Author: Shahram Akbarzadeh
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INTERNATIONAL
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 24 July 2015
2 Comments
Iran’s nuclear deal with the UN represents a major breakthrough that could lead to more peace and stability in the region, despite what the critics say. Its policy towards Islamic State is actually much closer to that of the US and the UK than any other country in the region. Convergence of interest against this common enemy could open other doors of dialogue with the West and start a relationship that is no longer hostage to the nuclear issue.
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AUSTRALIA
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 10 November 2011
2 Comments
Iran's Islamic regime has been showing signs of fatigue. But threats of sanctions and military action by the international community, prompted by reports that Iran has been designing nuclear weapons, could be its saviour. The regime thrives on this kind of tension.
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AUSTRALIA
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 07 September 2011
4 Comments
The unfolding events in the Arab world are not simply about finding a path to democracy and political openness, but a maze of sectarian tensions and regional power-plays. There is widespread consensus that the opening up of the political space will benefit Islamist forces.
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AUSTRALIA
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 25 May 2011
7 Comments
President Obama appears to have given in to domestic pressure for prompt withdrawal from Afghanistan. But a complete withdrawal could have major ramifications for the region and ultimately for US interests.
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AUSTRALIA
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 24 February 2010
8 Comments
Australia is committed to nuclear non-proliferation, and the 'Iran problem'
offers a chance for the Government to demonstrate its
commitment to its ally, the US.
This is tricky as Rudd came to office on a wave of
anti-war backlash against Australia's commitment to the
Iraq war.
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AUSTRALIA
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 23 June 2009
3 Comments
The disappointment of Iran's youths at the obviously rigged election
results is now being played out in the streets in
open defiance of the regime. Unfortunately the Islamic regime is in no mood to compromise.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 12 June 2009
3 Comments
Benny Morris'
earlier concern with the Palestinian national narrative
has given way to an overarching concern with the promotion of the
Jewishness of Israel. This comes at the expense of Palestinian national
aspirations.
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AUSTRALIA
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 19 January 2009
11 Comments
Despite its offer of a ceasefire, it is doubtful that Israel has achieved its objectives in the Gaza Strip. The popular grievances that propelled Hamas onto the political stage in 2006 will continue to sustain it.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 25 July 2008
1 Comment
Muqtada al-Sadr's rhetoric against US occupation and the establishment of an armed militia saw him cast as a firebrand and rogue cleric in international media. This book contextualises his rapid rise to authority in post-Saddam Iraq.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 13 June 2008
Earlier this month, Islamic zealots the Defenders of Islam attacked a Muslim sect
they accuse of apostasy. In My Friend the Fanatic Sadanand Dhume falls
on his strength of constructing narratives to explore the rise of radicalism in Indonesia.
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AUSTRALIA
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 04 June 2008
8 Comments
Jimmy Carter's meeting with exiled Hamas leader Khaled Masha'al contradicted US policy of not negotiating with terrorists. Hamas carries a popular mandate to establish Palestine as a sovereign state. Peace is not going to reign in Palestine or Israel if Hamas is excluded from negotiations.
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AUSTRALIA
- Shahram Akbarzadeh
- 02 May 2008
1 Comment
Saudi Arabia and Egypt snubbed the Damascus Summit. They left it in no position
to deal with either the political stalemate in Lebanon, or ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq. Aside from political demarcations, the Arab world is suffering from a growing rift between the ruling regimes and the people.
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