confrontation based and civil war as easy means to find and recruit fresh fighters from around the on historical religious questions be- maintain dominance; “however, it is far world and receive the direct support tween two major divisions of Islam,” from clear that they merely seek geo- of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, he emphasized. graphical disintegration or any other and financial aid from Saudi Arabia and “The difference is simple enough types of division of the region; perhaps Qatar and weapons and logistics from to be put to words: Saudi Arabia this side would seem pointless as po- the US and European countries,” he seeks dominance over Iraq and Yem- litically collapsed regimes which are in added. en. In this campaign, no Shia-Sunni conflict with each other ensnares them “We now face a grave threat which duality and opposition have place in greater issues than disintegration,” is unsurmountable unless a coalition and quota. This is a sort of political he concluded| Politics Politics Page 13 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Saudis playing with fire by killing Nimr

By: Hamidreza Gholamzadeh

Despite numerous international calls against the consequences of the exe- from huge oil incomes and has spent against execution of Shia cleric in Saudi cution. Iranian deputy FM has already the money to satisfy its consumerism Arabia, Riyadh has executed Sheikh warned that execution of Sheikh Nimr rather than development of infrastruc- Nimr al-Nimr. will cost Riyadh dearly. tures and knowledge-based technolo- The adventurism of young Saudi offi- gy in its country, has now realized that While most parts of the world are cials in fatal suppression of oppositions a strategic country like Iran, which has celebrating the New Year amid fears of comes amid tension in a volatile region had a Revolution less than four decades extremism and terrorism and wish for in which Riyadh is aggressively involved ago, has experienced 8 years of devas- peace and stability all around the world, in attacks on Yemen and support for ter- tating war, which was inflicted upon it Saudi authorities have once again taken rorist groups in Syria. While long-lasting by US- and Saudi-backed former Iraqi a dictatorial measures by executing a re- dictatorship of Arab authorities in Tuni- dictator Saddam Hussein, and has been ligious leader. sia, Libya, Egypt and Yemen came to an under so-called crippling sanctions for On Saturday, Interior Ministry of Sau- end in recent years by popular protests, decades, is pioneering in the region in di Arabia announced that 47 people Saudi Arabia has so far been on the brink terms of development in science and were executed on charges of ‘terrorism’ of such unrests and has tried to prevent technology and it is posed to boost its among which the Shia prominent lead- it by oppressing any opposition, and of foreign relations and its role in interna- er Sheikh Nimr Baqer al-Nimr was also course, trying to shift the unrest to oth- tional scene. This fact has been so irritat- named. Saudi officials have put his name er places, namely Syria. It is by now clear ing that has brought the Saudi officials in a list most of whom were connected by several evidence to everyone that to miscalculations in the region and the to Al-Qaeda or similar terrorist groups, Saudi Arabia along with the US, Qatar future of their own country. By support- while Shiekh Nimr has ever been includ- and Turkey have been aware of forma- ing terrorists in Syria and attacking Yem- ed in any terrorist act or even any activ- tion of terrorist groups in Syria and not en – under fatuous pretext of ‘restoring ity but peaceful opposition. During the only have they turned blind eye to it, but democracy’ to the country – Riyadh has height of unrests in Middle East named also have supported them. been trying to play a regional role to un- as Arab Spring or Islamic Awakening, When in early stages of terrorist at- dermine Iran’s role and influence. More- Sheikh Nimr who gained momentum as tacks in Syria, Damascus provided ev- over, bitter incidents such as assault on

Politics opposition leader urged protesters to idence that third parties rather than two Iranian teenagers in Jeddah airport respond to Saudi police brutality by “the Syrian army or opposition are conduct- and Mina tragedy which resulted in kill- roar of the word” rather than violence. ing gun battles and shooting at UNin- ing of thousands of people, hundreds Nimr Baqr al-Nimr was arrested in spectors, Saudis were among the states of them Iranians, along with occasional summer of 2012 and the court accused who insistently denied the existence of remarks by Saudi foreign minister and him of creating discord and disruption in terrorist groups in Syria and when ISIL other officials against Iran, seem to be the Saudi National Security, and called emerged in 2014, the documents grad- irritating measures to stir reactions from for his execution on the trial held on ually proved their advance intelligence Tehran. In other words, Riyadh would March 26, 2013 which caused Human about the group and the support they like to engage Iran with conflicts in the Rights Watch’s strong criticism for ‘un- provide them ‘in order to topple Bashar region to decline its power. fair trial’ and possible execution order. Assad’. Another instance of such measures The death sentence was officially issued It is by now, crystal clear that Riyadh can be seen in oil market. Some analysts on mid-October 2014 since when many has invested all its eggs in the basket believe that Saudi Arabia and the Unit- countries, international organizations of rivalry with the Islamic Republic of ed States have joined hands to decrease and NGOs have been calling for release Iran’s upper hand in the region. Saudi oil prices to prevent Iran from spending of Shiekh Nimr and warned Saudis Arabia which has for decades benefited on what the west believes is support for Politics Page 14 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or Ansarallah in Yemen. Riyadh has so far been the main opponent to price bal- The New Saudi-Iranian ancing measures provided by Iran and other OPEC members which strengthens this idea. standoff - When Yet, another issue which must be high- lighted in reviewing Riyadh policies in the region is its common objectives with Anka- Takfirism broke its head ra. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are clearly supporting terrorist and extremist groups in Syria and Iraq and as Moscow has proved on the Islamic Republic through several documents and evidence, Ankara has the lion’s share in buying Syrian His anger was only ever directed oil stolen by ISIL and sold in black market at the tyranny and barbarism of the for $7 per barrel. What is important about House of Saud. But his words called this joint venture between Riyadh and not for violent retribution - his voice Ankara is Turkish President Recep Tayyip carried instead the memory and the Erdoğan’s recent visit to Riyadh. Erdoğan message of Islam’s Imams. It was and King Salman met earlier this week and Imam Hussain who said: “If you nei- discussed their so-called anti-Takfiri coa- ther believe in religion nor fear the lition which is supposed to target Takfiri hereafter than at least be free from terrorists in Syria. However, the Wahabbi tyranny and arrogance.” extremist ideology in Saudi Arabia and the There are some values which full-scale support by Ankara significantly have transcended cultures, religions aids terrorists groups in the region. King and even time, as they are rooted in By Catherine Shakdam Salman is seeking to undermine Iran’s human nature. It was Jean-Jacques power to improve its country’s devastated Rousseau, the well-known French phi- 2016 is set to be the year of a grand status in the region and Erdoğan is follow- losopher, who most famously defined standoff in between the House of ing his high dream of Sultanism and Otto- freedom as being one of Men’s innate Saud and the Islamic Republic of attribute. man Empire revival in 21st century. Iran, now that both Riyadh and And so naturally men have always Execution of Sheikh Nimr Baqir al- Tehran appear determined to hold reacted to tyranny with resistance - a Nimr right after this visit can signal what firm on their positions. Only Iran is knee-jerk reaction against a system the meeting’s outcome has been and not looking to score any hegemonic which denies them what it is that they what Ankara and Riyadh are planning to point, rather, it has vowed to oppose are: free. compensate their failures in Syria and the rise of political Takfirism across THAT concept of course is com- Yemen. With ISIL suffering huge damag- the Greater Middle East, and thus pletely lost on Riyadh, since the very es in Iraq by losing al-Ramadi and in Syr- offer political pluralism its day under essence of the regime is rooted in ia through Russian successful airstrikes, the sun. absolute submission - a form of trib- the two countries who are exploiting in- alistic political ownership wrapped stability in the region, have now begun Where the kingdom ambitions to around a religious dogma which a new phase of their game with fire by rise a grand Wahhabism empire - a spews hate and vengeance to better executing Sheikh Nimr and provoking dark caliphate of sorts, Iran has of- legitimize its existence. If History is sentiments among Shias and freedom fered stubborn resistance. littered with despots, it is not often seekers in the region. On January 2, 2016 King Salman or- that a regime can claim to be both a Riyadh and Ankara seem to have re- dered for the execution by beheading political and a religious abomination. peated their miscalculations by seek- of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent A violent, ascetic and absolutely reac- ing violence from Shias and protesters cleric turned political activist in the tionary theocracy, the kingdom holds in the region to seize the opportunity face of Riyadh’s repressive campaign life and death over its subjects. to brutally suppress them and involve against religious minorities. A Shia Under the punitive rule of al-Saud Iran in another game. But Tehran has from the eastern province of Qatif, women have been objectified to the insisted it follows good-neighborly pol- Sheikh al-Nimr was more than just a extent where they are owned, and re- icy and improvement of ties with the religious adjective. He stood beyond ligious minorities have been viciously world. Therefore, such adventurism all religious denominations as his and systematically persecuted. Worse by Riyadh and Ankara would have no stand and his beliefs were universal. still, Wahhabis have criminalized all more results than increasing instabili- A true man of God. A true teacher of faiths and beliefs outside their own, ty in the region and destabilizing their Islam, Sheikh al-Nimr spoke words of this institutionalizing sectarianism. own currently troubled countries in unity, justice, dignity, and above all In the kingdom, any critic to the near future| tolerance. king equates to apostasy. In this dys- Politics Page 15 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY topian Islamic world Wahhabi to carry. May I remind readers clerics have architected, it is that there is such a thing as the abuses of Ancient Egypt international law… which are reflected in the op- And yes Saudi Arabia’s pression of minorities. embassy was torched by And still the world powers over-zealous protesters! But choose to side with the king- is such an infringement on dom, withdrawing behind Riyadh’s sovereignty worthy their double standards and of such a diplomatic raucous? towers of hypocrisy, while If one fire and one act of vi- freedom fighters are sacri- olence can manifest such in- ficed to the pyre of al-Saud. ternational outrage, then I The explosion of violence ask: where was the world’s which befell the Islamic outrage when Washington vi- world has now been pinned olated Afghanistan, Pakistan on Iran, under the prem- and Yemen’s sovereignty with ise Ayatollah Ali Khamenei its drones? warned al-Saud’s crimes Where again was the out- would be answered with rage when Riyadh rained clus- “divine revenge.” To better ter bombs on Yemeni schools, deflect and distract from the hospitals and residential are- crimes Riyadh committed, as? the international communi- Iran is sitting on the right ty is looking to build an an- side of history here. It is Saudi ti-Iranian narrative, hoping Arabia which deserves your to whitewash a despot, to wrath and your rejection. better sully the peacemaker. It is Saudi Arabia and its In an article for Foreign Pol- Takfirism which is calling for icy, Philipp Smyth, a self-pro- more deaths to its dogma; it is claimed “Shia affairs” expert Saudi Arabia again which has argues that Iran exploited exploited its political friend- Sheikh al-Nimr’s demise to ships and economic power to project political force and run a series of war across the rally support around its own conspiracy theory. sectarianism. And when I say MENA, NOT Iran. So enough political ideology. He wrote: Sheikh al-Nimr rose against “a people” I mean the op- already with the anti-Iranian “Understanding how Tehran al-Saud regime, not Sunni Is- pressed, I mean those whose narrative, especially when plays a role in fostering crises lam. More importantly his voices were made silent on few can actually remember of this nature is important. calls for social justice and civil account al-Saud Royals suffer why is it they hate Iran so The Islamic Republic sees it- liberties were for the benefit no criticism. much. self as engaged in a long-term of all people. Iran here has merely of- Truly … what is it? Ask struggle for control of the And while of course his fered his support to those yourself for a second if your region’s Shiite community, main supporters were Shias - principles of political self-de- hate is not in fact the product which represents a tool for why would they not be when termination, Western powers of Riyadh’s propaganda. Iran to counter its main Sunni it is Shias who have most suf- appear to have lost interest “The ultimate measure of regional foes and promote its fered under the ruthless rule in. a man is not where he stands theocratic absolutevelayat-e of al-Saud monarchy - count- And yes Iranian officials did in moments of comfort and faqih, which forms the basis less others recognized them- indeed warned Riyadh there convenience, but where he of Iran’s clerical rule, and so- selves in al-Nimr’s words. would hell to pay should al- stands at times of challenge called “Islamic Resistance” Shia Islam does not give Nimr’s blood be spilled - only and controversy” - Martin Lu- ideologies.” in to proselytism - Shia Islam their warnings did not imply ther King, Jr. Profoundly prejudiced and is not vying for an empire. It violence and military retribu- bias, Smyth linked Sheikh al- does not need to, its ambi- tion … those are the weapons Catherine Shakdam is a Nimr’s rights campaign in Ri- tions lie in the championing of of criminals, not sovereign political analyst and commen- yadh to what he imagines as a a just and fair society, where states. Iran Leadership im- tator on the Middle East. She sectarian attempted takeover matters of faiths are not dic- plied judicial and political re- has written for many publi- on the Sunni world. This so- tated but respected. percussions. cations and is also a regular called “campaign” only exists This revolutionary tide you May I point out that in the contributor to Mehr News. in the mind of Wahhabi Sau- see taking shape against Sau- case of Sheikh al-Nimr Iran as- Shakdam is currently affiliat- di Arabia. There is no plot, di Arabia is the expression of sumed the very role the Unit- ed with Shafaqna Institute for no Shia crescent and no Shia a people’s discontent - not ed Nations was too cowardly Middle East Studies| Politics Page 16 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Interview by: Somayeh Khomarbaghi and Mohammad Mazhari Iraqi ambassador:

Iraqi ambassador has said his government will seek responses should Turkey refuse People’s Mobilization to pull its forces from Iraqi soil. Somayeh Khomarbaghi and Moham- backbone of Iraqi forces mad Mazhari of Mehr News International service had an interview with Iraqi ambassador to Tehran Mr. Rajih Sabir Aboudi al-Mousavi in his embassy office earlier in December. Mr. al-Mousavi believed that all foreign forces working with Iraqi government had been there with official - re quest by Iraqi government and Turkey’s military trespassing of the Iraqi borders in the north was to be internationally condemned as violation of international borders. However, Mr. Ambassador believed that Turkey was still a Muslim country and a friend which should take the example of Iran whom al-Mousavi hailed for supporting Iraq through sending consulting -offi cials in fight against terrorism. The interview covered wide range of issues, inter alia, and the most important perhaps, Russian involvement in fight country. 5 years after the dawn of war in Iraq, and Syria as members, has been es- against ISIL both in Syria and formation Syria, now the international community tablished in Baghdad. Would the Center of a four-sided ‘Intelligence Center’ along have grappled with idea of forging a coa- be extended the level of cooperation with Syria, Russsia and Iran: lition against ISIL, Al-Qaeda and other ter- in the future, and would Baghdad file a rorists, while Iran and Iraq had been warn- request for Moscow to engage in fight uHow would you interpret Turkish forc- ing since the beginning of the crisis that against Iraqi side of the ISIL as well? es coming to Mosul crossing the border, the danger would spread to all countries. The Center acts as ‘operation cham- while Ankara has claimed that its forces With Iraqi forces performing high- ber;’ with fruitful Russian involvement in only crossed the borders by a permission ly against ISIL in retaking larger parts of Syrian setting, strategic changes had been from Baghdad? Is Turkey honest in its territories in Diyala, Tikrit, and Al-Anbar, introduced to the way the ISIL is fought claim? Turkey has violated international laws in back; we believe that some great powers As you know, the region is witnessing respecting international borders and tres- actually back terrorists in Syria and Iraq, terrible and unfortunate days and coun- passed Iraqi soil from the north, under however, Russia positively changed the tries experience disturbing events in mere absurd pretexts, while claiming that equation on the ground. The Center is security, political, and economic levels; Baghdad agreed to the border crossing. crucial to bring coordination to four mem- however, we see a systematic failure and a However, their claim is baseless and Iraq bers. Iran’s position has been clear since realistic view of the situation by the inter- will never tolerate ground forces from oth- beginning of the crisis in the region urging national community; we are also a mem- er countries violating its borders. We do establishment of an honest international ber to this community and are no excep- not need new crisis. We condemn Turkey’s coalition to fight against terrorism. What tion to these influences. It is hapless that action and have sent the UN messages to Iran has opposed in last two years, has conflict has escalated between Iraq and mount pressure on Turkey to pull out of been a hypocritical coalition. Turkey who otherwise are Muslim neigh- north of Iraq. The action is provocative This is our right to call our friends to join bors. and we hope Ankara will act wisely, other- fight against terrorism which is a threat to When we speak of relations with Iran, wise we will use our right by international all countries, and hence we welcomed this a sense of euphoria infuses us, since Ira- instruments. Center. nians had never trespass our borders, uWhat has been the role of People’s rather, they have sent military consult- uWould you predict further escalation Mobilization or al-Hashd al-Shaabi as it is ants to help Baghdad in fighting terrorism. of conflict and military engagement by called, in fight against Takfirists, especial- We want to see Turkey also doing such both sides and an incipient war? ly with recent fall of some of ISIL’s strong- things, taking the example of Iran, and We hope not. Iraqi government and hold cities? have strong relations to Iran, Iraq, and the nation would not welcome further esca- People’s Mobilization is the backbone region at large. Our interests are closely lation, since we are now focused on ISIL, of Iraqi forces and represents all Iraqi interrelated by the virtue of being located a threat also for Turkey with whom the ethnic and religious groups such as Sun- in a single region. Hence, developments country claims to fight. nis, Shias, Christians and Kurds. They are in our neighbors definitely spread to our uAn ‘Intelligence Center,’ by Iran, Russia, actually reserved forces, and classified » Politics Page 17 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY as ‘security forces.’ Mobilization has now for Saddam Hussein in the war with Iran. succeeded in reclaim larger parts of Iraqi Great powers only seek to serve Zionist soil from under the ISIL and other terrorist enemy. rule. Its role and function is therefore in- dispensable in Iraqi setting. uMasoud Barzani, President of Iraqi Kurdistan Region, has recently paid visits uSome criticism are leveled against for- to some countries in the region in an at- mation of Iraqi National Guard. - Oppo tempt to improve relations of Erbil with nents believe the formation will weaken those countries. How would you inter- the classical army of Iraq and will precip- pret these visits? And would they serve itate Iraqi disintegration. What do you Iraqi interests? How would you see the think of it? issue of Iraqi disintegration, would you Now, we see in TV channels broadcast- consider as a serious project? ing inside Iraq hold different opinions and The Iraqi Constitution of 2003 posits positions. We may call these opinions well territorial integrity and accordingly, Kurds, in line with Iraqi expediencies. Criticisms Arabs, Christians, Shias, Turkmen, Sunnis, are natural part of this process. About the Iraq rivalry. What sort of cooperation Iran and Yazidis have agreed to this important regional quotas in the National Guard, we and Iraq could engage in about unilateral article. No party is eligible or in a posi- believe that population is not the true and cooperation or in OPEC framework? tion to deviate form this article. However, accurate measure to determine its quota Contrary to those analysts, I am en- Barzani’s move is idiosyncratic, not reflect- of forces participating and being recruited sured about Iran-Iraq cooperation rather ing the public demand by Kurds or Ira- in the National Guard framework. We be- than rivalry in international community. qis. Iraqi government authorities leveled lieve also that the level of engagement in There is a full range of issues where both critiques on the visits as well. According fights against ISIL does constitute a meas- countries have similar positions. If any to Constitution, Iraq has parliament and ure of the quota of cities. For example, rivalry actually exists, is about restoring Kurdistan has representative and minister Mosul is a large city with more population. stability to volatile oil markets, and this is in the parliament and the cabinet. About In comparison, Basra, Samawah, and oth- natural. A barrel of crude has gone a long disintegration, no time in history did Iraq, er cities have smaller number of popula- way from $120 per barrel to $30 now, and Turkey, and Syria countenanced a Kurdish tion. But, people in these smaller cities this is a real threat to international finan- independent state in the region, and nev- have been unswerving in their loyal partic- cial system and to international security er will such a country come to existence. ipation in the fight against terrorism, and as well. Economy is closely related to se- This is not in line with any strategic justi- in Mosul, people did not show that level of curity. Iraq’s relations with Iran would be fication and rational thinking. Internation- enthusiasm and interest. This is the point a source of stability for global oil markets. al coalitions have favored unity and not in the quota in recruitments. We are also working in other oil and gas divergence, and I believe disintegration Despite all this, I believe Iraq is strong projects, worth of $10mn, which are im- is unlikely, however, requests for support and will protect its national unity. This is portant and have of global dimensions have always been common. There are dif- rare across the world. and consequences. ferences between Iraqi central government in Baghdad and Kurdistan region in uWhat has been Ayatollah Sistani’s role uHow Iraqi government would view Per- the way issues are addressed. This issues in fights against Takfirist terrorists and sian Gulf security order? Would it believe should be negotiated and solved. De- making the internal public forces and the that this order would be realized with the spite the discords, all are united against army united? US and UK present in the region? the common enemy which threats Iraq If it were not for Ayatollah Sistani, Iraq is especially important for Persian as a whole. The Iraqi nation rejects the Iraq would be disintegrated. I have also Gulf countries, and all political equations idea as well; we have rejected disinte- said, the Iranian success came only when would fall apart without Iraq. As long as gration since Sykes–Picot Agreement the public followed their Leader Imam Iraq fights as a proxy for these countries, early 20th century. All parties and tribes Khomeini (RA), and if they failed, no suc- no security will rule the region. The Islam- in Iraq oppose disintegration and our cess would embrace the Revolution [of ic Republic of Iran has had a critical role friends help promote territorial integrity 1979]; there is a parallel of this for Iraq. in fighting ISIL. Our brothers in Persian of Iraq. Any nation who revered their religious Gulf should turn to dialogue with Iran, charismatic leader, survived the hard- receiving with welcome Iran’s request to uIraqi Kurdistan authorities have raised ships. As we said before, Iraq is the first address the security and economic issues the issue of transiting gas to Turkey. What in a sequence of trenches. If it falls, other of the region in post-JCPOA era, otherwise would you think of the act? trenches will definitely fall, and the region the region will be stuck in a state of pan- Such statements lacks seriousness. I and the world as well will be engulfed by demonium and bloodshed. Great powers believe our Turkish brothers would only chaos. This is a significant issue, but the would not have concerns over our securi- buy gas from the Kurdistan region if the religious authority has played a great role ty and interests. This is well evidenced by central government shows consent. This in uniting public and restoring a sense of the past history. The issues of the region is to comply with international conven- security to community. could solely be solved by the countries in tions. I believe dialogue would solve the the region. This is what Iran has worked to gas issue with a delegation from Kurdistan uSome analysts believe that a return to establish as a fact in forgetting the past, to discuss the issue with Baghdad, and no oil markets will give rise to a sort of Iran- especially Persian Gulf countries’ support serious concerns should be raised on this| Politics Page 18 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Fmr. US Army PsyOp officer: Russia serious in Syria; America schizophrenic

Interview by Lachin Rezaian

A former US army region, while America seeks in- Persian Gulf nations working — most notably the Beslan psychological operation stability and chaos. Russia has to destroy the Syrian govern- School attack by the Muslim officer and counter-terrorism boiled down the conflict, prob- ment, and in its place estab- Black Widow terrorist cell. analyst in San Francisco lems and issues in the region lish a Wahhabi caliphate that Since Russia has been bit- described Russian military to their basic fundamentals in would kill, enslave, and rape ten by the snake of Wahhabi campaign in Syria a bid to order to clearly understand in non-Wahhabi Muslims, forci- terrorism so often in the past, establish stability and order the simplest terms how they af- bly convert them, and transit is only natural for it to crush in the region, while America fect Russia and the world; and form Syria into another nation the head of the snake under its seeks instability and chaos. then designed a strategy to of civil war and chaos. Russia heel now that it is inching clos- simply, quickly, and most effec- saw this as an existential threat er towards Russia’s borders. Scott Bennett asserted that tively deal with them. In an act to its own borders and people Russia’s imposition of econom- of surreal hypocrisy, America and government, and acted uHow do you evaluate the ic sanctions on Turkey is the has said it is pursuing one ob- accordingly by defending itself consequences of Turkey’s first step of a civilized infor- jective, but done the opposite. through defending its ally, the downing of a Russian fight- mation and economic warfare, It has opposed Russia, by com- Syrian nation, government, er jet? Why Russia answered which Turkey started by killing plicating and exaggerating the and people. Turkey’s act in such a way? a Russian pilot and destroying issues, problems, and conflicts Russia’s economic sanction- a multi-million dollar Russian by its equipping and support- uThe military campaign re- ing of Turkey is the first step of plane. “If Putin is smart, which ing the forces of rebellion in portedly costs $4 million per a civilized information and eco- he is, he will be expanding this Syria without regard to how it day according to IHS Jane’s; nomic war, which Turkey start- negative public relations fire would affect the world. The ef- what interests and benefits ed by killing a Russian pilot which Erdogan has started,” fects of the US policy has been push Russia to launch and and destroying a multi-million Bennett said in an exclusive the dissolution of socio-eco- continue its fight against- ter dollar Russian plane. If Putin is interview with Mehr News nomic stability in Libya, Iraq, rorism in Syria? smart, which he is, he will be Agency on Russia’s military Afghanistan, and now Syria; Russia has seen extrem- expanding this negative public campaign against terrorism in and a mass exodus of human ism in its Afghanistan conflict relations fire which Erdogan Syria. refugees mixed with opportun- when the US hired as its own has started, by throwing atop it Syria seems to have been ists and terrorists into the soft mercenary every Wahhabi the gasoline of Erdogan’s acts turned into a battleground for underbelly of Europe in what fanatic, violent criminal, and of tyranny (killing journalists) west coalition and Assad sup- can only be described as an in- desperado floating to the sur- and illegal oil smuggling and porters. How do you compare vasion of chaos sprinkled with face of humanity in order to ISIL financing, as well as the the achievements by Russia’s suffering. initiate a “Soviet Afghanistan”. Turkey refugee human traffick- military campaign, so far, and It saw it again with the similar ing into Europe and attempt US-coalition in Syria? uThe EU foreign policy extremists in the Muslim Koso- to extort the European Union The simplest way to com- chief Federica Mogherini has vo Liberation Army (KLA) that for $3billion euros to control pare the Russian and Ameri- warned Russia risks a repeat launched a civil war against Yu- the flow. This will isolate- Tur can military strategy in Syria of doomed Afghan war in Syr- goslavian President Slobodan key, and facilitate a coup d’état is that Russia is serious, while ia, do you think this is true? Milosevic, and witnessed the against Erdogan by senior America is schizophrenic. Rus- Is current Russian campaign NATO war against Milosevic military leaders in Turkey and sia’s objective is to shrink and which is carried out at request framed fraudulently as a “Hu- pro-Russian politicians and disintegrate the conflict, while of Syrian government compa- man Rights” issue — a stand- businessmen in Turkey, and, America’s is designed to en- rable to Soviet attacks on Af- ard weapon in the US Psycho- once again, check-mate the US large and integrate the conflict- ghanistan? logical Warfare arsenal. It also and halt its agenda. ing parties to synergize their The difference is Russia saw it in its Chechnya civil war destructive agenda. Russia was asked by Syria to come conflict, and in numerous ter- uIt seems Turkey has downed wants stability and order in the to its aid against a coalition of rorist attacks against Russians the fighter jet feeling support » Politics Page 19 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY from NATO against possible smuggling operations that was Russia retaliation. Considering previously financing ISIL, and a previous cases in Georgia and decimation of the ISIL fighters Ukraine, do you think NATO and their US weaponry. would take measures in case This has indirectly led to of Russian military measures the strengthening of the legiti- against Turkey? mate government in Syria, led It goes without saying that by President Assad, which has the NATO purpose was origi- effectively checkmated the US nally to defend Britain, France, agenda of regime change in Germany, Italy, and a few other Syria. Additionally the tsuna- nations from a Russian military mi of human wreckage from invasion and takeover—at least America’s Middle East wars that’s how it was originally sold that has overwhelmed Europe- to the public. However now, an shores, has also effectively post-cold war, with Russia no drowned into silence the Eu- longer interested in such cam- ropean NATO cries for Assad’s paigns, and instead intertwined in his explanation to the Rus- The more Erdogan is con- removal. The absence of these with European economies and sian Duma of Turkey’s “stab in nected to human trafficking European cries for Assad’s re- society, NATO logically must be the back and shoot down of of invaders into Europe and moval, will be transformed recalibrated and redefined to a Russian bomber over Syrian financing ISIL through Persian into affirming nods at the ben- modernize it. And that becomes airspace.” It is significant that Gulf nations (specifically us- efit to Europe of keeping Assad the paradigm around which the this resembles the Old Testa- ing HSBC, UBS, Credit Suisse, in power, in order to keep the new European-NATO mindset, ment story about the ancient and other international Saudi “cork in the bottle” restraining as well as the American mind- Babylon King Nebuchadnezzar Banks); and trying to goad the the Wahabi genie of terrorism set, should logically be rede- who because of his own pride NATO alliance into defend- anxious to escape and wreak fined and realigned. and sense of invulnerability, ing Turkey as the flashpoint havoc in Europe as revenge for Given that presently Turkey was cursed by God and forced of a conflict, the more a mili- the destruction of Iraq and in is a NATO member, despite be- out of his kingdom into the wil- tary coup will begin to seem obedience to the agenda of ing reviled by many European derness where he “ate grass the next logical step... and the House of Saud and their political leaders for Erdogan’s for seven years, before he was some pro-Assad, pro-Russian, Zionist Israeli cousins. various offenses and violations given back his right mind.” Pro-China, group will take it. This success of the Russian against European values, Tur- Since Turkish Muslims know If Iran will give a blessing and campaign, and its simultane- key still maintains a legal right this story intimately, the allu- their respect to the new Tur- ous exposure of the US-Tur- to demand NATO respond to sion to Erdogan could be suf- key military government, then key-Israel-Saudi Arabia-Perisan any outside attack. Therefore, ficient to spark the necessary this too would be an enor- Gulf nations coalition funding, any disruption of Erdogan sense of betrayal, resentment, mous benefit. The new Turkey aiding, and abetting the ISIL must be seen as clearly coming and commitment to change. military government could personnel, is what no doubt from within the country’s own also be inspired by a generous prompted the recent shoot- population, and a movement uWhat is the impact of Rus- percentage of the gas pipeline down of the Russian fighter by the people to preserve sia’s military involvement in President Putin may want to bomber. It is also what has their lives, their peace, and Syria on the position of the resurrect with Turkey. prompted President Obama to their right to responsible and Islamic Republic of Iran in the We measure the success of circumvent Congress’ war mak- accountable government. By region, as the most important the Russian and American mil- ing powers, violate the Constitu- defining any coup, overthrow, ally of the Syrian government? itary campaigns very simply, tion, and send US Army Special or removal of President Erdo- Russia’s entrance into the using the results achieved, not Forces once again into Northern gan as a natural right of free war against ISIL stabilizes the re- the media reports and political Iraq to supposedly fight an ene- and reasonable people, free- gion by strengthening the Assad rhetoric. my they have previously hired, dom and reason will become government, as well as the oth- When America was in trained, equipped, and protect- both the origin and the final er governments opposed to ISIL, charge of the air campaign ed. At best this policy is hypoc- objective of the changing of including Iran, Iraq, China, and supposedly targeting the ISIL risy, at worst it is treason. Erdogan’s rule. Any opposition many others. Russia has re-as- forces, no significant defeats will therefore be defined as serted itself not only as a gov- or destruction resulted, and in Dr. Scott Bennett, formerly of the opposite of freedom and ernment with a leader willing to fact a massive supply of weap- the US Army 11th Psychological reason—and should be harshly protect stability and order in the ons, soldiers, and money found Operations Battalion, attempt- described as slavery and insan- world, but a world that when their way into the coffers of ed to blow the whistle by con- ity. Which, ironically enough, pushed to choose a side, will ISIL. While the opposite seems tacting the commercially-con- President Vladimir Putin has choose order and stability rath- true now that Russia has been trolled media and writing to US already been doing in his pub- er than the fanciful dreams of engaged in fighting ISIL for the politicians after being sacked lic statements. universal democracy achieved past few months, which has re- from his job as terrorist finance Putin has said, “Allah has through the bloodshed off civil sulted in the absolute destruc- investigator after he proved too taken away Erdogan’s sanity”, war and religious tyranny. tion of all illegal oil theft and zealous at the job| Politics Page 20 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY James George Jatras : US-led coalition pretends fight against ISIL

From all reports the Rus- along with millions of Alaw- conflict appeared to be es- sian campaign seems much ites, Shiites, and secular Sun- calating uncontrollably. In- more effectively targeted nis, if not acceptable to Mr. deed, Erodgan’s adventurism at ISIL and the other terror Putin, and rightly so. in support of ISIS and other Interview by Lachin Rezaian groups like al-Nusra. The dif- jihadists raises the question: ference is that Russia’s goals uHow do you evaluate the Why we are allied with Turkey A former US Diplomat and are clear: preserve the Syrian consequences, I mean the in the first place? (examples: US Senate staffer told Mehr government and state, kill sanctions, of Turkey’s down- Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R- News that US-led coalition’s the terrorists. The US-led ing of a Russian fighter jet? CA), Chairman of House Sub- goals are at best ambiguous coalition’s goals are at best Why Russia answered Tur- committee on Europe; -“Tur and includes countries like ambiguous: fight (or pretend key’s act in such a way? key is now a huge liability for Turkey and Saudi Arabia, who to fight) ISIL while keeping I don’t think we know yet NATO — and America”; “Tur- are really on the side of ISIL. them as a pressure against what the full consequences key Downs Russian Plane, Joins Assad, whose overthrow re- will be. Russia has made some With Islamic State: US Should On 30 September 2015, mains a western goal. And modest steps on the econom- Drop New Ottoman Empire following a formal request of course, our so-called coa- ic front, but President Putin As Ally”; “Time Has Passed the by the Syrian government lition includes countries like has signaled there will be Turkish Alliance By”). for military help against re- Turkey and Saudi Arabia, who more. He has also made this Never has Turkey’s stock bels and terrorist groups, are really on the side of ISIL. very personal with President in Washington been as low Russia intervened militarily That’s why I have posted a Erdogan. This is not over yet. as it is now. Conversely, nev- in the Syrian crisis. The activ- petition on the White House er have so many voices not ities consisted of air strikes site to declare Turkey a State uIt seems Turkey has usually friendly to Russia or primarily in north-western Sponsor of Terrorism: https:// downed the fighter jet feel- President Vladimir Putin now Syria against terrorist groups petitions.whitehouse.gov/ ing support from NATO taken a pro-Moscow stance. fighting Syrian government, petition/list-erdogans-tur- against possible Russia re- including al-Nusra Front, ISIL key-state-sponsor-terror- taliation. Considering pre- uWhat is the impact of Rus- and the Jeish al-Fath (Army of ism-void-us-alliance-turkey vious cases in Georgia and sia’s military involvement Conquest). On 24 November Ukraine, do you think NATO in Syria on the position of 2015, a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 uThe military campaign re- would take measures in case the Islamic Republic of Iran aircraft was shot down by a portedly costs $4 million per of Russian military measures in the region, as the most Turkish Air Force F-16 fight- day according to IHS Jane’s; against Turkey? important ally of the Syrian er jet, the first time a NATO what interests and benefits In order to keep open the government? country targeted a Russian push Russia to launch and lifeline to his terrorist clients, Clearly, Russia and Iran plane in half a century. continue its fight against ter- Erdogan is seeking to turn have very different social, po- In an exclusive interview rorism in Syria? his confrontation with Russia litical, and ideological identi- with Mehr News, James Russia cannot afford an- into one between Russia and ties based largely on religion. George Jatras discussed the other Libyan-style chaos, or NATO. It is clear that beyond But their strategic interests Russian war against terrorism worse ISIL’s black flag over pro forma pledges of soli- intersect in Syria, and there in Syria and the possibilities Damascus, only a long day’s darity most NATO members are no obviously points of and consequences regarding drive from the Russian bor- don’t want to take the bait. strategic discord. That is likely the issue: der. For Russia, this is a very The Turkey-Russia confronta- enough for the time being. real terrorist threat. Also, tion could become a potential uSyria seems to have been Moscow is signaling that the flashpoint for World War III if James George Jatras is turned into a battleground days of the US-run “regime Erdogan’s dirty game goes Deputy Director of the Ameri- for west coalition and - As change” machine are over. wrong (or in some warped can Institute in Ukraine, a pri- sad supporters. How do you Also, the Orthodox Church in minds, “right”), and it’s hard- vately funded American NGO. compare the achievements Russia is a very strong influ- ly likely our European allies Based in Washington, DC, he by Russia’s military cam- ence with the Kremlin. The would be any more enthusi- is a former U.S. diplomat and paign, so far, and US-coali- idea that terrorists would astic for that possibility than adviser to the US Senate Re- tion in Syria? eliminate Syria’s Christians, they were when the Ukraine publican leadership| Politics Page 21 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Andreeva Mina Alexandrova: EU crucial in deescalating Turkey-Russia tension

Interview by: Abdolhamid Bayati tively and immediately and will prepare uLast month, we saw Paris terrorist at- The European Commission Chief a report on the State of Play for the 15 tacks; why western countries face these Spokesperson has told Mehr News EU December for the European Council. kinds of threats? residents going to and coming back EU member states face an increasing from Syria are hidden threats to the EU uDuring Turkish parliamentary elec- number of EU nationals who travel abroad countries. tions, EU delayed publishing of Turkey’s for the purposes of terrorism. While the human right report and some said that phenomenon of so-called “foreign ter- In an interview to Mehr News Interna- EU had made a deal with Turkey on mi- rorist fighters” is not new, the scale of tional Service, Andreeva Mina Alexandro- grants which is why Europe has turned a people travelling to conflict zones, in par- va told Abdolhamid Bayati of the Service blind eyes at Turkey; how do you think ticular to Syria and Iraq, to fight or train that EU and Turkey had been cooperating of that? with terrorist groups is unprecedented. about migrant/refugee crisis and that The Commission always publishes the The threat posed, both within the region Turkey-Russia tension triggered by down- annual enlargement package in the au- and upon their return, by the approxi- ing of a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 by Turkish tumn. This year it was published on 10 mately 5,000 EU residents who have trav- fighters earlier this month had been ad- November, the date was chosen to en- elled to join terrorist groups such as ISIL dressed seriously by the EU which had sure good visibility for these important is of course of an increased concern. The not downplayed the importance of diplo- documents. There are fair and objective Commission adopted a European Agenda matic efforts: reports on the progress achieved. If you on Security in April 2015, setting out the As you know, so far, Europe has been read this year’s report on Turkey, you will main actions envisaged by the Commis- facing a huge number of migrant/refu- see that as usual we have been fair but sion to ensure an effective EU response gees who come from Turkey for the most also very firm and critical where appro- to security threats over the period 2015- part; accordingly, some experts believe priate, as regards the judiciary or media 2020. Progress has been made on several that Turkey have not had enough priori- freedoms. points since then. ty on migrant crisis because this country The Commission, together with mem- sought compensation from Europe. To uAs you know, tensions has escalated ber states, the European External Action what extent this analysis holds true? between Turkey and Russia in recent Service, Europol and Frontex finalized in Turkey and the European Union are days; what is EU’s position on this? June 2015 a set of common risk indicators strategic partners in addressing the ref- Federica Mogherini, the High Repre- for foreign terrorist fighters, to be used ugee challenge. At the EU-Turkey sum- sentative of the Union for Foreign Affairs by border guards to help them when con- mit on 29 November, the EU and Turkey and Security Policy /Vice-President of the ducting checks. reached an agreement on how to move Commission had a lot of contacts to help The Commission is currently work- forward speedily in all key areas of our deescalate the situation. She spoke to ing on the European Border and Coast cooperation. Both sides agreed to ac- Secretary General of NATO but also to the Guard package, planned for December tivate the EU-Turkey Joint Action Plan Turkish Minister and Russian ministers for 2015. In the context of this package which addresses the current crisis sit- scaling down the risks of escalation and the Commission is preparing a targeted uation in three ways: (a) by addressing calming and trying to calm down the sit- amendment of the Schengen Borders the root causes leading to the massive uation. She also stressed the need to pre- Code to allow for systematic checks influx of Syrians, (b) by supporting- Syr serve the process started in Vienna and against relevant databases at exter- ians under temporary protection and to deliver concrete results soon. nal borders of all travelers, including their host communities in Turkey and (c) “It would be a terrible mistake if, out those who benefit from the right of by strengthening cooperation to prevent of tensions on the ground that can be free movement under Union law. In the irregular migration flows to the EU. Tur- very high and very difficult to manage, light of the recent tragic attacks in Paris key has committed to implementing im- we cancel or we downgrade the level of on 13 November, work has been signif- mediately the elements agreed on in the diplomatic and political engagement. The icantly accelerated on a number of pro- Action Plan, notably immediate action to real way of defeating ISIL in the long run posals to address terrorism, that make stem the flow of irregular migrants to the is guaranteeing a political transition in it more difficult to acquire firearms and EU; and to improve the socio-econom- Damascus, a ceasefire in Syria and uni- to address illegal trafficking of firearms ic situation of Syrians under temporary ty of forces inside and outside Syria to and explosives. protection in Turkey. The European Com- fight against ISIL and Al-Nusra. I believe mission is now working to ensure imple- we have to protect this political space we Andreeva Mina Alexandrova is the Eu- mentation is carried out swiftly,- effec have finally created,” Mogherini had said. ropean Commission Chief Spokesperson| Politics Page 22 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY By: Majid Akhavan Turkish economy to bear Russian jet downing costs

network launched a propa- the formation of the new white meat to Russia, and it ganda shooting against Erdo- cabinet in Turkey and the re- is estimated that the figure gan and his family, followed sulting coordination between will rise to 24 million dollars by raising the question of governmental bodies, eco- for the coming year. Russia whether or not the money nomic experts had guessed is Turkey’s largest economic from ISIS-export oil goes to that the descending trend partner after Germany, and Erdogan family. During their would continue and even in some cases in a position Turkey is so heroically broadcast, the TV showed a reach a lower level of 2.70 (2 above Germany. Turkey’s engulfed in its nationalism number of secret documents Lt and 70 kurus) simultane- overall annual export to Rus- that has not yet realized labeling the Turkish president ous with the commencement sia amounts to 6 billion US what consequences the as the “Turkey-ISIS liaison.” of the newly-formed state. dollars, 1.7 billion dollars of downing of Russian fighter Also heard on the same TV The equation was disrupted, which constitutes foodstuff. jet adventurism would have was the recorded voice of Er- however, when Turkish fight- Volume of Russian exports on its economy. dogan calling his sons and or- ers fired at the Russian jet. to Turkey, including natural dering the latter to relocate For Putin, who had been gas, approximates 25 billion Early Turkish election of the money from their resi- elected as the “Most Power- dollars. More than half of November 1, upon comple- dence to a safer place, plus ful Man on Earth” in 2015 by Turkey’s imported gas is pur- tion, produced its early- re a number of images showing the reputed American Forbes chased from Russia, the lion’s sults indicating the victory regular visits by Edogan’s son magazine, and met with the share of which is used for of a man’s party who was Belal to ISIS leaders. Supreme Leader of Iran as power generation along with dreaming of Turkey in 2023, In their analysis of Rus- Russia’s greatest regional ally its consumption for heating with the people feeling free so-Turkish position toward on the eve of the event, the purposes. to go to bed quietly after them, the Turkish media accident cost dearly. Thus, de- Meanwhile, Russia is a five months of unrest. Im- were quite cautious not to spite all sorts of claims by Turk- major investment target for mediately on the day after hint at recently hot issues, ish authorities, supposedly Turkish contractors. The vol- the event, markets showed mostly because of fear- correct, it would be unlikely for ume of this type of invest- signs of flourishing and a new ing the ambiguous Russian the event not to bring about ment exceeds the frontiers of hope returned to Turkish reaction. Regardless of a any Russian reaction. 50 billion dollars. Russia, too, politics, society, and econo- possible influence of both It must be noted that in has been awarded a 20-bil- my. However, no sooner had countries’ media on Russian their initial reaction, Russians lion-dollar worth tenders for everything got settled down and Turkish authorities, so cancelled a scheduled visit by the construction of Ak Koyu than the tables were turned far one thing has become their foreign minister to An- Atomic Power Plant by Tur- and at a point where Turkish clear-cut: Russia is going to kara. This was supposed to key, and the input for the disputed policies in the re- show an economic rather take place on the day follow- purpose of the said project gion – on the Syrian conflict than military reaction to- ing the event. Also the Rus- has already reached 3 billion –led to a Turkish-Russian ten- ward Turkey. sian prime minister invited dollars. sion. Following the downed all Russians not to travel to Turkey earns its greatest On which direction will Russian jet, the Lt-USD ex- Turkey. Following the said income from tourism. Annu- the upcoming tension move change rate soared, with the invitation, purchase and ally more than 4 million Rus- and continue? Will it devel- descending Lt-FC exchange import of white meat from sian tourists travel to Turkey, op into other crises? As the rate from early October and Turkey was declared pro- and Russia occupies the first first step prior to rising verbal even after the recent -Turk hibited as of December 2. place in terms of sending war between both countries’ ish election taking a soaring Already six ships carrying tourists to Turkey among oth- authorities, this was a media trend, as well. In early Octo- chicken meat to Russia are er countries of the world. war between the two coun- ber, the USD-Lt exchange rate kept in waiting under the If impacts of political ten- tries in which the media were was 1: 3.5 (3 Lt and 5 kurus); pretext of incomplete bill of sion between Turkey and used as means of shooting at on October 24, however, it lading, shipping documents, Russia spread through the each other. was decreased to 2.80 (2 Lt and relevant permits. economic relations between In a major revealing piece and 80 kurus). Considering Last year, Turkey export- the two countries, both of news, the Russia 24 TV the stability achieved after ed 16 million dollars’ worth countries will suffer heavily. » Politics Page 23 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Considering that Russia represents Turkey’s first and/ or second commercial partner while Turkey represents Russia’s seventh commercial partner, it is not difficult Mark Glenn: to foresee that the losses to be incurred by Turkey in this context will be much heavier. Turkey acting At this moment, many Turks, and even many Turkish politicians, have adopted an epic as hired gun position toward this incident. Here, any person willing to invite people to “moderation for US, Israel and foresight” shall be accused of xenophilia and tak- Interview by Lachin Rezaian ing sides with Putin. When in his Tuesday An American writer, journalist and anti-Iran/ anti-Russian intelligence servic- evening speech delivered on political analyst said Eragon has dreams of es. Where Russia, Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah the occasion of “Teacher’s becoming the new Sultan of a reinvigorated obviously showed brilliant political strategy Day” Erdogan said that the Ottoman with United States and NATO’s was in allowing America and the West to Russian jet has been downed support. continue with the facade of pretending to by Turkish fighter planes, fight the very same terrorists they- them the audience applauded his “Clearly the shooting down of the Rus- selves created but with no success, setting speech warmly. Despite having sian jet was done as a provocation in the the stage then for those aforementioned respectfully said that it is not hopes that Russia would retaliate in some countries making up the Axis of Resistance something worth applauding, dramatic fashion that could then be used to deal with ISIL, and in the process, achieve it was a reflection of an epic for political and propaganda effect in turn- for themselves a great victory in terms of emotion among people for the ing the world against Russia at a time when public perception around the world. fact that Turkey has downed a she is achieving great success both in Syria fighter belonging to a -super and in terms of world opinion”, Mark Glenn uThe EU foreign policy chief Federica power without thinking of its underlined. Mogherini has warned Russia risks a re- consequences. In an interview to Mehr News, American peat of the doomed Afghan war in Syria- The same scene, or even political analyst Mark Glenn answered the -Do you think this is true? Is the current a more epic one, was repeat- questions on the issue: Russian campaign being carried out at re- ed when the Prime Minis- quest of the Syrian government compara- u ter Davutoğlu was speaking Syria seems to have been turned into ble to the Soviet campaign in Afghanistan? among people’s representa- a battleground for western coalition and We have to understand the coded lan- Assad supporters. How do you compare guage Mogherini is using here. Remember tives in Turkish parliament. the achievements of Russia’s military cam- that the reason the Russians suffered the He referred to the event on paign, so far, and that of the US-coalition disaster they did in Afghanistan was be- several occasions and re- in Syria? cause the Americans armed the Mujahed- ceived the audience’s warm I think it’s important that we begin an- din (the very same militants that would one applaud and encouragement. swering this question by stating that it was day come to call themselves Al Qaeda) with Finally, it should be said that never the intention of the United States or the most sophisticated and high-tech weap- at this point it is not known its western partners to do anything about onry that the US possessed at that time. So, definitely how the Turkish the situation in Syria except to make it worse in making this statement, what Mogherini military attack will be retali- as a pretext to replacing the government of was in effect doing was acting as ames- ated by Russia, where it will Bashar al Assad with something more co- senger on behalf of Western and American take place, and what will be operative and pliable with the interests of interests in conveying the warning to Pu- the means for this retaliation. Israel, America, and the West. The entire tin that they--America and the West--are The most striking reflection, drama of America and its coalition partners willing to arm ISIL and the other terrorist however, will be seen in Turk- ‘engaging’ ISIL was merely that--a drama-- groups in Syria with the same type of hi- ish economy. meant for public consumption so as to cre- tech weaponry that made the campaign so ate the appearance that the United States difficult for the Russians in the 1980’s. Majid Akhavan is a senior and the West were serious about defeating However, I think that the field has international correspondent terrorism in Syria when in fact the terror- changed quite a bit. Politically speaking and of IRIB who is currently based ists themselves were the creation of the in terms of world opinion, the upper hand in Ankara| CIA, Mossad, MI6, and other anti-Assad/ has been won by Russia and by Putin and » Politics Page 24 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY therefore the West (and principally the paving the way for the United States to delicate balance that has been created US) is going to have a very difficult time move into the region as the only uncon- now for decades with America seen as trying to paint the Russians as the bad tested world power. Despite the fact that the world’s lone superpower. guys in this scenario and are therefore the LIBERTY was not sunk, nevertheless going to find themselves without the kind in some respects this plan worked in that uIt seems Turkey has downed the fight- of popular support from their own people both Egypt in Jordan fell into the Ameri- er jet feeling support from NATO against in funding/arming/training the very same can sphere of influence. The one nation possible Russia retaliation. Considering terrorists that are now credited with mur- obviously remaining with Syria. Therefore previous cases in Georgia and Ukraine, dering 130 Parisians just last month. what we see taking place right now is the do you think NATO would take measures This in itself poses a very dangerous attempt to finish a job that was begun on in case of Russian military measures possibility, which is that according to the June 8th, 1967, i.e. the removal of all Rus- against Turkey? plans laid out by Israel, America, NATO, sian influence in the Middle East. I believe this is precisely what NATO and the West, something dramatic must Russia’s interests in Syria are simple-- was and is planning, i.e. eventual armed be done to turn what is now very favora- She maintains a navy base at the Syrian conflict with Russia despite the fact that ble public perception for Putin and Russia port of Tartus that affords her the ability Russia is a nuclear power and can defend in the opposite direction, and we know to project military power throughout the herself very capably. It would appear as what this entails--a false flag event, pos- Mediterranean Sea which she is unwilling though the various military and politi- sibly an attack on an American or British to give up. Furthermore Russia under- cal planners in the countries making up military asset leading to significant loss stands very well that being a nation that NATO have somehow arrived at the un- of life and subsequent public outrage on is rich in natural resources means that the realistic conclusion that a military conflict the part of the ‘attacked’ country that is United States, the West, and Israel also with Russia can be waged short of it go- then blamed (falsely) on Russia. Let us re- have their sights set on Russia and on ing nuclear. We can therefore expect that member that this was precisely the sce- her wealth and therefore what Russia has there will be other provocations that will nario the US and Israel jinned up in 1967 been quietly yet steadily doing now dur- take place in the future with NATO or one when the Israelis attacked the USS LIBER- ing both presidential terms of Vladimir of her hired agents goading Russia into TY, hoping to create a political situation Putin is to begin building a block of resist- some type of situation where she lashes whereby the then-Soviet Union would be ance to the West that is intent upon in- out, at which point Russia will be painted pushed out of the Middle East by virtue of vading country after country and stealing as the aggressor that must be dealt with. its close association with Egypt who was not only the wealth of those nations but supposed to be blamed for the attack. their sovereignty as well. uWhat is the impact of Russia’s military involvement in Syria on the position of uThe military campaign reportedly uHow do you evaluate the consequenc- the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region, costs $4 million per day according to IHS es of Turkey’s downing of a Russian as the most important ally of the Syrian Jane’s; what interests and benefits push fighter jet? Why has Russia answered government? Russia to launch and continue its fight Turkey’s act in such a way? As we have seen from various news against terrorism in Syria? In my opinion there is no way to view reports it has not been only the Russians Again for a proper understanding of Turkey’s actions viz a viz the shooting who have been engaging against ISIL. Be- what is occurring right now viz a viz Rus- down of the Russian jet other than within sides the Syrian army we also have the sia coming to the aid of Syria we must go the context of Turkey acting as the hired brilliant efforts of General Soleimani and back to the events of June 8th, 1967. It gun for the US, NATO, and Israel. It is true of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards working was the time of the Six Day War when that Eragon has dreams of becoming the alongside Hezbollah. What this is done in Israel was busy stealing land from Egypt, new Sultan of a reinvigorated Ottoman terms of public perception for all of the Jordan, and Syria, who at the time were Empire but he would never have moved in aforementioned players (who up to this allied with Russia. The United States, such a dangerous way had he not had the point have been painted as terrorists or working in collusion with Israel, conspired backing of the United States and NATO as state sponsors of terrorism) has been to attack a United States ship, the USS beforehand. Clearly the shooting down of nothing short of a miracle in role reversal. LIBERTY, with the intention of sinking the the Russian jet was done as a provocation Besides the liberation of Syria itself from ship and blaming it on Egypt. At that tie, in the hopes that Russia would retaliate the terrible suffering she has endured Egypt was Russia’s biggest client state in in some dramatic fashion that could then at the hands of these Western-created/ the Middle East and this would obvious- be used for political and propaganda ef- Western-backed terrorism, perhaps the ly have put enormous political pressure fect in turning the world against Russia greatest victory that has been achieved on Russia that would eventually have at a time when she is achieving great suc- has been the reversal of perception for led to worldwide outrage against Russia, cess both in Syria and in terms of world nations such as Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and leading then to a breakdown in relations opinion. As I indicated earlier however, Russia. between Russia and the aforementioned we must watch the situation very careful- countries in the Middle East. ly because America, Israel, and the West Mark Glenn is an American author and As increased political pressure was put are not going to sit idly by and watch as journalist in Idaho who has co-founded on Russia for the sinking of the ship, thus Russia and as Vladimir Putin win the li- Crescent and Cross Solidarity Movement. would increase Russia’s isolation and loss on’s share of favorable world opinion, a He regularly writes on different topics on of influence in the Middle East, thus the situation that could very easily upset the The Ugly Truth| Politics Page 25 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Nigerian analyst: ‘Truth, reason constituting our weapons’ nawa quarters, while the rest are in Kaduna Central Prison. On Wednes- day, five corpses of our members were handed over to us for burial by the Police in Kaduna, who were given proper Islamic burial. Howev- er to our greatest shock, they were tortured using electric shock and also stabbed several times. It was gruesome murder. They were killed after being arrested at the peaceful procession staged in Kaduna on Tuesday, 2015-12-15, condemning the continued detention of our Lead- er, Sheik Ibrahim Yaqub Zakzaky and the military brutality against Muslim Interview by: Parnaz Talebi sons were among those killed by the brothers in Zaria. On Thursday, 2015- Soldiers on Sunday. Also killed is Mala- 12-17, four were buried; the follow- A Nigerian analyst has condemned ma Binta Yaqoub, the senior sister of ing day, Friday, three were again bur- massacre of Shia Muslims in Zaria, Sheikh Zakzaky who lived in the same ied after being handed over to us by believing that despite all atrocities, house with the Sheikh. The Children the Police Command. This made the the spirit of the Islamic Movement are Hammad, Ali and Humaid. Humaid, total number of people killed by the would survive. a thirteen year old boy, is the last child Police during this peaceful protest in of the Sheik. Kaduna to thirteen. In an interview with Mehr News The children were killed in front of Meanwhile, the Kaduna state gov- Agency, the Nigerian analyst and the Sheikh when the soldiers broke ernment has taken over the destruc- student of Al-Mustafa International into his residence. Suhaila Ibraheem tion of all the properties of the Islamic University Ali Mustafa said that the Zakzaky, the Sheik’s daughter, sus- Movement in Nigeria located across Islamic Movement’s weapon against tained brushes on her face. It could be Zaria. They have destroyed the re- the enemies was positive reasoning, recalled three sons of Sheikh Zakzaky maining parts of the Husainiyya Ba- digging for truth and good conduct, were killed on July 2014 while holding kiyyatullah and the Fudiyya Islamic and that the teachings of their leader International Quds Day rally in Zaria. Center Tuesday and on Wednesday, 23 Sheik Ibrahim Zakzaky would never be The members of the Islamic Move- December, they commenced the de- forlorn. ment who sustained different degrees struction of Darur Rahma in a village of gunshot injuries are still in prison called Dembo, a place where we burry uWould you please update us on the without medical care. Nigerian Police our martyrs. latest news from Nigeria? How is the killed thirteen members of the Islam- condition of Sheikh Al-Zakzaky? How ic Movement in last week’s proces- uHow is the atmosphere in Zaria? many have been injured or killed? sion which was held in Kaduna State, How is the condition of Muslims in Since after the military brutality Northern Nigeria. general and Shia community in par- against Shiite Muslims in Zaria, which Reports reaching us have indicat- ticular? left about 2000 killed, many missing, ed that there are more than forty As I said earlier, the enemies are some injured, properties worth mil- members of the Islamic Movement now engaged in destroying the Islamic lions of dollars destroyed and stolen in Nigeria, who are languishing in Movement’s properties. Many people also the revered Leader of the Islam- two prisons in Kaduna after surviv- in the country, including Christians, ic Movement, Sheik Ibrahim Zakzaky ing gunshots on Saturday, 12th De- are not happy with the continued was shot four times and whisked away cember, 2015. Among them two died atrocities being committed against the by the military, people all over the Tuesday due to unattended wounds, innocent Muslim brothers. Recently, universe have been condemning the whose release we are still negotiating the Nigerian Army and Kaduna State inhumane acts of the Nigerian Army. with the Police authorities in Kadu- Government of Nasir El-rufa’i have de- During the raid on the house of Sheikh na. Some of the wounded members molished the grave of Hajiya Hari Jamo Ibraheem Zakzaky his three biological are detained in Open Prison at Bar- the Mother of Sheikh Zakzaky locat- » Politics Page 26 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ed at Jushi yard in Zaria. The building was reduced to rubbles on Thursday , 2015-12-24; at around 10am local time. On the other hand, many are happy to the extent that they engage themselves in looting the properties of the martyred brothers and sisters from their pockets as well as stealing and selling the properties gotten from the demolished buildings of the Islamic Movement. Despite the hardship, the Muslim brothers, followers of Sheik Ibrahim Zakzaky maintain peace and remain calm holding with their peaceful processions in different parts of the country demanding the unconditional release of their Leader. Meanwhile, some of the state governors have issued a statement prohibiting any religious gathering. uWhat are the reasons behind such a massacre by Nigerian army? Has the army in Nigeria the authority to act like this? Sheik Ibrahim Zakzaky, may Al- lah protect him, has been a target of successive Nigerian governments for demolitions of houses and properties From the above mentioned verse several decades. He has been jailed belonging to the Islamic Movement in of the holy Qur’an, we can be assured by most of the Nigerian Presidents, Nigeria. This is an obvious fact that the that Allah’s help is very close. because they see him as a threat to Leader of the Islamic Movement in Ni- We can’t wait to seeing Allah’s help their worldly goals. Sheik Zakzaky is a geria and his disciples are being victim- and assistance. We are very optimistic. man that loves justice and hates injus- ized and killed. Let me conclude with the words quot- tice. He has been serving his society ed from the great Leader of the Islamic right from his childhood. He also tries uHow do you see the future of the Movement, Sheik Zakzaky saying: to defend human right and dignity. He Movement in the absence of the Our weapon is positive reasoning, is very brave and remains steadfast in Sheikh and his unknown fate? truth and good conduct. Guns are for implementing the pure teachings of This is how the path is. If we go back the reckless and foolhardy. We have Prophet (SAW) and his holy progeny. to the Islamic history, we will realize been conducting our affairs peacefully, He also tries to unite the Muslim com- that this is what happened to all Mes- calling people to the truth for the last munity, which is being targeted by the sengers of Allah, Nuh (AS), Ibrahim 36 years. So you cannot come over- policy of the enemies of conquering to (AS), Hud (AS), Musa (AS), Isa (AS), and night and attribute violence to us that rule. These, and many other of Sheik the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad we now resort to killing people. This Zakzaky’s achievements, including his (SAW). This is also what happened to is impossible. We save lives, not kill achievement in propagating true Islam our holy Imams, especially to Imam them. and promoting mutual understanding Husain (AS) in Karbala. Surely, the enemies can destroy and among Muslims and Christians, pro- Allah (T) says: demolish our material and physical voke the enemies of Islam, Israel and ( Respite will be granted )until, buildings, but they can’t destroy the America. when the messengers give up hope ( spiritual building and faith built depth of their people ) and ( come to ) think inside our heart by the revered Leader, uWould the incident affect the - Is that they were treated as liars, there Sheik Ibrahim Zakzaky, may Allah pro- lamic Movement and its activities? reaches them Our help, and those tect him. Really it has been a sad moment whom We will are delivered into to every person who cares about hu- safety. But never will be warded off Ali Mustafa is doing his MA in Is- manity on the unfortunate genocide our punishment from those who are lamic Philosophy in Al Mustafa Inter- in Zaria as well as the continuous in sin. (12:110) national University (MIU) in Qom| Politics Page 27 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Muslim lives don’t matter: why we don’t hear much about the Mina Massacre, or the one in Nigeria

By: Elham Kadkhodaee do not matter. Muslims are near or America, since spilling the ings? They are less than hu- the bottom of the hierarchy, and blood of one innocent civilian is man, and death and bloodshed I used to think that the black Muslims, I guess, are the enough to burry one into deep has always been part of their pseudoscientific theory of very last group! sorrow. I do not want to com- everyday lives. You might not social Darwinism has been I really don’t like to enter the plain why people are shocked hear such sentiments expressed over for years. Seems it’s live numbers wars, where the num- at, angry with, and expressing explicitly (although nowadays, and kicking in the depths of the ber of our slain is compared to grief at terrorism in the West, people like Donald Trump have minds of most of us! yours, to prove that we are the but to question why similar- at managed to raise the threshold real victims, something like what tention is not paid to civilians for overtly racist and Islamopho- A long title; but it would have ensued in the aftermath of the getting killed in other places on bic language), but lack of con- got longer if I had decided to Holocaust, where certain Jew- the globe. Why do we not hear cern for Muslim lives that are add the names of all the other ish-Zionist organizations (and a single news article or analysis lost in large numbers reflects places where Muslims are dying not Jewish people) started a bat- of the massacre that the Nige- that such beliefs are implicitly in large numbers and nobody tle to prove that the Holocaust rian army has just committed? held by many. seems to care: Iraq, Afghanistan, was the single most evil crime Why is it that a government that The situation is extremely Palestine, Syria, Yemen... So I against humanity, because six is helpless in confronting a ter- bleak, and no optimistic future thought to remain focused on million Jews were killed. And no rorist like Boko Haram is able to seems to await us, unless we the most recent crimes against other nation is allowed, ever, to massacre one thousand people decide to make change. We humanity, if Muslims are consid- make a similar claim, because in one day? Do we not have a here refers to both the Muslim ered human beings at all. it was six million. I believe that responsibility towards all of hu- and the Western worlds. As Thinking about the recent numbers do not necessarily manity? the Iranian Leader’s first letter events in Nigeria, where hun- demonstrate the severity of the Part of the answer to these to Western youth suggested, dreds of Muslims have been crime. As Islam teaches us, kill- questions lies with the concept remedy for the mistrust and killed, and the prominent Shia ing one human being is equiva- of representation. The media, misconceptions that have ex- cleric Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky isted for so long and are dam- has been injured and arrest- aging the lives of all of us, can ed, the by now famous slogan: be obtained through a mutual “Black Lives Matter” came to my endeavor towards more accu- mind. Faced with the apparent rate understanding, and a ref- lack of respect for the lives of erence to original sources to black people, African Americans understand the true message came up with a simple, three of Islam. As long as Saudi sup- word sentence that says it all. ported Wahhabism is able to I used to think that the pseu- reflect itself as the manifesta- doscientific theory of social Dar- tion of Islam, our troubles are winism has been over for years. going to worsen. This deadly Seems it’s live and kicking in the ideology has been successful depths of the minds of most of so far because of the liberties us! So, white people are at the and privileges that the West top, especially if they are Euro- has endowed it, it’s economic pean or American. The whole and political interconnected- world is in grief when a few lent to killing humanity, and the through their full coverage of ness with Western govern- journalists are killed at the Char- text states clearly: human being atrocities committed by - bar ments, and the Muslim world’s lie Hebdo headquarters, or a and humanity, not Muslims, baric groups like al-Qaeda and lack of effort in representing few hundred people are terror- believers, or anything like that: ISIS, have managed to instill a the true face of their religion. ized in Parisian restaurants, ca- “For that cause We decreed for stereotypic image of Muslims The Western world has to re- fes and stadiums. But have you the Children of Israel that who- in people’s minds. Muslims are alize that free and unrestrict- ever heard about the one thou- soever killeth a human being the ones who blow themselves ed access to oil is not worth sand or so people who met their for other than manslaughter or up for no acceptable reason, the global bloodshed that the gradual and painful death in the corruption in the earth, it shall and don’t have any respect for Saudis are financing. It has Hajj pilgrimage, due to Saudi be as if he had killed all man- human lives, whether it be the to disentangle itself from the mismanagement (no, it was not kind, and whoso saveth the life lives of fellow Muslims or of in- World’s largest exporter of ter- a stampede!), or about the one of one, it shall be as if he had fidels, or even their own lives. rorism! thousand African Muslims slain saved the life of all mankind” As the infamous Aladdin lyrics the other day in Nigeria? No one (Surat l-Maidah, verse 32). put it, Muslims are the barbaric Elham Kadkhodaee is a PhD is changing their social media So my point is not to com- people who “…cut off your ear, candidate in North American status to “Je suis Nigeria” or an- plain about the high numbers of If they don’t like your face. So, Studies in University of Tehran ything like that. That’s because, those killed in Mina or Nigeria why should anyone care about and a regular contributor to generally speaking, Muslim lives as opposed to those in France such violent, death-loving be- Mehr News Agency| Politics Page 28 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Censorship vs. Letter4U: NYTimes, WP censor Leader’s letter after publishing it

By: Hamid Reza Gholamzadeh After publishing Ayat. its report. But interestingly, demned both terrorism and Radical measures that alien- Khamenei’s second letter to only two weeks after the - re western policies nurturing ate Muslims or other minority the youth in west, NY Times lease of the letter and news terrorism. groups, would inevitably add and Washington Post have about it, He, of course, had earlier to further radical reactions by removed the articles from When searching for the this year written another letter those being discriminated and their websites. keyword ‘blind terrorism’ to the youth in North Ameri- the domino effect would ruin which had appeared in the ti- can and Europe and had called everything. 0Here comes the On November 29, Leader of tle of both papers, the search on them to gain their knowl- message of ayatollah Khame- the Islamic Revolution ayatol- results show the news items edge of Islam through reliable nei’s second letter which calls lah Khamenei wrote a letter to here and here, as it is seen sources and avoid stereotypes on the western societies to the youth in western countries in above screenshots all re- on mainstream media and po- avoid discriminatory meas- which was motivated by the trieved on Monday Dec. 14 litical propagandas. ures and instead of alienation recent Paris attacks in mid-No- and double-checked on Dec. The first letter in fact was of minority groups, embrace vember. The event – a second 15; but it is enough to click addressing a key notion for them and lay foundations for after a first letter which was on the link to see the Times western countries whose a better communication and communicated earlier this year tells you that “Page No Longer youths are increasingly being mutual understandings be- in January – was newsworthy Available… This news-agency recruited by ISIL and other ex- tween Muslims and non-Mus- enough to have many media article is no longer available tremist and terrorist groups. lims. This will prevent grounds outlets and news agencies cov- on nytimes.com.” In an age of the internet and for extremism and radicalism er the letter and talk about it Similarly, Washington Post social networks in which com- in both groups. – though western mainstream would tell you “Sorry, we can’t munication has become fast Yet, despite practical and media preferred to cover it to seem to find the page you’re and easy, Al-Qaeda, ISIL and realistic views and sugges- the least possible form. looking for.” other extremist groups are tions offered by Ayatollah In a world of easy access to While the mere fact of abusing the networks to prop- Khamenei, western media information, the media cannot providing news and then cen- agate their misinterpretations outlets seem to be trying to afford to risk their reputation suring it is unacceptable, such of Islam to absorb and recruit curb the word spread and and credit by ignoring such a a weird move can be less sur- more and more young peo- prevent western societies newsworthy event. Yet, some prising from less important ple from different countries from reading the message. American papers seem to have media such asStars and Stripes around the world. Considering Iran’s broadcasting service reached a new formula to which has done the same, but this fact, Leader of the Islamic IRIB reported on Monday override this significance of the when it comes to mainstream, Revolution in his first message that the letter and reports letter by publishing and then re- major media outlets such encouraged the youths to read on it on the websites of its moving the news! As two major as the two abovementioned and know Islam by reading foreign services have re- American outlets, both ‘New samples, their professionalism correct sources; this is the only ceived over 19 million views York Times’ and ‘Washington and unbiasedness would be way to prevent extremism and within these two weeks. If Post’ published the news about questioned. fundamentalism being dis- western media outlets and the letter the very same day it While many politicians guised as true Islam. newspapers just adhere to was published. from across the world did Moreover, extremism in their inherent nature of pub- Quoting the Associated not hesitate to react to the west is being addressed by lishing news and information Press, New York Times wrote terrorist attacks, Ayatollah radical reactions rooted in Is- ‘without bias and prejudice,’ that “Iran’s Top Leader Calls Khamenei’s letter was a rare lamophobia and racism; calls this figure can raise to more Paris Attacks ‘Blind Terrorism’” reaction by a religious-politi- for banning Muslims or attacks and more people and public and according to its website cal leader belonging to Islam; on Muslims and their entities awareness would definitely the same title appeared on the amid huge Islamophobia and buildings in Europe and help rejecting terrorism in print edition. campaigns in west, Ayatollah the United States reveal the a world torn apart by fear Washington Post also used Khamenei outspokenly re- deep-rooted radicalism in of terrorism and filled with the same source and title for acted to terrorism and con- western policies and societies. wrong policies| Politics Page 29 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Heinonen: IAEA report on Iran’s PMD ‘commendable’

Interview by: Javad Heirannia

Former deputy director general of has diverted declared nuclear materi- set to come on “Implementation Day” the International Atomic Energy al for military-related activities. That (likely in mid-2016). When the new re- Agency and head of its Department of is good news. Yet it’s unlikely that Iran port is brought before the IAEA’s Board Safeguards has told Mehr News the would divert material from declared fa- of Governors on December 15, it should IAEA has been facing ‘difficulties and cilities. Instead, Tehran would likely use adopt a resolution based on the follow- constraints’ in preparing report. undeclared facilities and materials for ing: such activities. Until the IAEA reaches a 1. The detection of undeclared Olly Hainon responded, through an broader conclusion that Iran’s nuclear nuclear material and activities requires email interview, to some questions by program is peaceful and accounted for, a credible baseline for monitoring and Javad Heirannia, of Mehr News Inter- it can’t verify with high confidence that verification. The 5+1 and IAEA should national Service. His assessment of no undeclared activities exist – a certi- therefore request a complete declara- the overall picture of the PMD case, fication that is likely many years away. tion from Iran of all of its past and pres- the IAEA’s allegations of past concerns This uncertainty, coupled with the fact ent nuclear activities. about Iran’s program, and a host of oth- that under the JCPOA Iran is permitted 2. The IAEA needs to provide as- er issues are all covered in Hainonen’s to maintain a substantial uranium-en- surances, with high confidence, that all ideas: richment capacity, means that the IAEA weapons-related activities have been will face a significant challenge as it im- terminated. The Agency must conse- uWhat is your assessment about the plements its ongoing verification proce- quently have direct access to all relevant new IAEA report on Iran’ PMD? dures. people and sites. The IAEA report, “Final Assessment 3. The environmental sampling on Past and Present Outstanding Is- uIran has emphasized on closing the process at Parchin served as a poor sues Regarding Iran’s Nuclear Pro- PMD for implementing the JCPOA. Do precedent for investigations at other gramme,” examines long outstanding you think that JCPOA will be imple- locations, including military-related concerns about the possible military mented? sites. Any future sampling and inves- dimensions (PMDs) of Iran’s nuclear The questions regarding Iran’s nucle- tigations, in Iran and elsewhere, must program. Given the reporting time ar activities remain outstanding. Given be done in-situ by IAEA inspectors and constraint stipulated by the Joint Com- the history, extent, and scope of Iran’s experts. prehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and nuclear program, it is highly unlikely limited cooperation provided by Iran that this report is the last word on un- Olli Heinonen is the former depu- on the full range of the Agency’s con- derstanding the extent of Iran’s possible ty director general of the International cerns, the IAEA has done a commend- nuclear weapons related work. Instead, Atomic Energy Agency and served as able job in its report. the IAEA would continue its verification the head of its Department of Safe- procedures as part of its efforts to reach guards. He is currently a Senior Fellow uDo you think according to Yukiya a broader conclusion. at the Harvard Kennedy School of Gov- Amano’s report, member states of the In the light of the above, the JCPOA’s ernment’s Belfer Center for Science and agency’s Board of Governors will vote verification and monitoring procedures International Affairs and a member of on closing the PMD file in a session on need to be reinforced. The 5+1 needs to the Iran Task Force, an independent, December 15? take additional action before the IAEA non-partisan group of former govern- The IAEA report notes that the Agen- confirms that Iran has met its nuclear ment officials and nuclear, legal, and cy has not seen any indications that Iran obligations, triggering sanctions relief sanctions experts| Politics Page 30 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

By: Henry A. Giroux Fascism in Donald Trump’s America: Dirty secret of American politics

In this piece, American loathsome instance, he just nists, Socialists, trade un- “political space…in both the critic Henry Giroux argues expanded his hate-filled ionists, and others from left wider culture and in recent how Donald Trump’s discourse, making clear his and liberal political circles. history.”[3] This is evident politics are founded on ‘a embrace of a politics found- In the spring of 1933, the SS not only in his race baiting, deeply ingrained racism’, ed on arrogance, cynicism, established Dachau concen- his crude comments about expressing alarm over how unchecked wealth, and a tration camp, which came women, or his call to round few people recognize that deeply ingrained racism. In to serve as a model for an up and deport 11 million Trump is ‘symptomatic actuality, he stepped over expanding and centralized immigrants, but also in his of the brutal seeds of the line the moment he an- concentration camp system increasing support for vio- totalitarianism now being nounced his candidacy for under SS management. lence against protesters at cultivated in American the presidency and called What is truly sad, alarm- his rallies.[4] There is a dis- society.’ Mexican immigrants vio- ing, and even cowardly is turbing totalitarian message lent rapists, gang members, how few people along with in his call to “make America Business Mogul, reali- and drug dealers. Or for the corporate media and his great again” by any means ty TV star, and presidential that matter when he called, intellectual defenders rec- necessary, none of which candidate, Donald Trump along with other right-wing ognize that Trump is symp- is entirely new to American recently mocked Serge extremists, to put refugees tomatic of the brutal seeds society. What is new is the Kovaleski, a New York in detention centers and of totalitarianism now degree to which this en- Times investigative reporter create a data base for them. being cultivated in Ameri- dorsement of violence, rac- with a disability, at a rally These comments sound can society. Donald Trump ism, and the call to violate in South Carolina.[1] This eerily close to SS (SS chief) represents more than the civil liberties are expressed contemptuous reference Heinrich Himmler’s call for anti-democratic practices so visibly and without apol- to Kovaleski’s physical dis- camps that held prisoners and antics of Joe McCar- ogy. How else to explain ability was morally odious under orders of what eu- thy.[2] On the contrary, he the muted criticisms, if not and painful to observe, but phemistically called “pro- signifies how totalitarian- almost non-existent pub- not to comprehend, at least tective custody. To quote ism can mutate and take lic and media response, to not politically. Trump is a the Holocaust Encyclope- different forms in specific his comments that: “we’re hate-monger, and spreads dia: historical moments. Rath- going to have to do things his message without apol- In the earliest years of er than being dismissed that we never did before. ogy in almost every public the Third Reich, various as a wild-card in American And some people are going encounter in which he finds central, regional, and lo- politics or as “careless and to be upset about it, but I himself. Some reporters cal authorities in Germany undisciplined,” as some of think that now everybody is claim he stepped over the established concentration his conservative supporters feeling that security is going line with this act of rep- camps to detain political claim, it is crucial to recog- to rule… And so we’re going rehensible cruelty. That opponents of the regime, nize that Trump’s popular- to have to do certain things is only partly true. In this including German Commu- ity represents a dangerous that were frankly unthinka- » Politics Page 31 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ble a year ago…”[5] This call nomination but the ground to do “the unthinkable” is was prepared and the seeds a fundamental principle of of his success sowed over any notion of totalitarian- the course of many years. ism, regardless of the form We’ve had fascism flowing it takes. through the American polit- Trump and his ilk merge ical bloodstream for quite a hyper-nationalism, rac- some time.”[6] ism, economic fundamen- This is a discourse that talism and religious big- betrays dark and treach- otry with a flagrant sense erous secrets not simply of lawlessness. His hate- about Trump, but more im- filled speech is matched portantly about the state of by an unsettling embrace American culture and poli- of violence against immi- tics. Trump’s brutal racism, grants and other opposi- cruelty, and Nazi-style policy tional voices issued by his recommendations are more supporters at many of his than shocking, they are em- rallies. This type of law- blematic of totalitarianism’s lessness does more than hatred of liberalism, its call encourage hate and mass for racial purity, its mythic hysteria; it also legitimates celebration of nationalism, the kind of inflammatory its embrace of violence, its rhetoric that gives cred- disdain for weakness, and ibility to acts of violence its anti-intellectualism. This against others. There has is the discourse of total ter- been an eerie silence by ror. These elements of total- Trump and other Repub- itarianism have become the lican Party presidential new American normal. The candidates in the face of refusal to make public a teria against Jews, commu- conditions that produced the killing of three people year-old squad-car vid- nists, and others alleged the torture chambers, in- at a Planned Parenthood eo of the incident. Nor is “infidels.” tolerable violence, extermi- clinic in Colorado, white there anything said about Trump’s recent call to nation camps, squelching supremacists shooting at the threat of white su- bring back waterboarding of dissent are still with us. Black Lives Matter pro- premacists groups in the and to support a torture Totalitarianism is not simply testers in Minneapolis, United States, the killing regime far exceeds what a relic of the past. It lives on the increasing attacks on of members of wedding might be called an act of stu- in new forms and it is just Mosques throughout the parties by drone attacks, pidity or ignorance. Torture as terrifying and danger- United States, and the or the illegal targeted as- in this instance becomes a ous today as it was in the alarming number of shoot- sassination of alleged ter- means of exacting revenge past. (See, especially, Han- ings of Black men and rorists. on those considered “Oth- nah Arendt, The Origins of youth by white police of- This is not simply the be- er,” un-American, and infe- Totalitarianism, (Houghton ficers, not to mention the havior of moral and political rior – principally Muslims, Mifflin Harcourt, New York: recent shooting in San Ber- cowards, it is the toxic affir- immigrants, and members 2001). nardino, California. Trump mation of the machineries of the Black Lives Matter and his fellow right-wing of death we associate with Movement. We have heard Mark Summer is right in extremists rail against fascism. There are historical this discourse before in the arguing that the ghost of Mexican immigrants, Syr- precedents for this type of totalitarian regimes of the fascism runs through Amer- ian refugees, and young violence and the hate-filled 1930s and later in the dic- ican society indicating that people protesting police racist speech by politicians tatorships in Latin America it never went away and that violence, but say nothing who create the climate that in the 1970s. Heather Dig- the threat of fascism has about a police officer who legitimates it. We heard it by Parton is right when she to be taken seriously. He shot Laquan McDonald, a in the words of Hitler, Mus- writes that Donald Trump writes that fascism didn’t black 17-year old, sixteen solini, Pinochet, and other “may be the first openly win on the battlefield, but it times and then the Chi- demagogic orators, ranting fascistic frontrunner for won ideologically. in a tone of neurotic hys- the Republican presidential cago Police Department’s It won because the same » Politics Page 32 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY fears, the same greed, the a long line of fascists who insolently unhidden.” (Per- machineries of death, and same hatred that fueled its shut down public debate, sonal correspondence with its moral emptiness. What growth in the first part of attempt to humiliate their David L. Clark. November is crucial to acknowledge the twentieth century nev- opponents, endorse vio- 30, 2015) is that the stories, legacies, er went away. The symbols lence as a response to dis- Trump is a monster with- and violence that are part of fascism became anathe- sent, and criticize any public out a conscience, a poli- of totalitarianism’s history ma, but the causes … went display of democratic prin- tician with a toxic set of must be told over and over deep. And gradually, slowly, ciples. America has reached policies. He is the product again so that it becomes one step at a time, all those its endpoint with Trump, of a form of finance cap- possible to recognize how vices became first tolerat- and his presence should be italism and a long legacy it appears in new forms, ed, then treated as virtues, viewed as a stern warning of of racism and violence in replicated under the ban- and then as the only accept- the nightmare to come. This which conscience is put to ner of terror and insecurity able view.... [For instance] is not the discourse of Kaf- sleep, democracy withers, by design, and endlessly our long, stumbling lurch to ka, but of those extremists and public values are extin- legitimated by in the image making of the corporate disimagination machines. The call to safety in author- itarian societies is code for illicit spying, treating people as criminals, militarizing the police, constructing a surveillance state, allowing Blacks to be killed as acts of domestic terrorism, and ultimately making disap- pear those individuals and groups that we dehumanize or consider threatening. Dark times are here but history is open and Trump’s presence – along with his fellow extremists and supporters – should be a ral- lying cry for a struggle not simply against a crude and reactionary populism, but against the tyranny of totalitarianism in its new and the right; the building force who have become cheer- guished. This is truly a time proto-fascist forms. of corporate power; the leaders for totalitarianism. of monsters and Trump is Henry A. Giroux current- relentless need for war; a Trump is not a straight talk- simply the most visible and ly holds the McMaster Uni- police whose power of ener as some writers have certainly one of the most versity Chair for Scholarship forcement is divorced from claimed or merely enter- despicable. in the Public Interest in the law; a preening nationalism taining. As David L. Clark Totalitarianism destroys English and Cultural Studies that rewards the full rights points out, the frankness of everything that makes pol- Department and a Distin- of citizenship only to those his call for violence coupled itics possible. It is both an guished Visiting Professor- who fit an ever-narrower with the unapologetic thirst ideological poison and a ship at Ryerson University. mold… I’m not saying we’re for injustice position him as brutal mode of governance His most recent books are moving toward fascism. I’m the “latest expression of a and control. It puts reason America’s Education Defi- saying we started that drift fascism that has poisoned to sleep and destroys and cit and the War on Youth a long time ago, and now political life throughout mo- viable elements of democ- (Monthly Review Press, we’re well across the line. dernity. He is unabashedly racy. Trump reminds us in 2013) and Neoliberalism’s [7] vicious because he is both the most exacerbated and War on Higher Education Trump is not just a fool an agent and a symptom of dramatic forms of totalitar- (Haymarket Press, 2014). or an idiot, or ethically a barren political landscape ianism’s addiction to tyran- His web site is www.henry- dead, he is symptomatic of in which viciousness goes ny, its attachments to the agiroux.com| Page 33 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Economy Economy Page 34 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Investing in post-sanction Iran Iran’s financial sector from meet the international stand- by its agreed obligations as the international banking ard of relevant regulatory set out under the JCPOA. sector. This negatively im- frameworks and deal with Those interested should bear pacted the value of the Irani- significant money-launder- in mind what will happen to an Rial and the rate of infla- ing concerns for the return of any deals they enter into be- tion reached a high of 34.7% foreign international banks. tween Implementation Day between March 2013-March and potential snap-back of 2014, and then fell to 15.5% Domestic and International sanctions. Working around the following year after Presi- opportunities by lifting of the Iranian economy and dent Rouhani’s election. sanctions complex politics can be tricky By: Azadeh Meskarian What remains essen- As the largest untapped and requires assistance. tial even after the Imple- market with a very young New Iranian legislations Head of Iran Desk at Zaiwalla mentation Day is the -re-es population, the lifting of such as the Foreign Invest- & Co. LLP Azadeh Meskarian tablishment of banking sanctions will bring around ment Promotion and Pro- dicusses how removal of channels and international a host of new opportunities tection Act have come into sanctions will bring around a corresponding relationship to foreign businesses with force in an attempt to attract host of new opportunities to with Iranian banks and their a prior presence in Iran as more foreign investment, re- foreign businesses with Iran. foreign branches and subsid- well as those interested in moving previous restrictions iaries. Although the return entering the Iranian market. on the percentage of foreign Impact of sanctions on the of international banking -ser Delegations from various Eu- shareholding in Iran, and the Iranian economy vices to Iran is bound to hap- ropean countries have been possibility of registering an The imposition of blan- pen, the removal of sanctions visiting officials in Iran since Iranian company with 100% ket sanctions and extensive would not necessarily mean the finalization of the JCPOA foreign capital as well as un- trade restrictions by the US, EU and other countries on Iran’s financial, banking and energy sectors has crippled its economy in the past few years. Exchange rates and the depreciating value of the Iranian Rial has significantly affected the day to day lives of local Iranians, foreign companies and individuals with an interest in investing in the country. As a result, foreign investors with significant presence in Iran were left with no option but to close down and/or significantly reduce their activities. These prohibitions made an immediate return of for- in July 2015 elaborating vari- limited transfer of capital and it impossible, for Iranian eign banks to Iran, and I be- ous opportunities in tourism, dividends where applicable. banks and their foreign sub- lieve it will take much more transportation, technology, Investors and businesses sidiaries to carry out trans- than that for that to happen. foodstuff, aviation and- ma must be vigilant of sanctions actions with the rest of the Banks have faced extensive chinery as well as oil and gas. that will remain in place af- world. Furthermore, many fines by US authorities (most Those interested should ter the Implementation Day European banks with repre- recent Deutsche Bank paid be aware of the domestic ap- —some UN, EU sanctions, as sentative offices in Iran had fines of $258m for dealing plicable law, recent changes well as all primary US sanc- to close down or significant- with US sanctioned Iranians in the Iranian law, interna- tions applicable to all US cit- ly reduce their activities and and Syrians) for breaching tional restrictions that- re izens will remain in place resources in Iran. The cut-off international sanctions relat- main on trading with Iran and —and businesses must en- of key banking channels, cor- ing to Iran and will remain the possibility of snap-back sure they comply will all ap- responding relationships and hesitant in entering the Ira- of sanctions , although it is plicable sanctions to prevent swift services has distanced nian market. Iran will need to unlikely for Iran not to abide problems. » Economy Page 35 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Investors should also take advice on pro- tecting their intellectual property rights to Chris Cook: protect their interest in Iran, this is perhaps also another area that domestic Iranian law will require further improvement to make Global market in oil at the market more attractive.

Framework in which foreign investment point of ‘Peak Demand’ will flow in to post-sanctions Iran Iran as the holder of the world’s largest gas reserve and the fourth-biggest oil reserves, has revealed its modelled Iran Pe- troleum Contract (IPC) earlier last month (21-22 November) replacing its previous buyback deals. This is in line with Iran’s widely publicised intention to increase its oil production capacity after the lifting of sanction under the JCPOA as of Implemen- tation Day, to approximately 5million- bar rels a day from about 1mb since the imposition of blanket sanctions on Iran’s oil and gas sector. The IPC replaces the previous unattrac- tive buyback deals. The new IPC will cover different stages of exploration, development and production and will be offered to Interview by Lachin Rezaian basis of production sharing with re- contractors as an integrated package for an finers in entitlements to products.” estimated duration of 15 to 20 years. Iran Director of Petro Scotland In an exclusive interview with hopes to attract around $30bn of foreign expressed his skepticism towards Mehr News, Cook answered the investment necessary to substantiate its IEA forecasts, saying that once the questions regarding the issue: intention to increase its oil production -de oil price approaches $60/barrel for spite the falling oil prices. Although as far any length of time, there are some uOil prices continue declining foreign investment is concerned, changes possibilities to lead to the oil price slowly. Do you think they have to domestic law may be necessary to make collapsing again. reached the bottom, or we should the system more transparent and reliable. wait for the next negative record Another thing to note is the possibility of Chris Cook, a senior research fel- this year? snap-back of the sanctions if there is doubt low at University College London, In the absence of significant about Iran’s performance under the JCPOA, said once the oil price approaches production cuts I have no doubt so it may take time for the necessary level $60/barrel for any length of time that the price has the potential to of confidence to build up for significant for- then there are three possibities to fall much further, and I do not dis- eign investment. be combined to lead to the oil price agree with the view of Goldman The new framework is expected to create collapsing again: “(a) A flood of high Sachs - the US investment bank - a win-win situation for both the foreign in- cost but easily accessible, US shale that it could fall to $20 per barrel vestors and the Iranian side of the deal, and oil; (b) substitution by renewable or less. hopefully attract medium-sized foreign inves- energy which becomes cheaper by tors as well as the previously present MNCs. It the day; and (c) the simple fact that uIran is trying to lure back inter- will also bring about potential opportunities the more expensive carbon fuel gets national oil companies to develop for foreign companies to book reserves or in Dollar terms then the more Dollar its vast oil and gas reserves once take equity stakes in Iranian companies. It is profit there is in saving it.” sanctions are lifted under a deal worth noting that NIOC will maintain exclu- As Chris Cook observes, lack of with world powers, and recently sive ownership of all resources. cooperation is a consequence of the lifting of four of them on Iran’s pet-

existing dysfunctional market mod- rochemical industry. Do you think Azadesh Meskarian qualified as a solic- el of ‘oil-as-a-commodity’ where oil it will have strong effect on the oil itor at Zaiwalla & Co (active in the field of is bought and sold for transaction price? How will Iran’s presence af- both contentious and non-contentious law) profit by middlemen. “I believe that fect the market? in 2014 and currently handles and advises it is now possible for Iran to lead a Even the upgrade of existing in- clients along with the fee earners on various market transition to supply oil di- frastructure takes considerable time commercial and civil disputes at the County rectly to refiners on a partnership to mobilise even when financing is Court and the High Court| » Economy Page 36 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY both available and deliverable into the contractors’ bank accounts. So the development of new oil and gas fields cannot even begin until agreement is reached between Iran and international oil companies. So I cannot envisage that such development in Iran will affect the oil price for years to come. In the short term, unwise action by Iran - such as dumping oil stored in tankers on the market, or rapidly ramping up production to sell into the market - can benefit only the buyers, who will probably think that Christmas has come early! In my view Iran should carefully ex- amine other types of oil supply and funding arrangements such as oil swaps and prepayment. serves of dollars. agreements and market instruments. uThe future of this trend is in favor of In my view once the oil price ap- what groups or countries? Is it benefi- proaches $60/barrel for any length of uWhat will be the effect of offshore cial to consumers or producers? What time then: (a) a flood of high cost but development and rig building, having is the effect of falling prices on the easily accessible, US shale oil; (b) sub- lower costs, on oil market prices and countries of Middle East, especially stitution by renewable energy which -be how will it be affected by the current Iran? comes cheaper by the day; and (c) the oil market situation? Naturally, falling oil prices benefit simple fact that the more expensive car- Naturally, development of higher cost consumer nations in the short term to bon fuel gets in $ terms then the more oil projects will be rendered more and the detriment of oil producers. But for $ profit there is in saving it; will combine more difficult the lower the oil price fall. consumers, the effect is a little like the to lead to the oil price collapsing again. effect of illegal drugs: it feeds an addic- In other words, I believe that the uHow will the low price of oil affect tion to oil, and through increased con- global market in oil has reached a point Iran’s cooperation with European coun- sumption it means that another boom of ‘Peak Demand’ which demonstrates tries, including Scottish companies? cycle in oil prices will only be a matter another of Mr Yamani’s observations There are several European countries, of time. As Mr. Zaki Yamani, the former to the effect that the Stone Age did not notably Spain, Portugal, Italy and above Saudi oil minister said: “The cure for low end because of a shortage of stones, all, Greece, where the need for security prices is... low prices”. and the Oil Age will not end because of & diversity of supply - combined with a shortage of oil. constraints over € bank credit to pur- uThe IEA said in a monthly report in Finally, in answer to your question chase oil at all - are an excellent fit for December that growth in demand for concerning production cuts, this lack of Iran’s need for security and diversity of oil will ease next year to 1.2 million co-operation is a consequence of the demand, and capacity to enter into the barrels per day, from 1.8 million barrels existing dysfunctional market model of oil for product swaps described above. a day this year. Why will many oil pro- ‘oil-as-a-commodity’ where oil is bought In the case of Scotland, there is scope ducing countries, largely OPEC member and sold for transaction profit by mid- for such swaps to be extended to the states, not reduce production in a coor- dlemen. I believe that it is now possi- exchange of the value of state of the art dinated effort to raise prices? ble - indeed essential - for Iran to lead oil & gas technology and services for the I am a long-standing sceptic of IEA a market transition to supply oil directly value not only of Iran’s oil, but also for forecasts. Firstly, the IEA assumes that to refiners on a partnership basis of pro- the value of oil and gas savings in Iran, consumer nations will be able to pay duction sharing with refiners in entitle- where there is a great deal of scope for for increased demand no matter what ments to products. Such an oil for prod- improvement. As a wise man said, the the price is, and this is manifestly not uct swap is in the interests of everyone cheapest oil of all is oil saved! the case. Secondly, it is impossible to other than those who seek something tell how much of China’s demand in for nothing, and it gives rise to an en- Chris Cook is a Senior Research Fel- particular is for refining and consump- ergy-as-a-service market model where low at the Institute for Security and tion, and how much is simply for stor- collaboration and transparency are in Resilience Studies at University College age both as a strategic reserve and on everyone’s interests. London. Chris was director at the Inter- the premise that at the zero $ interest So to summarise, the global oil and national Petroleum Exchange IPE. IPE rates which applied until last Wednes- gas markets require - as President Rou- is known for trading Brent Crude until day, reserves of oil also represented hani pointed out at Davos almost two 2005. Chris Cook was originator of the a better investment than holding re- years ago - new multilateral institutions, Iranian oil bourse| Economy Page 37 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Iran, France to build Iran, India ink all-embracing 1st FLNG unit in economic agreement Persian Gulf A comprehensive economic existing obstacles on the way of cooperation agreement was trade and commerce between the signed on Dec. 29 by Iran’s two countries. economy minister and minister of Tayebnia also pointed out that external affairs of India. “unfortunately, the Middle East At the end of Iran-India Joint has been plagued by insecurity Economic Commission held in and violence endangering eco- New Delhi, an extensive agree- nomic growth and improvement ment on economic collaboration in the lives of people in all regional was signed between Iran’ Minister countries.” of Economy Ali Tayebnia and the “Iran is at the frontier of the Indian Minister of External Affairs fight against terrorism,” asserted Sushma Swaraj. the official urging all countries “The two sides agreed on co- with any nationality, language or operation in the fields of energy, religion to work together in order infra-structure, banking, consular to eradicate violence and terror- services, trade and tourism,” not- ism. ed Tayebnia. The Prime Minister of India Deputy oil minister announced on Dec. 13 The official underlined that the Narendra Modi also at a meeting reaching the final agreement with a French agreement is outcome of activ- with Iran’s economy minister high- company on creating the first FLNG unit in the ities of three working groups in lighted the role of Iran in regional Persian Gulf. trade, energy and infra-structure stability calling for cooperation Roknodin Javadi described the details of the which can offer effective assis- among all countries to counter ex- construction of the first floating liquefied natu- tance on development of bilateral tremism and terrorism. ral gas (FLNG) production unit in the Persian Gulf cooperation.” He emphasized the importance adding “the final negotiations between two Ira- He went on to state that “In- of expanding economic coopera- nian companies and a credited French company dia has expressed interest in de- tion between Iran and India; “as have been conducted on setting up the FLNG velopment of Chabahar Port and two vast and friend countries, Iran unit.” construction of railway network and India conduct more effective to connect to Central Asian coun- collaborations particularly during Managing director of National Iranian Oil Com- tries.” the post sanction era. pany (NIOC) noted that the unit will be launched Tayebnia further deemed Iran’s Tayebnia, for his part, with a consortium of Iranian and French com- agreement on banking and insur- noted the serious decision of Iran panies marking the first FLNG facility in Iran and ance ties as important parts of the to boost trade and economic co- even in the Middle East; “the plant will be capable agreement. operation with India adding- “ef of producing one million tons of LNG per year,” he He expressed pleasure with fective and friendly negotiations underlined. signing the agreement and said have so far taken place with the “The FLNG unit will be fed by the burning gas that it can remove barriers and Indian side.” of Forouzan oil rig,” said the official asserting “according to the contract, the Iranian and French investors will be in charge of supplying an LNG ship to transfer gas and an FLNG ship to convert gas to liquid gas, respectively.” Javadi went on to stress that, “the marketing and sale of LNG cargoes will be carried out by NIOC.” Meanwhile, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh had recently deemed construction and launch of LNG factories as Iran’s main plan to export natural gas to the European countries; “currently, the construction of the LNG production plant is 60 per cent through and the country’s LNG production will reach 10.5 million tons after it becomes operational,” he had explained. Economy Page 38 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Iran’s ISOICO, Russia’s Barrikady Iran to join electricity ink shipbuilding MoU grid with Georgia, Russia Iran, Armenia, Georgia and Russia have reached an agreement on Dec. 26 to synchronize their power grids until 2019. The deal was inked during a visit by Iran’s Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian to Armenia’s capital Yerevan to join his counterparts from the three countries and on the basis of the agreement, the power grids of the four states in the Caucasus will get connected until the year 2019. Hamid Chitchian, who had attended the fresh round of talks with officials of Gerogia, Armenia and Russiathe, deemed the power grid connection deal among the four countries as the most significant outcome of the session. An MoU was signed between Iran’s ed the official asserting “the other According to Iran's Energy Ministry, con- ISOICO and the Russian Krasnye significant advantage pertains to struction of Iran-Armenia marks the most Barrikady Shipyard on Dec. 28 on the receiving of international -ap important prerequisite for the project, em- the sidelines of Russian National provals by the Russian firm’s rating phasizing that both countries have agreed to Industrial Exhibition - Trade and agency.” make the required arrangements to do this in Industrial Dialogue: Russia – Iran Managing director of Russian the nearest time possible. 2015. Krasnye Barrikady Shipyard, for his The 13th Iran-Armenia joint economic com- The Memorandum of Under- part, expressed willingness to boost mission has also kicked off in the Armenian standing (MoU) was signed by man- cooperation with Iran by defining capital since Thuersday. aging directors of Iran Shipbuilding new projects in various sectors. On the sidelines of the visit, Iran’s Chitchain and Offshore Industries Complex Underlining that his company has met and talked with the Armenian Prime Company (ISOICO) and the man- sees no limits in expanding activ- Minister Hovik Abrahamyan as well as with the aging director of Russia’s Krasnye ities, the Russian official empha- country’s President Serzh Sargsyan discussing Barrikady Shipyard with the pres- sized “although the company’s development of bilateral trade and energy co- ence of Iran’s Deputy Minister of headquarters is located in Astra- operation between the two countries. Industry, Mine and Trade Mojtaba khan, we perform tasks in northern Khosro Taj. Russia as well.” “Being Russia’s largest shipyard, He further expressed readiness Krasnye Barrikady is active in the to dispatch ready-made ship con- production of ships and vessels for struction equipment to Iran and transporting petrochemicals as well the new MoU provides the possibil- as building oil rigs,” ISOICO Manag- ity to send the equipment to be put ing Director Hamid Rezaeian told the to test in Iran. reporters on Sunday deeming the Barrikady managing director newly-signed MoU as a major step pointed out the existence of nu- in the development of his company’s merous venues for collaboration activities. adding “considering the current Rezaeian went on to add that level of relations between the two “three important indicators of the countries, we are ready to provide MoU are engineering discussions, ISOICO with the necessary equip- exchange of technology as well as ment thanks to the financial and taking advantage of the Russian insurance support of the Russian company’s international rating government in this regard.” agency which will resolve our need The Russian minister of indus- to produce certain equipment.” try has also expressed satisfaction “With the signing of the MoU, about the signing of the MoU em- Iran will enter the Russian market phasizing the need to support the with ISOICO trademark,” highlight- agreement. Economy Page 39 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Iran, Russia sign Iran, Russia ink MoU on two economic MoUs Free Trade Zones Iran and Russia have signed an MoU between Anzali Free Trade Zone and Russia's Lotus Astrakhan Special Economic Zone on Dec. 22 to bolster regional cooperation and reinvigorate economic ties. A memorandum of understanding was signed between managing directors of Anzali Free Trade Zone Organization and Rus- sia's Lotus Astrakhan Special Economic Zone in order to develop economic, commercial, industrial, transportation exchanges as well as to boost port services and transport of goods aiming to improve bilateral cooperation by employing existing and potential facilities. The two sides have agreed to consider the capacities, capabilities and opportunities of the two regions including the availability of industrial sites and ports in order to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in various areas like trade and export, co-production, transit, transportation of goods, pro- Iran and Russia inked two MoUs for economic motion of port exchanges, loading and unloading of goods as collaboration on Dec. 22 on the sidelines of Russian well as meeting the two countries’ needs by exploiting the two National Exhibition in Tehran International Permanent zones’ capacities. Fairground. Given the importance of Anzali and Astrakhan zones as the The agreement was signed by Russian Trade and In- trade route to Europe as well as their role in expansion of trade dustry Minister Denis Manturov and Iran's Industries, ties, the two sides pledged joint efforts to secure the route Mining and Trade Minister Mohammadreza Nematza- through the two countries’ respective organizations in order to deh. boost transit and goods transportation capacities between the The second contract was inked by the two countries’ two areas. private sectors which pertains to exchange of technolo- The MoU consists of a wide variety of other provisions in- gy for production of combine harvesters. cluding following up the necessary facilities to expedite busi- Russian National Industrial Exhibition - Trade and ness visa issuance for entrepreneurs in both areas, develop- Industrial Dialogue: Russia – Iran 2015, which is being ment of cooperation in the field of goods transport, increasing held under the supervision of the Minister of Industry commercial services, providing the possibility of activity for and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov, Russian banks and insurance countries according to the laws of opened in Tehran Airshow Center, on December 21 and the two countries, establishment of a direct air route between will end on December 23. Rasht airport and Astrakhan, development of trade relations Participating government officials and dignitaries at and the introduction of products on both sides by holding exhi- the event include Vice President of the Islamic Repub- bitions with the attendance of Iranian and Russian companies, lic of Iran Surena Sattari, Minister of Industry and Trade holding seminars as well as trade and economic commissions of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov, President along with education and exchange of information by traders. of United Aircraft Corporation Yury Slyusar, Governor of Kaluga oblast Anatoly Artamonov, EXIAR’s General Manager Alexey Tyupanov, and Export support agency of Russia CEOs of over 100 Russian industrial and technology companies and the regional governors. In addition to over 10 conferences and seminars, the Russian side presents the 3,000 square meters exhibition with the most advanced technologies in heavy machinery, transport and agricultural machinery, phar- maceutical, energy technologies as well as famous Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft and Sukhoi SuperJet 100 Business Jet. Iran and Russia have envisaged prospects for cooperation in various fields with a total value of 40 billion dollars. The worth of economic relations between Tehran and Moscow is estimated to increase from the current two billion dollars to ten billion dollars in the near future. Economy Page 40 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Worth of Iranian oil reserves Iran to remain oil to rise by $30bn exporter for 70 years The scenario to increase the to increase the recovery factor of recovery factor of Soroush oilfield Soroush oilfield as the largest oil- by 10 per cent is on the verge of field in the Persian Gulf, Head of implementation and will add 30 Technology and Research at Iranian billion dollars to the worth of oil Offshore Oil Company (IOOC) Javad reserves in the Persian Gulf. Rostami said “with the new coop- The Soroush oilfield, with more erative project between IOOC and than 10 billion barrels of in-place universities, different scenarios are reserves, is one of the largest oil- being reviewed to increase the re- fields in the Persian Gulf and recov- covery factor of the oilfield.” erable reserves of the oilfield are Rostami stressed that Soroush estimated at 585 million barrels. enjoys a high degree of potential for The last developmental phase increasing the recovery factory while of the field was carried out by the its initial recovery factor is about five English-Dutch Shell Oil Company in per cent. Stating that Iran will remain capable of the year 2000. However, in order to The official further enumerat- producing and exporting oil for the next 70 protect the oil and gas production ed various possible methods for years, NISOC managing director said the projects, National Iranian Oil Com- increasing the oilfield’s recovery largest salt oil processing plant in the Middle pany (NIOC) has carried out a pro- factor including injection of misci- East will become operational by the next ject to increase the recovery factor ble or non-miscible gas as well as Iranian year. of Soroush oilfield; it is estimated chemical injection; “good ties have Managing Director of National Iranian that the 10-percent increase in re- been developed between IOOC and South Oil Company (NISOC) Bijan Alipour covery factor will raise production Sahand University of Tabriz and the of oil from the field by one billion comprehensive road map for the declared that the most important projects barrels of crude oil in the offshore implementation of EOR projects for the post sanction era include secondary oilfield. in the field are being designed be production as well as increasing the recovery In other words, in case of the benefiting from some foreign con- factor in southern oil fields; “the use of new one-billion-barrel rise in the re- sultants,” he asserted. technologies will bring about the potential to coverable crude oil reserve of the Soroush oil field was discovered increase the recovery factor in most southern oilfield and taking into account the in 1962 and was made operational Iranian oil fields,” he added. value of each barrel of crude oil at after drilling the first well that yield- “Majority of southern oilfields are in the sec- 30 dollars (based on current market ed 14,000 barrels crude oil from ond half of their production life,” noted Alipour prices), about 30 billion dollars will Burgan oil layer; the approximate asserting “however, it does not mean that the be added to the worth of Iranian area of the field is about 260 sq. period of increasing oil production is over.” crude oil reserves. km. and is located 82 km southwest The official went on to stress that “exclud- Describing the new program of Kharg Island. ing new discoveries, the possibility remains for Iran to produce and export oil from the oilfields located in the south of the country for at least 70 more years while increasing the recovery factor would even make further har- vest possible.” NISOC director manager also pointed to the launch of new desalination units and improvement in the quality of Iranian crude oil adding “accordingly, the largest desalination plant in the Middle East is being constructed in Karun region with a daily processing capacity of 220 thousand barrels of crude oil.” “It is predicted that the huge salt oil processing complex will become operational by the next Iranian calendar year,” maintained Alipour concluding “the desalination plant consists of four 55-thousand-barrel processing units.” Economy Page 41 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran able to produce oil at $1 per barrel

Announcing that Iran can produce oil at 1 to 1.5 dollars per barrel, ICOFC’s managing director said the global market won’t let oil prices remain low for a long time. Directing Manager of Iran's Central Oil Fields Com- pany (ICOFC) Salbali Karimi said Iran enjoys one of the lowest levels of oil production costs in the world adding “the least expensive crude oil in terms of low cost of production is currently being produced in the central areas of the country.” “In a number of oil fields, the cost of producing one barrel of crude oil is 1 to 1.5 dollars,” he noted. The official recalled that despite low production costs, several measures are being taken to optimize the costs of producing oil and gas; “accordingly, it is antici- pated that oil and gas production costs will reduce to a minimum once the ongoing projects are implemented.” He also explained the impact of crude oil price fluc- Germany to build 4 solar power tuations on projects to increase oil and gas production plants in Kerman in central areas and southern Zagros of Iran stressing “experience has shown that the oil prices are always Iran and Germany have signed a new electricity agreement on faced with ups and downs in a way that an oil shock has building four solar power plants in the city of Kerman with a occured every 7 to 10 years since 1973.” capacity of 40 megawatts. Karimi said that in 1979, coinciding with Iran’s Islam- After the signing of some Memoranda of Understanding ic Revolution, as well as during Saddam’s anti-Iran war (MoUs) with German companies in order to build solar power of 1980s, fluctuations have been noticed in oil prices; “however, the prices followed a rising trend after these stations in Tehran and Khuzestan provinces, a new contract has incidents until 1997 when they reached the range of 60 been inked to construct four new 40-megawat solar plants in dollars a barrel.” the southeastern city of Kerman. Pointing to the economic crisis of 2008 leading to The agreement was reached after three days of negotiations the volatility of oil prices, ICOFC official said “the cause in time with the trip of the German Ambassador to Iran along is that oil is not a commodity and many factors are in- with Iranian government officials to Kerman. volved in its purchase due to having influence on all se- According to the conducted studies, Kerman province enjoys curity, economic and political areas, which imposes the 320 days of sunshine as well as wind tunnels in Reagan and Fah- maximum risk on oil prices.” raj areas which mark a good opportunity for foreign investors to “The oil and energy market cannot last long with low use the potentials of renewable energies. prices,” maintained Karimi concluding “crude oil has an The construction of the new solar plants is expected to begin optimal price at which costs and benefits for investors, one the international sanctioned against Iran are lifted. producers and consumers are reasonable; therefore, Managing director of Tehran province Electricity Distribution sudden changes in the economy section need to be Company Seyed Ali Barband had recently referred to the sign- prevented in order to avoid ambiguities for the con- ing of a joint MoU with German investment companies add- sumer and the producer.” ing “with the investment on the part of the Germans, the first 50-megawat solar power station will be established in Tehran and on the basis of the terms of the deal, the produced energy is guaranteed to be purchased from the investors at the approved price for a period of 20 years." Moreover, an MoU had been signed earlier this year between Khuzestan’s Regional electricity Company and Germany's Green Energy 3000 GmbH to build the first phase of a 10-MW photo- voltaic power plant in the southwestern Iranian city of Ahwaz. Meanwhile, Iran’s Deputy Energy Minister Hoshang Falaha- tian had also pointed to the new round of talks between Iran and Germany stressing “new proposals for construction of power plants have been presented to German companies and new contracts will soon be signed.” Page 42 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Culture Culture Page 43 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran’s Cinéma Vérité: Pulsing heart of ‘truth’ among the debris

By: Marjohn Sheikhi

Iran hosted the ninth ma on the following days International Documentary did not seem to have taken Film Festival ‘Cinéma Vérité’ away much of the original from 13-19 Dec. 2015, enthusiasm and thrill from screening the greatest film the attending crowd. 124 productions that revealed documentaries by Iranian the best and the worst of our filmmakers and 113 titles human life. from other countries were screened during the sev- Iran’s International Docu- en-day cinematic event. 27 mentary Film Festival ‘Ciné- of the foreign films from 25 ma Vérité’ is truly a special countries including Germany, event, unlike any other film Poland, Hungary, Italy, Fin- festivals hosted by the coun- land and Switzerland were try. The atmosphere sur- chosen to participate in the rounding the whole event main competition section. as it buzzes with excitement The themes were diverse, and happy energy puts you ranging from cultural ones right in the middle of a very such as the story of a manne- exhilarating experience. Now quin, traditional ceremonies Eslamzadeh was another suc- taken with Eslamzadeh’s doc- enjoying its ninth year, Iran’s and carpets to socio-politi- cessful documentary on the umentary. Cinéma Vérité was underway cal ones focused on the lives adverse impact of war and “Watching this film is - es until December 19 in Felestin of Syrian refugees, war, and violence on the lives of peo- sential not only for me but and Sepideh cinemas, two terrorism. One of the Iranian ple. The film directly depicts the world in general,” he old but otherwise in excellent documentaries that attracted the story of an Iranian docu- said, “Afghanistan is a coun- shape movie theaters located a lot of attention was ‘A157’ mentary maker’s adventures try wrought with war and has in downtown Tehran, possi- directed by Behrouz Noura- in the Taliban-controlled re- always been the center of at- bly chosen because of their nipour, with a story of war gions of Afghanistan. tention for counties such as ease of access to subway and and life in a refugee camp on “In recent years,” said Es- the US which are involved in other forms of public trans- the Turkish border with Iraq. lamzadeh, “Taliban-related Afghanistan’s affairs.” port. “This documentary narrates news have surfaced on dif- He called ‘Alone among Cinéma vérité, literally nine months of dreadful and ferent media outlets. But the Taliban’ a courageous meaning ‘truthful cinema’, challenging lives of three what was always missing was production, saying partic- regardless of how truthful girls aged 10, 13 and 15 years a first-hand story from the ipation in various festivals it really is, if it actually mir- old at a camp on Iraq-Turkey group. That’s why I went on such as Iran’s Cinéma Vérité rors or constructs reality, has borders,” said Nouranipour, several trips to Afghanistan would allow the world to get gained wide-spread popular- noting that A157 referred to and eventually managed to a glimpse into the cultures of ity among filmmakers across the number of the girls’ tent spend 15 days among the other countries. the globe. It has its own in the refugee camp. Taliban to document the way The highly-acclaimed kind of audience, those who The ‘A157’ director ex- they think and govern their German filmmaker Wim are looking for something plained that the ISIL violence state.” Wenders also participated beyond the chroma key, in depicted in the film is merely Richard Pettigrew, Board in the festival with ‘The Salt search for a light that would just one aspect of the grim President and Executive Di- of the Earth’ which he co-di- be shed on their own limited picture of war in the Middle rector of The Archaeology rected with Juliano Ribeiro perspectives. East. Channel International Film Salgado. The documentary The opening night was The 57-minute documen- and Video Festival, who was which runs like a 40-year di- quite a sensation, although tary ‘Alone among the Tal- also participating at Cinema ary of photographer Salgado, returning to Felestin Cine- iban’ directed by Mohsen Verite festival was also quite frames various aspects of the » Culture Page 44 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY recent human history from internation- them were ‘Killing Time’ (2015, Lydie follows three Kurdish girls who fell preg- al conflicts to the discovery of pristine Wisshaupt-Claudel) and ‘Of Men & War’ nant after been raped by members of territories and grandiose landscapes as (2014, Laurent Becue-Renard) which ISIL terrorist group, paints a bleak and part of a huge photographic project, narrate the story of American soldiers devastating picture of a suppressed and which is a tribute to the planet’s beauty. returning home from Iraq and Afghan- suffering people whose trembling voic- But perhaps the most controversial istan suffering PTSD due to combat ex- es can hardly reach the world over the screening was of ‘I Am Nasser Hejazi’, periences. buzzing white noise of mundane and in- directed by Nima Tabatabaei and pro- The documentaries ‘The Seventh different daily life in clean, wealthy veins duced by Amir Rafiei that was screened Fire’ (2015, Jack Riccobono) and ‘Cartel of Western countries. on the eve of the late legendary goal- Land’ (2015, Matthew Heineman) dealt ‘My Love, Don’t Cross That River’ keeper’s birthday that coincided with with inevitable addiction among Amer- directed by South Korean filmmaker Jin Cinema Verite’s opening night. The ican Indians, the indifference of the US Mo-Young took home the top prize and documentary soon after its first night government towards them and the huge $5000 for its beautiful and touching por- screening was banned due to a person- drug cartels across the US-Mexico border. trait of a couple who had lived together al complaint filed by former Esteghlal of The ninth edition of Internation- for 76 years and now were facing the Tehran coach Amir Ghalenoei, who was al Documentary Film Festival ‘Cinéma last moment of their marriage. upset about his black and white portray- Vérité’ came to a graceful close on De- Iran’s Cinéma Vérité is much loved al in the film. The documentary ‘I Am cember 20, announcing its winners in among the younger generation, the Nasser Hejazi’ looks upon the life of the different sections of short, mid-long, university students studying arts and former goalkeeper and head coach of and long documentaries. In the inter- cinema and other film enthusiasts as Iranian football in five chapters, namely national section, Francesco Dongiovan- they crowd the lobby of Felestin Movie I Have a Dream, The Last Man Standing, ni’s ‘Giano’ with its fleeting visions from Theater to talk to the filmmakers and Killing Sohrab, Esteghlal to Esteghlal and an unfinished film about time won the freely exchange ideas and watch films the Eagle’s Flight. Special Jury Award, while Iranian ‘Bard’ that they would not be able to see on The ban was finally lifted a few days directed by Hamid Jafari and the Argen- normal occasions. The festival wrapped later once the film was edited and cer- tinian production ‘The Chechen Family’ up its ninth edition on a Sunday -after tain scenes were removed. by Martin Sola won the top prizes in the noon and the people of this huge metrop- The festival this year had a special 30-60 minute long section. olis pulsing with life and energy, poured section titled ‘American Documentaries’ The powerful documentary ‘A157’ into the cold streets in the middle of that had a look at the contemporary was indeed deserving of being award- downtown Tehran, contemplating the American society through the eyes of ed the Special Jury Award. Behrouz meaning of truth and reality in a world of 7 different filmmakers. Notable among Nouranipour’s latest production which ever-shifting concepts and constructs| Culture Page 45 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iranian filmmaker ‘Alone among the Taliban’ By: Marjohn Sheikhi ‘Alone among the Taliban’ spy balloon shimmering blin- directed by Mohsen dingly in the blue expanse of Eslamzadeh and winner of sky some 2,000 feet above. Shahid Avini Award offers Eslamzadeh’s voice breaks a bold and interesting through the images, “it has perspective on the Taliban become part of the Afghan- militants in Afghanistan. istan’s landscape”, and the camera shifts over to the peo- “I was terrified.” ple going about their daily The first thing you notice lives under the watchful gaze about the director of the bold of the constant aerial surveil- documentary ‘Alone among lance balloon. And the narra- the Taliban’ is his stagger- tive slowly moves toward the ing honesty; a trait that does main characters, the Taliban quite well with his choice of militants, with their faces cov- occupation. Being a docu- ered in long scarfs and their killing of people by any groups story of Pakistani girl Malala mentary filmmaker demands hands gripped tightly around there. I am not trying to de- Yousafzai who was shot by a a certain amount of honesty their rifles. Perhaps, from a pict a benevolent picture of Taliban gunman on her school coupled with courage and certain point of view, the Tali- Taliban, I was solely aiming for bus in 2012. a critical as well as creative ban and the Americans do not a different point of view from But perhaps one could for- mind, all of which Mohsen make much difference to -Af inside the group as opposed give the jumpy scenes and a Eslamzadeh seems to have in ghan citizens, but Eslamzadeh to an outsider perspective.” lack of focus on certain impor- spades. insists that he had attempted The theme of the doc- tant topics due to the prick- ‘Alone among the Taliban’ to depart from the traditional umentary is controversial ling sensation of dread inher- was definitely a bold move on view of the Taliban in media enough to nearly eclipse its ent in the whole course of the the part of a filmmaker new outlets and instead look at other important components, narration, sometimes broken to documentary filmmak- them from a completely dif- namely the form and the con- by a joke or two off-handedly ing, and who had spent 15 ferent angle. tent. While Eslamzadeh could thrown by the covered fac- long, terrifying days among a “I wanted to show that the be highly praised for his cou- es, which the narrator had a militant group armed to the Taliban in Afghanistan are not rageous decision to spend hard time to decide how to teeth, with whom Iran carries Takfiris,” said Eslamzadeh, half a month in a hostile en- interpret. The music was also a dark history after the 1998 “more than a dozen countries vironment around people another positive aspect of attack on the Iranian consu- have for years tried to eradi- whose language he did not the documentary, which was late in Mazar Sharif and the cate them but to no avail. I speak, one could actually find a combination of Pashto and subsequent execution of 11 asked Taliban leaders what a number of faults with the Western music. Wherever Iranian diplomats. they sought to do after fight- overall form of the narrative the content was too cursory “For nearly two decades, ing for some 40 years and and the content which could to perfectly instill the sense we have seen films depicting they said they wanted to re- have included more com- of fear, the music did its job the opposing side to the Talib- spect the rights of other eth- mentary on the differences wonderfully. an, but I wanted to show why nic groups.” between the Taliban in Af- ‘Alone among the Taliban’, is that the Taliban has main- But perhaps the director’s ghanistan and Pakistan, the a 57-mintue documentary by tained its presence in Afghan- desire to offer a neutral - per necessary backgrounds for Mohsen Eslamzadeh, was first istan for such a long time? I spective on the Taliban had certain traditions depicted in screened in the ninth edition believe that the Taliban have at times approached the bor- the film, but perhaps most of Iran’s International Docu- popular support,” Eslamzadeh ders of sympathetic. importantly, the condition of mentary Film Festival ‘Cinéma explained. “This wasn’t my intention,” women living under the con- Vérité’ from 13-19 Dec. 2015, It is interesting that the he assures. “I just want the trol of the Taliban, an issue and won the International Sha- narrative kicks off with a war to end in Afghanistan, that became more prominent hid Avini Award for the Best close-up shot of a white US and as such I condemn the and urgent after the touching Mid-Length Documentary| Culture Page 46 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

By: Ehsan Shariati Edited by Pegah Hajian Shariati’s ‘return to self’ The son of famous Revolutionary sociologist Ali Shariati, an Islamic thinker and author believes ‘a return rejection of sectarianism, to self’ would not mean ethnocentrism for Shariati, but rethinking native traditions. ethnocentrism

The role of Dr. Ali Shariati, in employing new human sciences (especially history and sociology), for a scientific and realistic understanding of the national and religious culture of Iran and Islam, was a sobering experience and this endeavor is still ongoing and current. The work of Shariati, following the foundation of this pathway by Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (and the philosophical depth of Iqbal of Lahore), had two pro- found effects. It managed to posit the “reconstruction” of religious thought in the Islamic world, thanks to modern human sciences, and prepare a cultural and ideological resistance to the era of “ideologies and revolutions” (anti-impe- rialist, anti-despotic and anti-capitalist). these sciences, it is central to explore a in the Islamic world the phenomenon of It also created among the younger gen- humanity in search of a superior dignity so-called “fundamentalism”. Its impact eration awareness of and hope for a new to that promised yesterday by ideolo- differed in Iran, however, for two- rea reflection on the basis of the autochtho- gies and an objectivity in the phenom- sons: Iran experienced the civil develop- nous culture. The widespread impact of enological sense of to go “back to the ment of “religious modernity”, as well as the Shariatian discourse, recognized by ‘things themselves’”(Husserl), and not the achievements of a range of trends his supporters as well as by his critics, the reification of human affairs as a -nat from “traditionalist” to “fundamental- testifies to his success and enthusiastic ural material and “object” of study. ist” at governmental and community reception. Future humanities will have to have levels. As a result, Iran is now in a way However, since the time of Shariati an answer for the crisis of meaning in “vaccinated” against the deadly scourge until today, we have witnessed a para- our time and of the worthy style of life of extremism. And given that we are re- digm shift, a change in “episteme” in the of man on earth, respecting the charac- garded as the pioneer of a (tinted color) humanities. Progressing from at first the teristics of each country and each cul- Islamic revolution, our experience may transformation of the positivist and sci- ture. Otherwise, it will be condemned to be considered by other Muslim nations entistic model (explaining the ‘causes’ of death, and become merely a tool in the as a sort of social laboratory. the facts), to later the hermeneutic un- service of great powers that determine The transversal approach of Shariati derstanding and phenomenological de- the fate of the world: the support base on “interfaith rapprochement” mani- scription (understanding the ‘meaning’ of technical sales companies, or politi- fested by such phrases as “Sunni pro- of events), promoted the “Science” of cal-military powers, or apologist justifier phetic” equal to “Shia Alawite” against humanities at an unmatched level. With of propaganda for new “crusades” and “Sunni Umayyad” and “Shia Safavid,” or the entry of philosophy and science in the “clash of civilizations”. the triangle of Sartre, Marx, and Berg- the era of the “posts” (postmodern, Shariati was a committed intellectual son (or Pascal) in the West, or Buddha, post-metaphysical, post-industrial soci- who wanted to learn “human sciences” Mazdak, Hallaj in the East, as equivalent ety, etc ...), and the “ends” (end of histo- for its role in social emancipation and of Imam Ali, etc., have ground down the ry, of man, of ideologies, etc ...), the con- human salvation. After his university regressions and ethno-religious conflicts cepts of man as an object of humanities period, he expanded his perspective and this underlies the successful receipt research, as well as “objectivity” and sci- outside of the academy, to develop a of the work of Shariati in different Mus- entific impartiality, are now challenged. “critical theory” alive in society, particu- lim countries. “The future” of the humanities is larly in a religious society. His intellectu- In analyzing the draft of Shariati’s profoundly linked to the redefinition of al legacy had a wide impact, subject to thought, which consists of “rebirth” of “man’s humanity” and to the “objectiv- conflicting interpretations. national culture and religious “Reforma- ity of (this) object” (human). In each of After Shariati, there arose in Iran and tion”, an “interdisciplinary” approach is » Culture Page 47 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY recognizable in: ti lies in his slogan “return to the self”, sion (zoor), and mystification (tazwir)”, • the exploration of the “continent which means authentic, an invitation to according to the latest text of Shariati, of history” (the item Shariati had intro- awareness, self-reflection, and the- de requires learning widely. For example, duced into the field of Islamic theologi- constructed recovery of tradition and new philosophy and political sciences in cal studies) ; autochtonous cultural heritage, national their latest developments, from reading • the Marx-Weber interaction -be and religious. The meaning of this re- the classics such as A. Tocqueville and B. tween sociological infrastructural base turn is by no means a call to ethnic or Constant up to H. Arent and Leo Strauss; and cultural and ideological superstruc- religious identitarianism, but rather the studying the thought of social democrat- tures ; preparation of conditions enabling an ic movements from astro-socialism and • serious attention to issues of politi- equal dialogue with the Other, in this anarcho-syndicalism, libertarian social- cal economy and the development of a case, with the West, as a sort of mirror: ism, to the current movement of “al- kind of scientific Marxology ; Me found in the eyes of others. ternative globalization”; and finally, the • the psychological approach and Shariati examined the history of civi- knowledge of the Existenzphilosophy equilibrium established between the lizations, religions, Islam, and Iran, with and the Oriental (and Islamic and Irani- psychoanalysis of Freud and that of Jung, a look from below, so to speak. He in- an) wisdoms and mystical spirituality. throughout Shariati’s work, especially in tegrated marginalized texts and reread Reviewing and evaluating the -leg the writings called Kaviriyât (Desert) ; the tragic story of the underprivileged acy of Dr. Shariati helps to improve its • the recognition of a mission for and the comedy of the powerful. In de- quality, to lift its ambiguities and resolve art by, for example, examining recent nouncing the “tripartite ideology” (in problems of this path of thought. Thus, trends in the art world, and bringing in the words of Georges Dumézil), and the we expect holding seminars like this to the field of “liberation theology” inIs- dominant classes--politically, econom- illustrate the current situation and the lam and Iran; ically, and culturally--and mystification future of the humanities in Iran, to con- • And generally, in the field of phi- (antique and new), Shariati opened the tribute to the theoretical and practical losophy, the observation of the famous way for a new historical understanding implications of this school of thought “linguistic turn” of the twentieth- cen in “postcolonial studies”, similar to the and Shariati’s contribution to the future tury, and the lessons of hermeneutics work of Fanon, Said, etc. of these sciences, particularly in the and phenomenology, philosophy of ex- To criticize and clarify Shariati’s mes- context of our culture or civilization. istence, following Kierkegaard and his sage, we need to continue to develop Through fostering freedom of expres- posterity, in the context of continental the methods of human sciences with sion, such as the critical approach of the philosophy, including the study of the universal scientific standards. researchers present at this meeting, we history of ideas by his “comparative Understanding the emancipatory tril- expect to see a new flowering of ideas methodology”, which our generation ogy of “liberty, Justice and mysticism”, and a leap forward in research, and a has learned first from Shariati. in direct contrast to the dominating new contribution to the future of the However, the originality of Sharia- triangle of “exploitation (zar), oppres- humanities in our countries| Culture Page 48 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY UN envoy in Iran: Asiatic cheetah extinction trend reversed By: Samad Habibi UN resident coordinator in Iran has said cooperation between Department of Environment and the Conservation of Asiatic Cheetah Project has reversed the extinction trend among Asiatic cheetahs.

Gary Lewis who was addressing the ceremony to celebrate the International Cheetah Day (December 5) on Saturday, told the meeting that the ceremony celebrated 12 years of cooperation with Iran’s Department of Environment in protection of Asiatic cheetah; “during the last 12 years, the UN came to help us in installing trap cameras in cheetah habitats; the aid also proved effective in Ebtekar then addressed Lewis in ed differences in levels of red and white extending the scope of the protection, English in reminding a national commit- blood cells and other enzymes of Asiatic which drastically reversed the down-hill ment to save the animal under extinc- cheetahs with those of African cats,” he extinction curve now into a flat,” Lewis tion; “Lewis, when in Yazd, we spoke of detailed. added. cheetah, which is a valuable species un- Houman Jokar said in a hope-in- “We have the opportunity now to der extinction,” she said. spiring remarks that the habitat of save Asiatic cheetahs and their habi- Houman Jokar, the Director of Asiatic cheetah had undergone the tat, and the UN will provide Iran’s gov- CACP told the meeting of an idea least changes during 14 past years un- ernment with any help needed; in the which hit the project to bring the like other habitats across the country; past decade, the UN pumped $10mn male and female cheetahs so that “in northern wildlife refuges of Khar- into the project, and has actually on they mate. He calls female cheetah touran and Miandasht, we observed the agenda increasing the aid allocated ‘Delbar,’ and male cheetah ‘Koushki.’ higher dynamism in the cheetah pop- to the project CACP (the Conservation “Scarcely would cheetahs actually ulation, with visitors fortunate enough of the Asiatic Cheetah Project),” Lewis mate in captivity; excellent condi- to catch a rare glimpse of cheetah and told the meeting, however adding that tions should be present so that a her cubs quite infrequently,” he add- no precise figures had been announced couple establish psychological con- ed. for new pledges, and that he was doing nections before physical contact; “8 years ago, the public awareness necessary arrangements for securing a this is a prerequisite in the wild for was not as high as it today at least lump sum. a successful mating and birth of new among the rural locals; for exam- Masoumeh Ebtekar, Head of Depart- cubs,” he commented. As Iman Me- ple, a local shepherd on motorbike ment of Environment, also addressed marian, wildlife veterinarian and would chase a female along her cubs the meeting in a brief speech; “our trap a contributor to CACP says, Delbar in search of finding a plaything for his cameras had revealed the rising number had underwent an abortion due to child; he succeeds in tiring and trap- of cubs up to 18, which is the outcome an infectious kidney problem, which ping Koushki which was lagging be- of a collective attempt by CACP, Depart- fortunately was treated in Tehran; hind his mother and sibling; however, ment of Environment, local public, and “however, the disease will compa- the locals find the cub invariably price- the UN experts; Pardisan Park of Teh- ny Delbar to her death; the kidney less and inform the Department of En- ran is now home to a couple; and we problem is endemic to the cat family vironment local officials who come to now receive expert information from and could be controlled as well.” save the cub,” Jokar accounted. “The international large cat consultants to Memarian invests much hope in the 4-month-old cub was in no condition bring under control the couple’s behav- mating of the two and coming of fresh to manage itself on the wild and fortu- ior,” she said. “We are very hopeful to cubs; “apart from new births in captivity nately, a fence in Minadasht accepted see the couple’s mating and birth of at which actually is good news (and unique it as beloved child of the nature; the least a cub after a miscarriage which experience as well), we have amassed second cub with the similar fate four squandered the genetically valuable cub invaluable information as to the- spe years later met Koushki as father of months ago.” cies’ reproductive behavior; we detect- her cubs for the first time.”| Culture Page 49 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY MNA throws birthday bash for kids in need

By: Marjohn Sheikhi December 13 was a special the girls, young as they are. day here at Mehr News They aren’t like normal girls. Agency; two underprivileged They have been through so kids whose father was much hardship already. The in committing,” says Mohsen agencies and organizations imprisoned and the mother father has been behind bars Nasiri, Head of Prisoners Sup- would follow suit; “the fam- could barely make ends meet for four years for committing port Association, who is also ilies of the prisoners have a had a birthday party with a crime and the mother has to among the guests at the two right to live a normal life. We MNA personnel in attendance. shoulder all the burden now. girls’ birthday party; “But have a duty to make that pos- “The girls haven’t seen what happens in reality is that sible.” If there is one thing most their father for a long time, al- it is the families who suffer the “I hope this party will leave children, if not all, like so much most seven months now,” says most when the head of the a good impression on the chil- it’s having birthday parties. To- the mother as she watches her family who was in charge of dren,” he said, looking at Has- day, Mehr News Agency took little kids putting birthday hats making a livelihood becomes ti and Helia who were sitting some time off work to host on their heads and getting into imprisoned and leaves the demurely on their chairs and one for two little sisters, - He a merrier spirit. family to fend for itself.” staring at the presents, no lia and Hasti, about five years Everyone is clapping their “About 70 percent of the doubt feeling quite impatient old with angelic faces and re- hands to the jolly music and prisoners’ families are under- for unwrapping them. served smiles. singing happy birthday songs. privileged, with most having When it comes to unwrap- The mother sits the girls Hasti whose name means ‘life’ problems getting a place to ping the presents, the children on two chairs behind a table and Helia, ‘daughter of Sun’ live in,” he adds. are definitely beaming. There topped with a pink birthday are the only source of hope “Mehr News Agency has a is something about receiving cake and big and small pre- and happiness for the mother long-standing history in taking presents, no matter how old sents, courtesy of MNA jour- now. Watching her children steps toward such humanitari- you are, that can never be com- nalists and other personnel. having a birthday party, like an acts,” says Nasiri, “such as pared with any other form of The conference room looks so any normal child, fills her with making frequent visits to the happiness. The girls get lots of different today, with the walls a peaceful sense of bliss, and families of the convicts and dolls and toys, as well as pen- adorned with colorful balloons for a little while she too can al- other underprivileged fami- cile crayons and drawing books, and the upbeat tone of birth- low herself to have fun. lies, raising money for them all in bright, joyous colors. day songs carrying through “The families of the con- and holding birthday parties Their happiness is contagious, the room. There is an air of victs should not pay the price such as this one today.” no one can stop the smile that self-contained emotion about for a crime they had no part Nasiri hoped that other finds its way to their lips. When the cake is served, everyone feels like it has been their own birthday party. Hasti is pressing a huge plushy bear to her little chest while Helia’s small fingers are wrapped around a toy kit. This is just a short moment of fun for these children who deserve so much more. The Prisoners Support Association and the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation promise to help the family and other families with similar needs. The kids watch as their toys are put into the trunk of the taxi to go home. We can only hope that things would look up for them in the future| Page 50 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Editor: Marjohn Sheikhi Dossier Dossier Page 51 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Mustafa Scientific Prize

The Mustafa Prize is a top science and academic centers of OIC member achievements of selected scientists and technology award granted to the states. The prize will be granted to the for this Prize should be innovative and top researchers and scientists of the works which are deemed to have im- creative and must further develop Organization of Islamic Cooperation proved the human life and have made frontiers of knowledge. It should also (OIC) member states biennially. tangible and cutting-edge innovations have a clear and tangible effect and on the boundaries of science or have application in the lives of people. The The Mustafa Prize seeks to encour- presented new scientific methodology. work must not be precedent while the age education and research and is set At the end of the first press confer- scientist in question must have a glob- to play the pioneering role in develop- ence of Mustafa Prize on December al reputation. For this purpose, 61 jury ing regional relations between science 16, Mehdi Safarinia, secretary of Pol- sessions were held and 13 international and technology institutions working in icy Making Council of Mustafa Prize, consultants and referees attended these the OIC member countries. It also aims noted the financial supports of the sessions along with main referees. Two to improve scientific relation between government regarding the remarka- international scientific centers must have academics and researchers in order to ble amount of the prize as 500,000 confirmed the comments and decisions facilitate the growth and perfection of USD and said, “this prize is organized of the referees,” he said. science in the OIC member states. based on nongovernmental supports “This prize will be held biannually and The Prize is awarded in four catego- and charity organizations will support its secretariat is working permanently. ries, namely “Life Science and Medical it financially. So far about 240 individ- There might be some reorganizations and Sciences”, “Nano Science and Nano- uals and legal organizations declared changes for next editions such as adding technologies”, “The Information and their support. Besides, the prize was more research centers or other catego- Communication Science and Technolo- approved in Supreme Council of the ries to prize section, increasing amount gies”, and “Top Scientific Achievement Cultural Revolution so the political or of the prize or other issues which will in other fields”. The laureates in each governmental changes will not affect be decided at the official meeting of the section will be awarded 500,000 USD the activities of Mustafa Prize.” policy making council of Mustafa Prize. which is financed through the endow- He went on to add that about twenty We also hope that the second call for the ments made to the Prize. The winners organizations and educational centers next edition of the prize to be announced will also be adorned with a special including IRIB, Ministry of education, next month,” he added. medal and certificate. artistic and research centers were con- The first round of Mustafa (PBUH) The Mustafa Prize started its job in tributing to select the best works in the Prize took place on 24-29 December 2013. The Policy making Council of the scientific field. 2015. The Award Ceremony was held Prize which is tasked with supervis- “The jury of Mustafa Prize consists on 25 December hosting more than 60 ing various procedures of the event is of 7 senior Iranian and foreign scien- top scientists from 28 countries at Talar comprised of high-profile universities tists and consultants. The work and Vahdat, Tehran, Iran| Dossier Page 52 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Laureates of First Mustafa Scientific Prize On December 23, the laureates of the fields of Nano-biotechnology scienc- goal in life.” the first Mustafa Scientific Prize were es and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology She also appreciated the jury of announced as Professor Jackie Y. Ying respectively. Mustafa (pbuh) Prize and said, “the best from Singapore and Professor Omar Zohour continued, “professor Ying is thing in this event is that it is a gathering Yaghi from Jordan. awarded in recognition of her efforts in of Muslim World scientists which is very development of ‘stimulus response sys- helpful for improving science and tech- According to Dr. Hossein Zohour, tems in targeted delivery of drugs’ in the nology in Muslim countries.” Chairman of the science committee field of Nano-biotechnology.” Professor Omar Yaghi, prominent Jor- of Mustafa Scientific Prize, the prize is These systems are consisted of pol- danian chemist, has also been selected awarded in four categories including: Life ymeric nanoparticles, which auto-reg- for his extensive research in the field of Sciences and Medicine, Nanoscience and ulate the release of insulin therapeu- metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the Nanotechnology, Information and Com- tic depending on the blood glucose category of nanoscience and nanotech- munication Technologies and Top Scien- levels without the need for sampling. nology. tific Achievement in general fields. The technology was first developed in “It is a great honor to receive Musta- “In the first three categories, the nom- her knowledge-based company and now fa Prize. I was born in Jordan and when inees must be citizens of one of the 57 being commercialized in big pharmaceu- I was 10, I got familiar with drawing Islamic countries while in the fourth cat- tical firms to be at the service of human molecular structures and this love has egory the nominee must be Muslim but health. remained by me since then,” Professor being citizen of an Islamic country is not Upon receiving her award during a Yaghi said during his speech, stressing mandatory,” he added. ceremony on December 25 in Vahdat that governments should give freedom Explaining the selection method he Hall, Professor Ying maintained that “Is- to scientists to experiment as many times said, “laureates of this prize are selected lam changed my life and it changed my as it is needed to finally achieve success| among 100 works that have been selected for the final arbitration by the jury. These works must be original and innovative and lead to a tangible effect on human lives. Also, the nominated scientists must have good international reputa- tions. At the end, and with regard to the criterion described earlier, two scientists were selected in the fields of Nano-biotechnology sciences and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.” Professor Jackie Y. Ying, CEO and faculty member of the Institute of Bio- engineering and Nanotechnology of Singapore and Professor Omar Yaghi, president of Kavli Nano-energy Organiza- tion and faculty member of University of California, Berkeley are the laureates in Dossier Page 53 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Shaukat Hameed Khan: Mustafa Prize, a global cooperation to eliminate poverty of mind

Shaukat Hameed Khan, a scientific development in the heritage and tradition, and place is changing, leading to Pakistani nuclear physicist, world. needs to be nurtured at every a 24/7 society. Physical prox- believes that the Mustafa At the beginning he said, level of society. In the last ten imity is no longer necessary award enhances social and “I bring warm greetings and years we have seen the tri- to make critical decisions, political wellbeing and felicitations from Mr. Iyad pling of scientific publications small and medium enter- solidarity, and the pursuit of Ameen Madani, the secre- and researches because of prises in emerging econo- knowledge in all its forms. tary General of the OIC to this major investment by several mies are evolving into global august event, the launch of member states in education players offering complete Shaukat Hameed Khan is Mustafa Award in science and and scientific infrastructure. end-to-end services in the a Pakistani nuclear physicist. technology. I am honored to We must always remember supply chain, technological He previously had served as speak on his behalf, on behalf also that science is disruptive, and organizational changes the rector of Ghulam Ishaq of the OIC, and on behalf of and flourishes in an environ- have reduced the demand Khan Institute of Engineer- the Pakistani scientific com- ment of irreverence. This is for unskilled labor in devel- ing Sciences and Technology munity.” also the message from the life oping countries since 1980s. (GIKI). Khan has been associ- Shoukat added, “this im- of Ibn Al Haytham. The year The skilled worker may ac- ated with GIKI since its incep- portant event signifies the 2015 is being celebrated as tually be more sought af- tion and served as a member commitment of your es- the international year of the ter then the scientists, new of the Board of Governors teemed country in recogniz- light and is also the 1000th centers of power are emerg- till early 2013. He is a Fel- ing and promoting excellent anniversary of his remarka- ing because of urban con- low of the Pakistan Academy science wherever it occurs. ble Book on Oprics, Kitab Al centrations and growth of of Sciences. Khan previous- This is reflected in your choice Manazer. Here was evidence large cities, with completely ly worked for the Pakistan of the award winners. I con- and reason at its best. His different dynamics and, ma- Atomic Energy Commission vey my felicitations to them.” methodology of investigation jor demographics transitions (PAEC), where he retired as He referred to the Musta- in particular using experiment are taking place in the OIC Chief Science Officer (CSO) in fa Prize initiatives and said, to verify theory shows certain member states with impor- 2005. He is the Coordinator “the Mustafa award also similarities to what is now tant implications for health General of COMSTECH (OIC complements the key ini- known as the modern scientif- and employability.” (Organization of Islamic Coop- tiatives of the OIC over the ic method.” He insisted on necessity eration) Standing Committee years towards enhancement He also pointed to the re- of elimination of poverty and on Scientific & Technological of collective capabilities of quirements of scientific pur- said, “elimination of pover- Cooperation), Islamabad. member states across the suit and emphasized, “we ty whether physical or of the Khan has made numerous entire spectrum, which in- need to place modern scien- mind is within our grasp. Its contributions to the field of cludes social and political tific pursuit within the con- elimination however will re- Laser physics, and is an author wellbeing and solidarity, and text of the ongoing global quire strong synergies with po- of two books, which are heav- the pursuit of knowledge in imperatives and the accom- litical and social capabilities of ily emphasized to the field of all its forms. Poverty of the panying techno-econom- our societies. Science and tech- Laser sciences. Khan has also mind has no place in the ic-information revolution. nology can and will provide the made important research and 21th century.” We need to leverage this tools for making change and contribution in the fields of la- This Pakistani scientist de- massive realignment and managing change.” ser produced plasmas; Ultra- scribed the role of science and shift in centers of econom- At the end Khan stated, fast High Voltage Switching; technology and said, “science ic activity and relocation of “I invite your Excellencies Spectroscopy, laser isotope and technology will play a manufacturing, services and to take active part in the separation, and precision crucial role in socio-economic design from developed to new programs for science measurement with lasers. and human development in developing countries, glob- and technology prepared by Dr. Khan, gave his speech the years to come. Science is ally and regionally.” COMSTECH. We eagerly look at the awarding ceremony of the great game in this centu- This Pakistani scholar list- forward for your active assis- first edition of Mustafa Prize ry and technology is its most ed the key features as, “the tance in ensuring its imple- and insisted on necessity of visible symbol. It is part of our nature of work and work- mentation.”| Dossier Page 54 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY In an interview with Mustafa Prize Prof. Mirarefi: Secretariat, Prof. Aliasghar Mirarefi, a faculty member at University of Illinois and the AUIP Program Director has shared his thoughts about the Mustafa Scientifc Prize to Mustafa Prize Initiative.

The Mustafa Prize is a top science present Islamic values and technology award granted to the top researchers and scientists of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states biennially. In its first round, the prestigious prize was granted to the Laureates, Professor Jackie Y. Ying from Singapore and Pro- fessor Omar Yaghi from Jordan. What follows is Mustafa Prize Sec- retariat interview with Prof. Aliasghar Mirarefi, a faculty member at -Univer sity of Illinois, US, and also the AUIP Program Director: uHow do you evaluate the status of the Islamic World in scientific - ad vancements and in technology-based achievements? Definitely much below that in the developed countries that have invested a lot of resources to science and technology. uWhat is the share of scientists from uHow can the Islamic golden era pio- uHow do you evaluate science and the Islamic World in the science and neered through science and technolo- technology prizes as an instrument for technology progress? gy progress be revived? increasing research and development Developed countries have benefited Following the guidance of Proph- of scientists for regional development a lot by attracting scientists from Islam- et (PBUH) who emphasized seeking and improving the welfare of human ic World and giving them the opportu- knowledge from birth to death. He beings? nities and funding to carry out research made it a necessity for every man Definitely draws attention, acknowl- and contribute to their advancements. and woman to acquire science and edges, and rewards researchers and Unfortunately Islamic World has not in- encouraged traveling even to China research that ultimately contribute to vested enough to be among the bene- to fulfill their thirst for knowledge. Is- human capital development, bring eco- ficiaries of the outcomes of research in lamic World need to pay more atten- nomic growth to the Islamic countries developed countries. tion to these facts and invest much resulting welfare of human beings. more in education and research. uHow can we achieve even faster They need to facilitate collaborations uHow do you evaluate the necessity progress in science and technology with scientists from the Western of the Mustafa (PBUH) Prize in devel- development in the Islamic countries World who are keen to make con- oping science and technology in the and benefit from the existing capaci- tribution to advancement of knowl- world of Islam and its role in promot- ties? edge. Advancement of knowledge ing the quality of the life of people? Investing in attracting expats who and research in the developed coun- It is a very good step to advertise are anxious to bring the result of their tries became possible because these and market the value that Islamic research to Islamic World countries countries invested a lot in attracting World gives to research and education. and commercialize the outcome of top ranked talented researchers and their research that can bring econom- educators and providing an environ- Professor Aliasghar Mirarefi is a ic growth to Islamic World. Industrial ment that enabled them to flourish faculty member at University of Illinois, involvement can be very important in and develop their ideas that improve US, and also the AUIP Program Direc- this respect. lives. tor| Dossier Page 55 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Prof. Naveed Amjid Sattar, a Professor at Glasgow Royal Infirmary of Britain, says Mustafa Prize would act as a beacon to other Islamic researchers to show that they too can preform high quality, impactful research.

The Mustafa Prize is a top science and technology award granted to the top researchers and scientists of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states biennially. In its first round, the prestigious prize was granted to the Laureates, Professor Prof. Naveed Sattar: Jackie Y. Ying from Singa- pore and Professor Omar Yaghi from Jordan. Prof. Naveed Amjid Sat- Mustafa Prize to act as beacon tar is the Professor of Met- abolic Medicine and Hon- to Islamic researchers orary Consultant, Glasgow Royal Infirmary of Britain countries and benefit from through science and tech- that they can achieve similar and one of the guests of the the existing capacities? nology progress be re- or better things. Mustafa (PBUH) Prize Award Collaboration across vived? Ceremony 2015. In an inter- sights for major clinical tri- This is hard to do quickly uHow do you evaluate view with Mustafa Prize Sec- als would be very welcome but developing the right en- the necessity of the Musta- retariat, he shared his views – some of the major trials in vironment for big research fa Prize in developing sci- about the status of Islam in major areas in western coun- is important. ence and technology in the the world of science: tries have come from col- world of Islam and its role laborations between major uHow do you evaluate in promoting the quality of uHow do you evaluate the centers so it would be nice science and technology the life of people? status of the Islamic World to foster better collaborative prizes as an instrument for As noted above, these in scientific advancements potential. The community increasing research and awards, if given to very and in technology-based needs to identify where they development of scientists high caliber candidates can achievements? have needs for trials, where for regional development only help to show Islamic Very highly – there are to focus their collective ener- and improving the welfare researchers are as bright as some very eminent Islamic gies and then work together of human beings? other groups, are articulate academics who have made to be internationally compet- Awards are always help- and can contribute major major contributions in sci- itive. Investment in clinical ful if they are given in a findings. It would act as a ence. But it is difficult to trial units would be helpful – competitive manner and beacon to other Islamic re- attribute the share of scien- pairing up with some centers the best chosen candidates searchers to show that they tists from the Islamic World in other countries which can are of a high caliber and can also preform high quali- in the science and technol- share experience would also have an excellent interna- ty, impactful research. ogy progress. be helpful; I am of course tional reputation for re- biased towards clinical research and for the quality Prof. Naveed Amjid Sat- uHow can we achieve search. of their impact and their tar is the Professor of Met- even faster progress in sci- presentations – this acts as abolic Medicine and Honor- ence and technology de- uHow can the Islam- a beacon for other younger ary Consultant at Glasgow velopment in the Islamic ic golden era pioneered Islamic researchers to know Royal Infirmary of Britain| Page 56 |No. 2| January 2016 MEHR NEWSAGENCY News in Vision On the occasion of Christmas, Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei paid a visit to the house and family of a Christian-Iranian martyr.

President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher met with Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Dec. 20 in Tehran. Friday Prayers attendants in Tehran on Dec. 18 marched after their worship to show support for Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and Islamic Movement of Nigeria members who were arrested and killed on Dec. 12 in Zaria.

The 21st International Exhibition of Electronic, Computer and E-Commerce (ELECOMP) kicked off on Dec. 14 in Tehran. The event is considered as the greatest commercial event of its kind in Iran. Iran hosted the ninth International Documentary Film Festival ‘Cinéma Vérité’ from 13-19 Dec. 2015, screening the greatest film productions that revealed the best and the worst of our human life. The official registration of candidates for the fifth round of the Assembly of Experts elections and the tenth Parliament elections started on Dec. 19 and ran until Dec. 25 at Ministry of Interior and Governorate of Tehran. The Parliament and Assembly of Experts elections will be simultaneously held on February 26, 2016 across the country.