Change in the circumstances of Syria

Syria: The Other Side of the Coin

■ Ali Mohtadi

The Iranian leaders have now set aside all ambiguous talks and now explicitly admit that they shall use any means possible to keep Bashar Assad in power. The downfall of Assad will paralyse Iran in the region and sever the strategic ties of Iran with Hezbollah disconnecting it from access to Israeli borders. Moreover, it would completely restrict the influence of Iran on Palestinian groups.

Removal of MEK from U.S. Terrorist List: Likely Consequences and Proposed Solutions

■ Abbas Hakimzadeh

Delisting of the MEK has potentially enormous consequences for the Iranian regime and U.S.-Iran relations, and therefore the decision ought not to be taken lightly. Clearly, removing the MEK will be a political loss for the Islamic Republic of Iran, as it has long labored to marginalize the organization. When the European Union removed the MEK from its list of terrorist organizations, it was considered by most onlookers to be a serious blow for the Islamic Republic. However, it bears noting that the regime is expert in seizing political losses as opportunities for heightening its anti-foreign propaganda.