Iranians took to the streets for a fourth day to voice their anger over the state of the reeling economy, with the currency in a free fall
One Year After Assad’s Fall: Iran’s Strategic Collapse In Syria
By Iliya Jazaeri and Kian Sharifi ( RFE/ RL ) – One year after Assad’s fall, Iran grapples with the collapse of its key regional ally. Tehran lost up to 50 billion dollars invested over a decade, its Mediterranean access, and supply routes to Hezbollah. Iran seeks to rebuild influence, but is there a way back?” […]
Afghanistan Pivots Economically to Central Asia as it Seeks to End Dependence on Pakistan
By Farangis Najibullah ( RFE/RL ) – Afghanistan is seeking to significantly bolster trade with the oil-rich countries of Central Asia as it attempts to end its economic dependence on Pakistan, which has historically been Kabul’s biggest trading partner. But experts warn that geography, high costs, and political constraints will hinder efforts by Afghanistan’s cash-strapped […]
Once Allies, Pakistan And Afghan Taliban Lurch Toward Full-Blown Conflict
By Frud Bezhan and Daud Khattak ( RFE/ RL ) – A full-blown conflict between Afghanistan’s Taliban and neighboring Pakistan seemed unthinkable when the hard-line Islamist group, a longtime ally of Islamabad, seized power in 2021 as international troops withdrew and the government they supported collapsed. But fears have heightened of an all-out war after the […]
Iran’s Streets ‘Transformed’ As More Women Shun The Mandatory Hijab
By Fereshteh Ghazi and Farangis Najibullah ( RFE / RL ) – Iranian journalist Zeinab Rahimi has refused to wear the mandatory hijab for over two years, despite the risk of arrest and imprisonment. She is among a growing number of women and girls who have stopped covering their head in public, in direct defiance of […]
Iran’s Water Crisis Opens A New Front With Israel
( RFE/ RL ) – Amid soaring temperatures, power blackouts, and widespread water rationing, Pezeshkian painted a grim picture of the nation’s water woes. He warned that “there won’t be any water in the dams by September or October.” Pezeshkian described the situation as “a serious and unimaginable crisis,” pointing to depleted reservoirs and underground […]
Iran’s President Says Rebuilding Nuclear Sites Futile Without Talks With Washington
( RFE / RL ) – Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has warned that his country faces the risk of further conflict with the United States unless diplomacy is pursued. Speaking at a meeting with media executives on August 10, Pezeshkian criticized opponents of talks with Washington over Tehran’s nuclear program, saying the United States would […]
Tehran On The Brink: Can Iran Survive Its Water Crisis?
By Kian Sharifi ( RFE/ RL ) – Worsening Water Crisis: Iran is experiencing a deepening water crisis that has forced authorities to impose widespread water cuts, with dam reservoirs across the country dropping to their lowest levels in decades. Drought, mismanagement, and mounting climate challenges are causing major disruptions to daily life for millions […]
12 Days Of War: Takeaways From The Israel-Iran Conflict
By Kian Sharifi ( RFE/ RL) – After 12 days of unprecedented direct hostilities, Israel and Iran have agreed to a cease-fire that has brought a tense and uneasy calm to the region. The war, marked by devastating air strikes, missile barrages, and covert operations, has left both countries reeling. While the immediate fighting […]
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