This Blog is focused on Iranian media, specifically as it pertains to Iran's geo political progression from the 20th century to present day within the context of a greater Persian culture.
Appendix:
-Foreign Economics
-Iranian Cinema
-Persian Culture and Modern Iranian History
Trevor Ballantyne
Tballantyne@elon.edu
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Iranian Global Economics
Iran's economy is a mixed economy. Two of the country's four main exports consist of Persian rugs and Petroleum - the latter constituting 80% of exports. The government imports commodities and foodstuffs to supplement domestic industries, yet the functioning of the economy relies on the oil sector (CIA Factbook)*
- 2002 layout of Iran's economy, from Iranian government sources*
* There is a chance these sources (The CIA and the Iranian Government) are misinformed and/or misreporting statistics
The Iran Foreign Investment Company (IFIC) was incorporated in March 1998 as a Private Joint Stock company with a mission to manage and expand Iranian holdings abroad (IFIC). The company claims to have energy, telecom, industry, mining, and stock market ventures - among others - in the countries of Germany, Brazil, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Yemen, Namibia, Oman, the U.A.E and Armenia. Recently the Iranian government has sought economic ties with Portugal, and continues to maintain strong relations with countries such as Indonesia, and other eastern States. (FIC)
IFIC Headquarters
Source: IFIC website: http://www.ifi-co.com/
The process of enacting economic sanctions on Iran has been complicated by the presence of western oil companies already in Iran, and the Iranian governments strong desire to strengthen the oil sector to support a crippled economy. In April the U.S government identified 41 companies as having commercial activity in Iran's oil and gas sector. Among these companies was Shell, and Spain's Repsol. Experts agree that Iran will need about $200 billion to develop a vital oil sector, yet the countries perceived progression to a nuclear arms buildup have spurred calls for increased sanctions, thus stalling foreign companies' investment decisions.(AP)
Iranian Oil Refinery
On May 10, Iranian officials issued an ultimatum to Shell and Repsol, claming they will be replaced with domestic companies if they chose to back down in the face of pending sanctions.
The ability for Iran to develop its oil sector is crucial for the economy to survive. Yet a thriving economy would most likely translate into the current regime's ability to maintain a hold on power. In the face of egregious human rights violations, Western companies will most likely heed the calls of their government. Yet Iran's ability to attract non-western investors will determine the future of its economy.
SOURCES:
"Iran Warns Shell, Repsol on Investment Delay" Associate Press. May 10, 2010. found online at Bloomberg Business Week: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9FJURG80.htm
CIA World Factbook Online
IFIC Website
All images taken from Bing.com
- 2002 layout of Iran's economy, from Iranian government sources*
* There is a chance these sources (The CIA and the Iranian Government) are misinformed and/or misreporting statistics
The Iran Foreign Investment Company (IFIC) was incorporated in March 1998 as a Private Joint Stock company with a mission to manage and expand Iranian holdings abroad (IFIC). The company claims to have energy, telecom, industry, mining, and stock market ventures - among others - in the countries of Germany, Brazil, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Yemen, Namibia, Oman, the U.A.E and Armenia. Recently the Iranian government has sought economic ties with Portugal, and continues to maintain strong relations with countries such as Indonesia, and other eastern States. (FIC)
IFIC Headquarters
Source: IFIC website: http://www.ifi-co.com/
The process of enacting economic sanctions on Iran has been complicated by the presence of western oil companies already in Iran, and the Iranian governments strong desire to strengthen the oil sector to support a crippled economy. In April the U.S government identified 41 companies as having commercial activity in Iran's oil and gas sector. Among these companies was Shell, and Spain's Repsol. Experts agree that Iran will need about $200 billion to develop a vital oil sector, yet the countries perceived progression to a nuclear arms buildup have spurred calls for increased sanctions, thus stalling foreign companies' investment decisions.(AP)
Iranian Oil Refinery
On May 10, Iranian officials issued an ultimatum to Shell and Repsol, claming they will be replaced with domestic companies if they chose to back down in the face of pending sanctions.
The ability for Iran to develop its oil sector is crucial for the economy to survive. Yet a thriving economy would most likely translate into the current regime's ability to maintain a hold on power. In the face of egregious human rights violations, Western companies will most likely heed the calls of their government. Yet Iran's ability to attract non-western investors will determine the future of its economy.
SOURCES:
"Iran Warns Shell, Repsol on Investment Delay" Associate Press. May 10, 2010. found online at Bloomberg Business Week: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9FJURG80.htm
CIA World Factbook Online
IFIC Website
All images taken from Bing.com
Iranian Cinema
Olympic Park in Tehran
Iranian Opposition rally in Tehran following the 2009 election disputes
The Iranian cinema "new wave movement" led by acclaimed filmmaker Jafar Panahi evokes themes that illustrate social frustrations within Iranian society. Panahi focuses on women's rights, but his work has come to represent the current opposition movement. Iranian blogs number in the hundreds of thousands, and have become the main instrument by which the opposition movement communicates domestically and internationally, as the nature of this media is difficult to censor. Yet, while blogs link the opposition movement, Panahi's films represent the movements motives.
Panahi taking home the hardware at the Berlin Film Festival
His films convey social realism, illustrating the plight the Iranian people, and subtly (or not so subtly) portraying the injustices perpetrated by the Supreme Leader. Panahi, is known for his gritty, socially critical movies such as "The Circle," which bagged the 2000 Venice Golden Lion award, "Crimson Gold" and "Offside," winner of the 2006 Silver Bear at the Berlin film festival. (AFP)
Link to Offside Trailer (really good movie): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqOZ1yxwQQ4
Panahi's popularity runs parallel to the rising tides of discontent within Iran, and have increasingly become a perceived threat to the governments authority. In February, Panahi, an outspoken opposition figure, was arrested along with other opposition artists. Although the reason for his detainment was initially unclear, in April, a government spokesperson disclosed that his arrest was a result of an anti-government film he was making. While this violates the current censorship laws, Iranians close to Panahi have claimed the film in question was merely an idea. (AFP)
Recently Hollywood film makers such as Steven Spielberg and Robert Deniro signed a letter to the Iranian authorities asking for Panahi's release, citing their solidarity with a fellow filmmaker. In some ways, Panahi's arrest has worked against the authorities as he has become somewhat of a global martyr, providing solidarity to the opposition movement. (BBC)
Sources:
"Panahi Arrested for Making Anti-regime Film: Minister Says". May 14, 2010. AFP. found on Google news at: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hgegozlEasjeFkmeza6Lm8o5VmGg
"Hollywood Film Makers Urge Iran to Release Jafar Panahi". May 2, 2010. BBC News Entertainment online at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8656881.stm
all images found on Bing.com
Persian Culture and Iranian History
Persian Culture
Today, Iranian culture is often masked by religious and foreign political tensions that effectively overshadow the splendors of a Persian culture that have supported one of the world's oldest civilizations. Despite its seemingly introverted nature, Iran represents the epicenter of a historic Persian empire that developed through centuries of trade with other ancient cultures. The Persians developed the world's first taxation system, were the first to domesticate the goat, grow peaches for exports, and were the first to play the sport of polo. Persian rugs and art are world renowned for their craft and originality and Persian culture is accurately reflected in Persian cinema which has yielded over 300 international awards. The countries of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Krygyzstan, make up what is referred to as "greater Persia", as most of the people living in these modern states maintain a common Persian culture and heritage. The Persians are a very proud people with a deep sense of their rich history. There is no doubt that the despotic nature of their current government does not reflect the overall nature of the Persian people and their vibrant culture.
Bushehr is a historic Persian trading port and exists today as a major commercial trading and fishing port. Located on the Persian Gulf about 1,200 Km from Tehran.>
Modern Iranian History and U.S Foreign Policy
As it exists today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is a theocratic republic. While Islam is a major aspect of Persian/Iranian culture, it is important to recognize important democratic forces at work within Iran today. These forces began to appear in 1906 with the Constitutional Revolution. The revolution was a Persian reaction to almost a Century long period of British and Russian influence. While the movement was ultimately crushed, it was successful in limiting the rule of the absolutists (TIMELINE). By 1935, a small ruling elite class of Persians led by Reza Khan aligned with British and Russian foreign economic interests and consolidated political control in the form of a constitutional monarchy. This consolidation of power instilled Reza Khan as the Shah, and ensured further foreign presence in Iran. This alliance of interests in Iran created economic disparity, and catalyzed attempts by the Persian people to bring about democratic reform.
In 1951, Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq led a successful parliamentary vote to nationalise a British owned oil company operating in Iran. The Mossadeq brokered legislation signified a power struggle between the western backed Shah Pahlavi and the populist Iranian Mossadeq. In response to the legislation, the British navy enacted a blockade on Iranian commercial ports as a precursor to the CIA facilitated 1953 coup that effectively re-established western influence in Iran until the 1979 Islamic revolution. This coup also signified an increase in U.S presence in the psyche of Iranians. Their role in the 1953 coup created a perception that viewed the Shah as a puppet of the west.
Mossadeq on the cover of Time in 1951
1953 Iranian Coup and the C.I.A
The CIA's involvement in the 1953 coup, was based largely on cold war era hysteria and fears of Soviet influence. At the time, "Iranian experts" obtained their information from Shah backed sources. These sources did not detail the principles of the opposition movement, and thus only concerned the U.S experts with information relating to economic interests. Of particular importance, was the absence of proper evaluation concerning the role of Islam in creating solidarity amongst an opposition movement that sought honest democratic reform, and increased freedoms within the context of the Islamic faith.
President Eisenhower with the U.S backed Shah of Iran
The 1979 Islamic Revolution
The 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution led by the religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini harnessed the legitimized perception of the Shah, and Islamic principles to mobilize one of the most successful revolutions in recorded history. This success was based largely on Khomeini's ability to create a solidarity across class lines. Following the revolution there were many who believed that action would bring about more democratic reforms with Islamic principles.
Khomeini on the cover of Time in 1979
Tehran in 1979
Iranian Media
Iranian media has been highly censored throughout the 20th Century, yet the proliferation of Persian culture and people around the world, and its peoples' rich history in the arts has ensured the survival of influential Persian artists and intellectuals.
President Ahmedinejad and Ayatollah Khameni operate under the direction of Khomeini's oppressive legacy.
Unfortunately over the past decade, Ayatollah Khameni and President Ahmedinejad have increased religious censorship, and gained from the culture of conflict in the Middle East in their struggle to maintain power. Newspapers exist under harsh scrutiny and although they may represent an opposing interest group, their content is strictly limited.
Yet despite this unfortunate development, the 2009 election disputes and ensuing opposition movement have capitalized on new, mass media to organize and communicate their position. While the ruling structure uses censorship and manipulation of print, radio, and television sources to advance a culture of fear and religious zeal, the opposition movement has taken a global form by utilizing blogs, social networking sites, and international film to fight for a more democratic and free Iran.
"Kayhan" is the Iranian newspaper of the religious authority
Throw "Iranian Blogs" into Google, and you can explore hundreds of blogs written by opposition supporters, documenting the challenges they face in mobilizing their movement
SOURCES:
Kincheloe, Joe L. "The Miseducation of the West: How Schools and the Media Distort Our Understanding of the Islamic World" Praeger. Westport CT.
“The Islamic Republic News Agency: its history and activities”. The Iran Chamber Society. April 2007. Found at http://www.iranchamber.com/media/articles/islamic_republic_news_agency.php
Kamalipour, Yahya R., and Mowlana, Hamid, eds. MassMedia in the Middle East. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1994. Found at http://www.answers.com/topic/newspapers-and-print-media-iran
“BBC Timeline: Iran”. The British Broadcasting Company. Updated: February 4, 2010. Found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/806268.stm
Today, Iranian culture is often masked by religious and foreign political tensions that effectively overshadow the splendors of a Persian culture that have supported one of the world's oldest civilizations. Despite its seemingly introverted nature, Iran represents the epicenter of a historic Persian empire that developed through centuries of trade with other ancient cultures. The Persians developed the world's first taxation system, were the first to domesticate the goat, grow peaches for exports, and were the first to play the sport of polo. Persian rugs and art are world renowned for their craft and originality and Persian culture is accurately reflected in Persian cinema which has yielded over 300 international awards. The countries of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Krygyzstan, make up what is referred to as "greater Persia", as most of the people living in these modern states maintain a common Persian culture and heritage. The Persians are a very proud people with a deep sense of their rich history. There is no doubt that the despotic nature of their current government does not reflect the overall nature of the Persian people and their vibrant culture.
Bushehr is a historic Persian trading port and exists today as a major commercial trading and fishing port. Located on the Persian Gulf about 1,200 Km from Tehran.>
Modern Iranian History and U.S Foreign Policy
As it exists today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is a theocratic republic. While Islam is a major aspect of Persian/Iranian culture, it is important to recognize important democratic forces at work within Iran today. These forces began to appear in 1906 with the Constitutional Revolution. The revolution was a Persian reaction to almost a Century long period of British and Russian influence. While the movement was ultimately crushed, it was successful in limiting the rule of the absolutists (TIMELINE). By 1935, a small ruling elite class of Persians led by Reza Khan aligned with British and Russian foreign economic interests and consolidated political control in the form of a constitutional monarchy. This consolidation of power instilled Reza Khan as the Shah, and ensured further foreign presence in Iran. This alliance of interests in Iran created economic disparity, and catalyzed attempts by the Persian people to bring about democratic reform.
In 1951, Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq led a successful parliamentary vote to nationalise a British owned oil company operating in Iran. The Mossadeq brokered legislation signified a power struggle between the western backed Shah Pahlavi and the populist Iranian Mossadeq. In response to the legislation, the British navy enacted a blockade on Iranian commercial ports as a precursor to the CIA facilitated 1953 coup that effectively re-established western influence in Iran until the 1979 Islamic revolution. This coup also signified an increase in U.S presence in the psyche of Iranians. Their role in the 1953 coup created a perception that viewed the Shah as a puppet of the west.
Mossadeq on the cover of Time in 1951
1953 Iranian Coup and the C.I.A
The CIA's involvement in the 1953 coup, was based largely on cold war era hysteria and fears of Soviet influence. At the time, "Iranian experts" obtained their information from Shah backed sources. These sources did not detail the principles of the opposition movement, and thus only concerned the U.S experts with information relating to economic interests. Of particular importance, was the absence of proper evaluation concerning the role of Islam in creating solidarity amongst an opposition movement that sought honest democratic reform, and increased freedoms within the context of the Islamic faith.
President Eisenhower with the U.S backed Shah of Iran
The 1979 Islamic Revolution
The 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution led by the religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini harnessed the legitimized perception of the Shah, and Islamic principles to mobilize one of the most successful revolutions in recorded history. This success was based largely on Khomeini's ability to create a solidarity across class lines. Following the revolution there were many who believed that action would bring about more democratic reforms with Islamic principles.
Khomeini on the cover of Time in 1979
Tehran in 1979
Iranian Media
Iranian media has been highly censored throughout the 20th Century, yet the proliferation of Persian culture and people around the world, and its peoples' rich history in the arts has ensured the survival of influential Persian artists and intellectuals.
President Ahmedinejad and Ayatollah Khameni operate under the direction of Khomeini's oppressive legacy.
Unfortunately over the past decade, Ayatollah Khameni and President Ahmedinejad have increased religious censorship, and gained from the culture of conflict in the Middle East in their struggle to maintain power. Newspapers exist under harsh scrutiny and although they may represent an opposing interest group, their content is strictly limited.
Yet despite this unfortunate development, the 2009 election disputes and ensuing opposition movement have capitalized on new, mass media to organize and communicate their position. While the ruling structure uses censorship and manipulation of print, radio, and television sources to advance a culture of fear and religious zeal, the opposition movement has taken a global form by utilizing blogs, social networking sites, and international film to fight for a more democratic and free Iran.
"Kayhan" is the Iranian newspaper of the religious authority
Throw "Iranian Blogs" into Google, and you can explore hundreds of blogs written by opposition supporters, documenting the challenges they face in mobilizing their movement
SOURCES:
Kincheloe, Joe L. "The Miseducation of the West: How Schools and the Media Distort Our Understanding of the Islamic World" Praeger. Westport CT.
“The Islamic Republic News Agency: its history and activities”. The Iran Chamber Society. April 2007. Found at http://www.iranchamber.com/media/articles/islamic_republic_news_agency.php
Kamalipour, Yahya R., and Mowlana, Hamid, eds. MassMedia in the Middle East. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1994. Found at http://www.answers.com/topic/newspapers-and-print-media-iran
“BBC Timeline: Iran”. The British Broadcasting Company. Updated: February 4, 2010. Found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/806268.stm
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