February 2016
Bahman Ghobadi: I Have No Plans to Go to Iran
Bahman Ghobadi, an Iranian filmmaker, discussed his recent documentary 'Life on the Border' featuring displaced Kurdish children at the Berlin Film Festival. He confirmed he…
Debate Over the Link Between Zika Virus and Microcephaly in Infants
Medical experts are questioning the World Health Organization's claims linking the Zika virus to microcephaly in infants, arguing that there is insufficient evidence to support…
Views of Mehdi Fattapour and Mohammad Javad Akbarin on the Change in the Composition of the Parliament and the Assembly of Experts
The reformists have made significant gains in the recent elections for the Islamic Consultative Assembly, while key conservative figures are absent from the Assembly of…
Who Will Be the Speaker of the Tenth Parliament Based on Election Results?
The article discusses the potential candidates for the Speaker of the Tenth Parliament following the recent parliamentary elections in Iran. Mohammad Reza Aref is leading…
100,000 Years Ago; Neanderthals Breeding with Modern Humans
Recent research indicates that modern humans interbred with Neanderthals around 100,000 years ago, much earlier than previously thought. This discovery suggests that our ancestors migrated…
Election Results Until Sunday Morning: '72 Reformists and Independents, 28 Principlists'
As of Sunday morning, March 9, the preliminary results of the Iranian parliamentary elections show that 72 candidates have been elected, with a majority being…
Why Mehdi Karroubi Could Not Participate in the Elections?
Mehdi Karroubi was unable to participate in the March 7 elections despite his requests for conditions to be met for his participation. His son, Taghi…
Farajollah Selahshoor, Director of 'Joseph the Prophet', Passes Away
Farajollah Selahshoor, a prominent Iranian director known for his religious television series, passed away at 63 after battling lung cancer. His controversial remarks in recent…
Rafaat Bayat: Opponents of the Regime Should Not Enter Parliament
Rafaat Bayat, a conservative political figure, argues that opponents of the regime should not be allowed in Parliament, citing the 2009 election protests as a…
Yazdi: I Disqualified Those Who Seek Pleasure
Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi has disqualified numerous candidates for the upcoming elections, citing their focus on personal pleasure as a reason. This includes notable reformists and…
What Do Cultural Figures Expect from the Tenth Parliament?
Cultural figures in Iran are urging public participation in the upcoming elections, reflecting their ongoing engagement with political processes. Abolhassan Davoodi, a prominent filmmaker, shares…
Tehran Governorate: Organized Transfer of People to Tehran for Voting Will Be Addressed
Tehran officials have warned against the organized transfer of voters from counties to Tehran for the elections, labeling it a violation. This issue has gained…
A New Hope for Overcoming the Defense System of Superbugs
British scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how drug-resistant bacteria, known as superbugs, defend themselves against antibiotics. This research could pave the way for…
Mahmoud al-Zahar: Hamas is not seeking war with Israel
Mahmoud al-Zahar, a leader of Hamas, declared that the group is not looking for a new conflict with Israel, emphasizing the desire for self-defense if…
The Deadline for Election Campaigns Has Ended
The deadline for election campaigns in Iran ended on March 6, with candidates for the Assembly of Experts and the Islamic Consultative Assembly having campaigned…
Transmission of Zika through 'Sexual Contact'
The CDC has identified sexual contact as a likely mode of Zika transmission in new cases in the U.S., raising concerns about the virus's spread.…
UN Secretary-General: The Number of Refugees Worldwide is Unprecedented Since the Korean War
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the unprecedented global refugee crisis, with 60 million displaced individuals, during a visit to a refugee camp in Congo. He…
India Approves $150 Million Project for Development of Chabahar Port
India's cabinet has approved a $150 million project to develop Chabahar port in Iran, which includes a transit route to Afghanistan. This development aims to…
Trump Spends the Least and Wins the Most Votes
Donald Trump secured a significant victory in Nevada, garnering 46% of the votes despite his anti-immigrant rhetoric, which primarily targets Latinos. His campaign is gaining…
Readiness of 'Zafar Headquarters' to Confront 'Election Violators'
Iran's police are preparing to confront election violators ahead of the upcoming elections, with the establishment of the 'Zafar Headquarters' to enhance operational readiness. This…
Dancing with Obama at the White House; 106-Year-Old Woman Achieves Her Dream
Virginia, a 106-year-old woman, visited the White House and met Barack Obama during Black History Month, expressing her joy at having a Black president. This…
Trump Wins Nevada Primary
Donald Trump has won the Nevada primary, marking his third consecutive victory in the Republican primaries. He secured 46% of the votes, significantly ahead of…
Targeted Participation with Adjusted Expectations; Ardshir Amir Arjamand's Perspective
Ardshir Amir Arjamand, an advisor to Mir Hossein Mousavi, calls for targeted participation in the upcoming elections in Iran, despite widespread disqualifications and ongoing house…
Amir Amirgholi Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Prison
Amir Amirgholi, a civil activist, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on multiple charges related to national security and public…
Mysterious Death of Iranian Women's National Volleyball Player in Neka
Faiza Ghazipour, a young volleyball player, died after a fall, leading to the arrest of a suspect linked to unauthorized drugs. The incident raises concerns…
Cancer Detection in '10 Minutes'
Scientists have developed a saliva test that can detect cancer in under ten minutes, offering a painless and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. Dr. David…
Tehran Police Chief: We Will Confront Political Faction Supporters' Meetings
Tehran's police chief has announced a crackdown on political faction meetings during the election campaign, emphasizing readiness to confront any disturbances. This comes as elections…
Several Opposition Parties to the Islamic Republic: We Will Not Participate in the Elections
Several Iranian opposition parties, including the National Front of Iran, the Iranian Nation Party, and the Pan-Iranist Party, have announced their decision to boycott the…
Civil War in Yemen and Widespread Al-Qaeda Attacks on Houthis
Al-Qaeda has taken control of the city of Ahwar in southern Yemen, killing a high-ranking commander in the process. Yemen's ongoing civil war, which began…
A Member of Parliament: We Have 130,000 Addicted Students
Hosseyn Tala, a member of Iran's parliament, revealed that there are 130,000 addicted students in schools, highlighting a concerning trend of decreasing addiction age to…
The Link Between Facebook Browsing and Insomnia
A study suggests that insomnia leads to increased aimless browsing on Facebook. Conducted by Gloria Mark at UC Irvine, it highlights the negative impact of…
Tenfold Increase in Street Addicts in Iran Over Eight Years
Saeed Safatian, a member of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council, reported a tenfold increase in street addicts over the past eight years, criticizing the previous parliament's…
The Disappointment of Jeb Bush
Jeb Bush withdrew from the Republican primaries after a disappointing performance in South Carolina, where Donald Trump secured a decisive victory. Marco Rubio's second-place finish…
Non-participation or 'Smart Boycott' of Elections: Views of Nooruddin Pir-Moazzen
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Iran are overshadowed by widespread disqualifications of reformist candidates, leading to questions about the implications of participation versus non-participation. Dr.…
WHO Recommends Genetic Manipulation of Zika Virus-Carrying Mosquitoes
The WHO has recommended the use of genetic manipulation to combat the Zika virus, which is predicted to infect millions in South America next year.…
Who are the Indonesian Dwarfs?
Recent research has determined that the bones discovered in Indonesia, previously thought to belong to modern humans, do not belong to Homo sapiens. Scientists are…
Michigan Shooter Arrested
A 45-year-old man was arrested in Michigan after a shooting spree that left at least seven people dead. The incident reflects ongoing issues with gun…
Increase in Casualties Amid Continuing Wave of Violence in Israel
A recent surge in violence in Israel has resulted in multiple casualties, including the deaths of Palestinians and Israelis. Notably, a 14-year-old Palestinian killed an…
The Death of Jabbar Mahdiyoun; Iran's First Sports Refugee After the Revolution
Jabbar Mahdiyoun, Iran's first sports refugee after the revolution, has died at the age of 28 years in Canada after a long exile. He was…
Harper Lee, Author of the Classic 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Passes Away
Harper Lee, the renowned author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', has died at 89. Her literary legacy includes a significant sequel, 'Go Set a Watchman',…
U.S. Primary Elections to Take Place Soon in South Carolina and Nevada
The U.S. primary elections are set to take place in South Carolina and Nevada, with Donald Trump leading among Republicans in South Carolina and Hillary…
Possibility of Death of the Perpetrator of Terrorist Attacks in Tunisia in Libya
American airstrikes targeted an Islamic State camp in Libya, where Nourredine Chouchane, a key figure in recent terrorist attacks in Tunisia, was believed to be…
Pope Francis to Trump: He Who Thinks of Building Walls is Not a Christian
Pope Francis criticized Donald Trump's wall-building plans, stating that such a mindset is un-Christian. Trump responded angrily, labeling the Pope's comments as shameful while asserting…
"Dirty Blood"; Victims of Sexual Violence in Nigeria
A new report by International Alert highlights the ongoing sexual violence and abductions by Boko Haram in Nigeria, particularly focusing on the plight of women…
Participation or Non-Participation in Elections; Which is More Effective?
As Iran approaches its elections, there is a heated debate between those who believe participating can lead to change and those who argue that the…
France Officially Presents Its Middle East Peace Plan to Tel Aviv
France has officially presented its peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to Israel, despite strong opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan includes…
Barack Obama to Visit Cuba Next Month
Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Cuba next month, marking the first visit by a sitting U.S. president in over 80 years. This visit follows…
Russian Defense Ministry Denies Sending S-300 System to Iran
The Russian Defense Ministry has denied reports of sending the S-300 missile system to Iran, citing unpaid contractual obligations. Iranian officials, however, claim that the…
Establishment of 'Ministry of Happiness' in the UAE
The UAE has established a 'Ministry of Happiness' with Ohood Al Roumi as its first minister, aiming to coordinate national efforts towards societal happiness. This…
George Bush: The Last Bullet in Jeb Bush's Campaign
Jeb Bush's campaign faces critical pressure ahead of the South Carolina primary, with poor performances in previous states and Donald Trump's dominance reshaping the race.…
Clash Between Municipal Officers and Street Vendors in Tehran
A violent clash occurred in Tehran between municipal officers and street vendors, resulting in injuries and significant social media attention. The municipality labeled the vendors…
Iran's Leader: Destroying the Guardian Council is Aligning with Enemies
Ayatollah Khamenei warned against undermining the Guardian Council, labeling it as a foreign plot to delegitimize upcoming elections in Iran. He criticized internal voices questioning…
Airbus Executive's Advice to Banks: Don't Fear Investing in Iran
An Airbus executive urged European banks to invest in Iran, highlighting government interest in resuming trade. However, fears stemming from past U.S. sanctions and penalties…
Taghi Rahmani: The People's Vote is the Only Limitation on Power
Taghi Rahmani discusses the nature of elections in Iran, emphasizing that while they are not free, public participation is still crucial. He reflects on the…
American Rapper Kendrick Lamar Dominates 2016 Grammys; Five Awards for 'To Pimp a Butterfly'
Kendrick Lamar won five Grammy Awards at the 2016 ceremony, making him the most awarded artist of the night. His album 'To Pimp a Butterfly'…
Addiction and Depression Blamed on Neanderthal Genes
A new study reveals that modern human traits such as addiction and depression may be influenced by Neanderthal genes, with 1 to 4 percent of…
George Bush Attends His Brother's Campaign Rally in South Carolina
George Bush publicly supported his brother Jeb's campaign in South Carolina while subtly criticizing Donald Trump. Despite Trump's success in early primaries, Jeb Bush faces…
A Western Diplomat: ISIS Used Mustard Gas in Iraq
A Western diplomat has reported that ISIS used mustard gas against Kurdish forces in Iraq, marking the first instance of chemical weapon use in the…
40 More Parliamentary Candidates Approved; Final Count: 6,340
The Guardian Council has approved 40 more candidates for the parliamentary elections, bringing the total to 6,340. This follows the review of objections from 150…
Cologne Prosecutor: Most of the Accused in New Year's Eve Incidents are Refugees
The Cologne prosecutor revealed that most suspects in the New Year's Eve incidents are refugees, igniting debates about Germany's ability to integrate refugees. This has…
Removal of Hashemi's Campaign Banners 'Due to Non-Compliance with Requirements'
The campaign banners for Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani have been removed due to alleged non-compliance with advertising regulations. The police and judiciary have both commented on…
Cognitive Games Make the Brains of the Elderly 'Larger'
A recent study reveals that cognitive games can help slow brain decline in the elderly and may even restore some cognitive functions. Dr. Majid Fattouhi…
No to Shampoo
A new trend called 'No-Poo' is gaining traction among some Hollywood stars, advocating against the use of shampoo due to concerns about stripping natural oils…
What is the Reformists' Strategy in the Elections?
The article discusses the strategies of Iranian reformists in light of the upcoming elections, highlighting their attempts to coordinate with government supporters despite facing disqualifications.…
Armed Forces General Staff: Reduction of Military Service Exemption from Eight to Five Years in 2016 is Off the Table
The Iranian Armed Forces General Staff has confirmed that the proposed reduction of military service absence from eight to five years is not going to…
First Phone Call Between Netanyahu and Mogherini After Months of Tension in Relations
Benjamin Netanyahu and Federica Mogherini had their first phone call in months, signaling a potential thaw in Israel-EU relations after tensions over EU labeling of…
Landlords in Kerman and Dog Ownership Fines
The Kerman city council has approved a regulation imposing fines on dog owners and prohibiting sheep keeping in urban areas. This decision has sparked backlash…
Ordibehesht; The Last Month of Queiroz's Coaching for Iran's National Team
Carlos Queiroz announced his resignation as head coach of Iran's national football team effective from May 1, coinciding with the federation elections. His resignation is…
A Guide to 'Reducing the Likelihood of Arrest and Detention Costs'
The Organization for Unity for Iran has released a guide to help individuals avoid arrest and reduce detention costs, focusing on awareness about political prisoners…
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on the Way
The script for the play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" will be released next summer, based on a two-part play set to premiere in…
Erdogan 'Threatens' to Send Refugees to Europe
Turkish President Erdogan has threatened to send refugees to Europe, asserting Turkey's right to direct them outside its borders. This comes amid increased pressure from…
Iraqi Prime Minister: Kurdistan Region Should Not Hold Independence Referendum
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has urged the Kurdistan Region not to hold an independence referendum, arguing it would not benefit either party amid ongoing…
Dozens Killed in Riot and Fire at Prison in Mexico
A deadly riot and fire at Topo Chico prison in Monterrey, Mexico, resulted in approximately 52 deaths and many injuries, occurring just before Pope Francis's…
Kidnapping of a Newborn in Mashhad to Help 'Alleviate Depression'
A newborn was kidnapped from a hospital in Mashhad shortly after birth by a woman who claimed to be helping alleviate her sister-in-law's depression. The…
Research Center: The Number of Syrian War Victims is 470,000
A Syrian research center reports that the death toll from the civil war has reached 470,000, significantly higher than UN estimates. The report highlights the…
Trump and Sanders Win; What Happens Now?
Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders achieved significant victories in the New Hampshire primaries, solidifying their positions as frontrunners for their respective parties. Trump's win, alongside…
Interior Ministry Reports Approval of 51% of Parliamentary Candidates
The Iranian Interior Ministry announced that 51% of candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections have been approved, despite significant disqualifications. Reformist leaders claim that efforts…
Gershad: An App to Avoid Encounters with the Guidance Patrol
The Gershad app has launched to help Iranians navigate cities while avoiding the Guidance Patrol, which enforces strict dress codes. This initiative reflects growing public…
Ghalibaf: Only Part of the Video of the Municipal Officers' Clash at the Car Wash Has Been Released
A clash occurred between Tehran municipal officers and workers at a car wash over land ownership disputes, resulting in injuries to workers and damage to…
Turkey: Up to 600,000 More Syrian Refugees May Flood Our Borders
Turkey is bracing for a potential influx of up to 600,000 Syrian refugees due to escalating violence in Aleppo. Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş reported…
UN: Syrian Government and Its Opponents Have Committed War Crimes
The UN has accused both the Syrian government and opposition groups of committing war crimes, including torture and executions of prisoners. This report highlights the…
Online Archive of Iranian Publications at the University of Manchester
The University of Manchester has launched an online archive of Iranian publications to support research in contemporary Iranian history. This initiative aims to provide easier…
Ai Weiwei in Prague; 'Be Yourself, Outside the System'
Ai Weiwei, the Chinese dissident artist, spoke in Prague about human rights and the refugee crisis, criticizing the Czech government's harsh policies towards refugees. His…
Tens of Thousands of Displaced People from Aleppo Remain at the Turkish Border
Tens of thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing violence in Aleppo are stranded at the Turkish border, which remains closed despite Turkey's claims of accepting refugees.…
Shut Down the Seminaries, as They Have Failed to Produce Jurisprudents
The article critiques the failure of Iranian seminaries to produce qualified jurists, highlighting the implications of the Guardian Council's approval process for candidates in the…
An Old Interview with Bernie Sanders and His Opposition to Israel
An old interview with Bernie Sanders from 1990 has resurfaced, showcasing his long-standing opposition to Israeli policies and capitalism. Sanders argues for justice for Palestinians…
Residents of Mehran City 'Frustrated and Worried' by the Thunderous Sound of Landmine Explosions
Residents of Mehran city are expressing frustration and concern over the loud explosions from landmine neutralization efforts, which have caused property damage and health risks,…
Deadly Earthquake in Taiwan Destroys Several Buildings
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake in southern Taiwan has caused significant destruction, resulting in at least five fatalities and many injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing, focusing…
Concerns Over Zika Turning into a Global Epidemic
New findings show that the Zika virus is spreading through blood transfusions, with cases reported in 26 countries including the first in Europe. The World…
Italian Actor Survives Stage Execution Incident
An Italian actor, Raphael Schumacher, suffered brain death after a technical error during a staged execution in Tuscany. The incident has led to a 10-day…
Parliament Elections: A 'Challenge' That Is Not 'Competitive'
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Iran are marked by concerns from both reformists and conservatives regarding candidate disqualifications. While the Rouhani government seeks to foster…
The Application of Advanced Geometry in Babylonian Astronomy
Recent findings reveal that ancient Babylonian astronomers used advanced geometric methods to predict the movements of Jupiter, predating calculus by centuries. This discovery, published by…
UN Working Group: Julian Assange is Detained Illegally
The UN has declared Julian Assange's detention as illegal and stated he is entitled to compensation from the UK and Sweden. Both countries have rejected…
UN Calls on Iran to Reform Criminal Laws and Marriage Regulations for Girls
The UN has urged Iran to amend its laws regarding the marriage and punishment of underage girls, highlighting severe legal discrepancies and human rights violations.…
US Welcomes Saudi Arabia's Readiness to Deploy Ground Forces to Syria
The US has welcomed Saudi Arabia's readiness to send ground troops to Syria to combat the Islamic State, contingent on coalition approval. This development comes…
Escape of 'tens of thousands' of Syrians from Aleppo towards the Turkish border
Tens of thousands of Syrians are fleeing Aleppo due to intensified attacks by government forces and Russian airstrikes, heading towards Turkey. Turkish officials report that…
91,000 Refugees Enter Germany in One Month
Germany has seen a significant influx of refugees, with over 91,000 entering in January 2016, primarily from Syria. This situation is straining the German government's…
Ankara University Professor Acquitted of 'Promoting Terrorism' Charges
An Ankara university professor was acquitted of charges related to promoting terrorism after including a question about PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in an exam. This…
Valiati and Putin Meet
Ali Akbar Velayati met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation, emphasizing Iran's strategic 'Look to the East' policy. Both countries…
UNICEF: Destruction of Schools is One of the Reasons for the Increase in Refugee Children
UNICEF reports a significant increase in the number of women and children among refugees in Europe, with children now making up 36% of those entering…
Syrian Army Reports Breaking Siege of Shia Cities in Aleppo
The Syrian army has broken the siege of the Shia cities of Nubl and Zahra, marking a significant victory amid ongoing military advances in Aleppo.…
Arrest of Individuals Who Committed Insurance Fraud by Breaking Their Own Limbs
Two individuals were arrested in Zanjan for committing insurance fraud by breaking their own limbs to claim money from an insurance company. This incident highlights…
Approval of the Bill to Reduce Working Hours for Women in Parliament
The Iranian Parliament has approved a bill to reduce working hours for women, particularly those in specific challenging circumstances. This legislation aims to improve the…
Valiati's Meeting with Putin's Representative on Syrian Affairs
Ali Akbar Velayati met with Alexander Lavrentiev in Moscow to discuss cooperation on Syrian issues amid ongoing talks in Geneva. Both Iran and Russia support…
Ted Cruz Wins and Close Competition Between Clinton and Sanders in Iowa Primary Elections
Ted Cruz won the Iowa Republican primary, while Hillary Clinton narrowly defeated Bernie Sanders in the Democratic contest. This marks a significant early stage in…
The 'Tree Man' and His Amazing Warts
Abul Bajandar, a 26-year-old Bangladeshi man known as the 'Tree Man' due to his large wart growth, is preparing for surgery to remove the warts…
Europol: 10,000 Migrant Children in Europe Likely Missing
Europol has reported that 10,000 unaccompanied migrant children are likely missing in Europe, raising concerns about their potential exploitation. This statistic highlights the ongoing crisis…
Germany Opens Shelter for LGBTQ Refugees
Germany has opened its first dedicated shelter for LGBTQ refugees in Nuremberg due to concerns about their safety in overcrowded accommodations. The initiative, led by…
How Do Americans Elect Their President?
This article outlines the process by which Americans elect their president, detailing the roles of primary elections, caucuses, and the Electoral College. It highlights the…