Archives for August, 2015

Oman’s diplomatic bridge to Syria

By inviting Syria’s foreign minister to Muscat, Oman has signaled its interest in contributing to the resolution of Syria’s civil war.

Iran works to get auto industry back on the road

As the sanctions on Iran are lifted, many hope the Iranian auto industry will be revivied and Western car makers will be pitted against Chinese rivals for shares in Iran's market.

Khuzestan tells story of Persia’s rise, fall

Iran's Khuzestan province, with its many ancient sites and artifacts, tells the story of Persia’s rise and fall.

'100 Works by 100 Artists' nurtures Tehran art scene

The Golestan Gallery in Tehran just celebrated its 23rd annual exhibition showcasing Iranian art of all styles and prices.

Which ancient leader is really buried in colossal Tower of Tughrul?

Controversy surrounds a 12th-century tomb tower carrying the name of the founder of the Seljuk dynasty, Tughrul Beg.

(FILES) Iranian women look at the "Si-o-Se Pol" bridge (33 arches bridge) on Zayandeh Rud river in Isfahan 13 July 2002. A young French tourist has been shot dead by a known criminal in the Iranian city of Isfahan, one of the country's main tourist draws, the Fars news agency reported 10 December 2007. AFP PHOTO/Behrouz MEHRI (Photo credit should read BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images)

Esfahan’s bridges to history threatened by development, neglect

The Iranian city of Esfahan is renowned for it centuries-old bridges, but these architectural marvels are under threat due to pollution, neglect and a governmental water diversion scheme.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano (R) welcomes Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi in his offfice at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna February 24, 2015. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader (AUSTRIA - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY) - RTR4QWK7

Araghchi: Iran's nuclear achievements led to agreement

Iranian negotiator Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran had decided to achieve an "irreversible" amount of progress in nuclear program before entering new round of talks.

Israelis remember the past by singing along today

Israeli society has changed radically since the days of the country's establishment, but people of all ages cling to the sing-along tradition, which offers a sense of nostalgia and belonging.

Palestinian children sit outside their house, that was painted by a group of young men as part of a campaign dubbed "Colour of Hope", in Al-Shati Refugee Camp in Gaza City July 7, 2015. July 8 marks the one-year anniversary of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The 50-day conflict began after Israel said it was determined to put an end to constant rocket-fire from Gaza, launching an intense air and ground assault to do so. The war did come to an end. But on either side, those caught up in it are stil

Palestinians paint walls to show resilience

Two Palestinian men launched an initiative to paint the walls of al-Zaytoun neighborhood to show the world their ability to overcome wars and destruction.

Army soldiers take their positions with their armoured personnel vehicles during clashes with supporters of Muslim Brotherhood and ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi in the Cairo suburb of Matariya November 28, 2014. Two people including an army general were killed and 25 were wounded on Friday in a drive-by shooting and clashes that erupted during Islamist protests around Egypt called by hardline Salafi group, the Salafi Front, security sources and health officials said. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany (

Egypt must take 'serious step' to resolve crisis with Brotherhood

The circumstances in Egypt and tensions between the state and the Muslim Brotherhood are turning the possibility of a reconciliation less likely each day.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) talks with Lebanon's Prime Minister Tammam Salam upon his arrival at the Government Palace in Beirut, Lebanon August 11, 2015. Zarif visits Lebanon for the first time since Iran reached an agreement with world powers on the country's nuclear program. REUTERS/Aziz Taher - RTX1NXWG

What’s behind Zarif’s visit to Beirut?

An Iranian diplomat shared with Al-Monitor some behind-the-scenes information regarding the Iranian foreign minister’s visit to Beirut and its implications for Lebanon and the region.

People shout slogans during a demonstration against corruption and poor services in regard to power cuts and water shortages, in Kerbala, southwest of Baghdad, August 14, 2015. Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani called on parliament and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Friday to focus their anti-corruption campaign first on improving the judiciary. REUTERS/Mushtaq Muhammed - RTX1OBB8

Will Abadi's reforms work?

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi approved major reform measures for the country, but challenges, especially when it comes to implementation on the ground and within state institutions, still stand in the way.

Young women cooking up dreams in Gaza

Publishing one’s culinary creations online has been gaining popularity in Gaza, and it seems the activity could empower young women by helping them to develop their talent and earn money.

A tourist swims around the flooded ruins of an ancient Roman Bath in a small bay called Hamam Koy near Gocek Bay in Mugla province June 13, 2012. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY TRAVEL) - RTR33JXH

Bathing in Ankara’s ancient history

An ancient Roman site in Ankara was occupied by brothels until recently, and though the brothels have been demolished, the remains still wait to be fully discovered.

A money changer counts U.S. dollar bills at a currency exchange office in central Istanbul April 15, 2015. Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said on Wednesday the lira's slide to record lows was not a cause for concern and reflected global developments, arguing against forex intervention and saying the currency will find its own balance. He also told a meeting in Istanbul that he expected first quarter year-on-year growth of around 1.5 percent, and full year growth exceeding last year's 2.9 percent. R

Turks turn to dollar as lira hits low

Turkish depositors are abandoning the Turkish lira and clamoring for the US dollar.

A view of the rubble of destroyed buildings and homes in the Shejaiya residential district of Gaza City on July 26, 2014. The bodies of at least 35 Palestinians were recovered from rubble across Gaza in the three hours since a humanitarian truce came into effect, raising to over 900 the overall death toll of Israel's onslaught on the territory since July 8, medics said. Thirteen bodies were recovered in Shejaiya in eastern Gaza City, 13 more in Deir al-Balah and Nusseirat in central Gaza, and nine in north

Who won Gaza's Shajaiya battle? Depends on whom you ask

Hamas activists keep proclaiming victory by presenting the Shajaiya battle as a deterrent against a future Israeli ground invasion, ignoring the Israeli decision not to take over Gaza and the tremendous destruction suffered by Gaza residents following that battle.