Turkey’s protests reveal conflicting visions of society
The ongoing clashes in Istanbul’s Taksim Square have exposed the fault lines running between those want to protect secular values and those who want to introduce more Islam into public life.
Scott Peterson
Erdogan’s defiant style keeps Turkish protesters fueled with anger
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s uncompromising response to widespread protests has kept many out on the streets, angered by what they describe as his ‘dictatorial’ rule.
Tear gas gives way to festivity in Turkey’s Taksim Square
Protesters in Turkey celebrated their hold — for now — on Istanbul’s Taksim Square. But it’s unclear what will happen next in the anti-government movement.
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator: we’re being asked to make all the sacrifices
Saeed Jalili, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator and a contender in the June presidential election, sat down with the Monitor to share his views about an ‘unbalanced’ nuclear offer made by world powers.
Iran nuclear talks in Istanbul show progress remains elusive
Talks in Istanbul today over Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions that have crippled its economy yielded little in the way of progress.
Iran’s presidential race: ‘Wild card’ entry creates dilemma for Khamenei
Controversial candidates like former President Rafsanjani could draw high voter turnout, but may challenge the supreme leader’s ability to control the process of replacing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Israeli airstrike in Syria brings Iran onstage, raising risk of proxy war
Iran dismissed Israeli claims that yesterday’s airstrike in Syria targeted Iranian weapons destined for Hezbollah, accusing Israel of looking for an excuse to hammer the ‘Axis of Resistance.’
Behind Turkish-Israeli reconciliation, concerns about Syria
The deal will help rebuild intelligence links between Turkey and Israel. The Turkds do not want to be caught off guard by any use or transfer of chemical weapons in nearby Syria.
Obama arrives in a Middle East upended since his 2009 visit
President Obama arrived in Israel today for a regional visit in which he will have to juggle three rapidly ticking time bombs: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Syria’s war, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Can Iran, world powers build on recent progress in nuclear talks?
Tomorrow’s ‘technical-level’ meeting in Istanbul will give a quieter, closed-door venue for six world powers and Iran to try to turn diplomatic progress into concrete measures.
The Cyrus Cylinder, symbol of Persian tolerance, heads to US
The 2,600 year old Cyrus Cylinder, a promise of tolerance from the ancient Persian King, is heading to the US for the first time.
Iran maneuvers for upper hand ahead of nuclear talks
The P5+1 appears to be offering little new and an IAEA report shows Iran has made steady nuclear progress since talks stalled last spring.
Why the Iran threat assessment may be easing — for now
Iran’s unexpectedly slow missile progress, a dialed down ‘covert war,’ and uranium enrichment changes may yield more room for diplomacy over the country’s nuclear program.
Trumpeting technological strength, Iran releases video it says is from downed US drone
The release of the video comes as Iran showcases a slew of scientific and technological advances to herald the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which will be celebrated on Feb. 10.
New hurdle for nuclear talks: Iran’s presidential politics
Iran’s foreign minister said he was ‘optimistic’ about looming nuclear talks. But political sparring ahead of June presidential elections could stymie any deal-making now.
Back in Afghanistan, Karzai shifts tone on US troop immunity
Failure to agree on an immunity deal in Iraq ensured that US forces pulled out completely by the end of 2011, further diminishing America’s influence there.
Pressure mounts on Obama to change tactics on Iran
In a letter to the White House, Iran experts insisted diplomacy, not further sanctions, will have the best results. But US actions since then indicate more sticks than carrots.
IAEA: Iran making steady advances on nuclear program
The UN nuclear watchdog says that Iran installed more centrifuges at Fordow facility, but it isn’t using more of them — yet. Nuclear talks are due to resume soon.
Iran says ready for ‘any threat’ after reportedly attacking US drone
Tehran has not confirmed the Pentagon’s claim that Iran shot at an unarmed US drone, but has hinted a drone was within its airspace. Last year, Iran brought down a CIA stealth drone operating deep inside the country.
IAEA steps up pressure on Iran with condemnation of its nuclear defiance
Russia and China — reversing earlier stances — joined today in the IAEA’s near-unanimous vote expressing ‘serious concern’ over Iran’s nuclear program.