Editor's Pick ·
Why Iran Might Blink
Ayatollah Khamenei won’t risk his own skin to save Hamas.
Amir Taheri
Amir Taheri, formerly the executive editor (1972-79) of Iran's main daily newspaper, is the author of twelve books and a columnist for the Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat.
Latest Content
Editor's Pick ·
In Its War with Israel, Iran Is Losing Plausible Deniability
And that creates new risks.
Editor's Pick ·
Why Syria Remains in Chaos
And why Iran is running out of funds to prop up Bashar al-Assad.
Editor's Pick ·
Making Sense of Iranian Threats to Attack Israeli Cities
Not the usual saber-rattling.
Editor's Pick ·
Iran’s Dangerous Dream of a Triple Alliance with Russia and China
And its connection to the recent outbreak of Palestinian terror.
Editor's Pick ·
Why Neither Sticks nor Carrots Are Effective against the Iranian Theocracy
If you help the Islamic Republic improve its economy, the bulk of the proceeds will go to strengthening the apparatus of repression.
Editor's Pick ·
Russia’s Recent Moves in the Caucasus Are Part of Its Strategy to Keep Ukraine, the Middle East, and Other Areas in a State of Crisis
Keeping the EU and U.S. out, and Moscow in.
Editor's Pick ·
The Iraqi Elections Are Bad News for Iran
The fact that they took place is itself a cause for celebration.
Editor's Pick ·
Russia Gained from the Caucasus Conflict, but Now Faces an Emboldened Turkey
Vladimir Putin proves himself to be the regional power broker.
Editor's Pick ·
The Council on Foreign Relations Excuses Iranian Brutality
The “nevertheless club.”
Editor's Pick ·
U.S. Pressure on Iran Is Curbing the Mullahs’ Ability to Shed Blood
The way to moderate Tehran’s behavior does not involve “strengthening the moderates.”
Editor's Pick ·
Iran Is Playing a Risky Game in Iraq
It can be dangerous to set your neighbor’s house on fire.
Editor's Pick ·
Iranian Moderates vs. Hardliners: A Myth That Won’t Die
One of its first propagators is now being held hostage by the “moderates.”
Editor's Pick ·
A Former British Diplomat’s Guide to Misunderstanding Iran
Jack Straw’s many errors are overshadowed by his poor prescriptions.
Editor's Pick ·
The Islamic Republic Might Be Close to the Breaking Point, but It’s Not There Yet
Even Khomeinist madness has its limits.
Editor's Pick ·
Iran Takes European Hostages, Plots Terrorist Attacks—and Stays in the EU’s Good Graces
Crossing pink lines.
Editor's Pick ·
As Protests in Iran Spread, Americans Continue to Misunderstand the Country
Invasion and surrender are not Washington’s only alternatives.
Editor's Pick ·
No, the Iranian Shah Didn’t Rename His Country to Please Hitler
Reza Shah, the Aryans, and the Jews.
Editor's Pick ·
The European Union’s Nonsensical Quest to Preserve the Iran Deal
Respecting what signatures?
Editor's Pick ·
Why the U.S., or Any Third Party, Will Fail at Solving the Israel–Palestinian Conflict
Defeat in war, not outside mediation, is usually what prompts negotiation.
Editor's Pick ·
There’s Still Hope for Democracy in Iraq, but Rushing into Elections Won’t Help
The U.S. should push for a postponement.
Editor's Pick ·
Making Sense of What Happened in Iran
A political movement with political aims.
Editor's Pick ·
Finally, the U.S. Has a Serious Plan for Opposing Iran
By refusing to certify the nuclear deal, Washington has put Tehran in a bind.
Editor's Pick ·
Iran’s Designs on Syria Are Doomed to Fail
Shiite shrines and the tombs of Jewish prophets.
Editor's Pick ·
Will Turkey Join the Russia-Iran Axis?
The three countries share a common interest in opposing the U.S. and its regional allies.
Editor's Pick ·
Relying on Russian Help, Iran Lays the Groundwork for a Post-IS Iraq
Where “non-sectarian” means pro-Iranian and Shiite.
Editor's Pick ·
How the Modernization of the Middle East Went Terribly Wrong
Unmoored from tradition, while embracing the worst of the West.
Editor's Pick ·
Iran’s Presidential Elections Are an Elaborate Charade
But also a referendum on the regime’s legitimacy.
Editor's Pick ·
More Serious Problems Await Iraq after the Fall of Mosul
Islamic State will lose the battle, but who will win the war?
Editor's Pick ·
The Iran Deal Doesn’t Need to Be Torn Up. It’s Not a Treaty
America must stop giving something for nothing.