Category Archives: Iran

After Obama’s re-election, what is next for Iran?

Posted on 8 November 2012 by

Last night’s re-election of President Barack Obama as well as the Senate elections and the ballot measures will alter the political landscape in the US more than the 2008 election did, but the rest of the world has mainly been … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Iran, Israel, Military, Politics, USA | 16 Comments

The Myth of the Israeli Passport Stamp Problem

Posted on 23 August 2012 by

When speaking to fellow travellers, globetrotters and Couchsurfers, I am always amazed how many people are afraid of visiting Israel – not because of Hamas’ rockets from Gaza or because of suicide bombers, but because of a stamp in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Israel, Travel | Tagged , , | 52 Comments

Bad Hair Day

Posted on 7 April 2012 by

Bad Hair Day in the West: Bad Hair Day in Iran: Bad Hair Day in Afghanistan:

Posted in Afghanistan, Human Rights, Iran, Religion | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Malta breaking sanctions against Iran

Posted on 1 April 2012 by

For months, people have asked “What are you actually doing in Malta?” For months, I incessantly maintained my cover story of being a student and a tourist. At least it was a more comfortable cover story than others I had … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Malta, Politics | 4 Comments

Iran wants Peace

Posted on 5 March 2012 by

Iran wants peace. It’s a peaceful nation. Iran wants to have constructive relations with the rest of the world. Really. I saw it with my own eyes when I was in Iran: Seen and photographed in Shiraz, Iran in January … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Photography, Politics, Travel | 8 Comments

Things not to do in Muslim countries, # 2

Posted on 4 March 2012 by

Don’t climb the pulpit in a mosque and pretend to be an imam! Luckily, not many people were listening to me and my sermon at Vakil Mosque in Shiraz, Iran. Another rule: if you pretend to be an imam, at … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Islam, Religion, Travel | Tagged | 5 Comments

Things not to do in Muslim countries, # 1

Posted on 4 March 2012 by

Don’t go to a mosque to steal the Quran! Obviously, I didn’t steal any books. But ever the bibliophile, I needed to take a closer look. (I did however take a prayer stone with me from Hakim Mosque.)

Posted in Books, Iran, Islam, Religion, Travel | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Primary elections in Iran

Posted on 2 March 2012 by

Always eager to improve its “democracy”, the Islamic Republic of Iran has introduced primary elections to sift the pool of candidates. Not unlike the current Republican primaries in the US, candidates will have a hard time if they are not … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Human Rights, Iran, Politics | 7 Comments

A secret look into Iranian Intelligence training

Posted on 15 February 2012 by

The somewhat botched assassination attempt in Bangkok yesterday in which an Iranian assassin blew his own legs off instead of even getting close to any target provides more circumstantial evidence that Iran is also behind the attacks on Israeli embassy … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Israel, Politics, Terrorism | 5 Comments

Two years ago: Birthday Vigil for Neda Agha-Soltan

Posted on 23 January 2012 by

Exactly two years ago, on 23 January 2010, a vigil was held for Neda Agha-Soltan who had been shot and killed on 20 June 2009 by an Iranian government militia when they cracked down on protests in Tehran. Because Neda’s death … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Politics, UK | Tagged , , | 5 Comments