On May 24, 2022, NIAC hosted a virtual panel to explore the human impact of broad sanctions and hear from diaspora community organizations about the effects on the ground in Cuba, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Iran. The panel featured Arash Azizzada from Afghans For A Better Tomorrow, Dr. Aisha Jumaan from Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, Dr. Francisco Rodriguez from Oil for Venezuela,  Ricardo Herrero of the Cuba Study Group, NIAC Research Director Dr. Assal Rad, and moderator Daniel Jasper of American Friends Services Committee. Read our letter to the Biden Administration from sanctioned communities here.

On May 24, 2022, NIAC hosted a virtual panel to explore the human impact of broad sanctions and hear from diaspora community organizations about the effects on the ground in Cuba, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Iran. The panel featured Arash Azizzada from Afghans For A Better Tomorrow, Dr. Aisha Jumaan from Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, Dr. Francisco Rodriguez from Oil for Venezuela, Ricardo Herrero of the Cuba Study Group, NIAC Research Director Dr. Assal Rad, and moderator Daniel Jasper of American Friends Services Committee. Read our letter to the Biden Administration from sanctioned communities <a href="https://www.niacouncil.org/press_room/niac-leads-over-20-orgs-in-call-to-review-sanctions-policy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Sanctioning Civilians: The Human Cost of U.S. Economic Sanctions

NIAC hosted a panel discussion with Neda Maghbouleh (author of The Limits of Whiteness, John Ghazvinian (author of America and Iran: a History, 1720 to the Present), racial justice advocate Niaz Kasravi, NIAC Research Director Assal Rad and moderator Yara Elmjouie to discuss how negative stereotypes of Iran and Iranians help drive harmful U.S. policies that undermine human and civil rights at home and abroad.  Read the NIAC report by Dr. Rad: Othering Iran: How Dehumanization of Iranians Undermines Rights at Home

NIAC hosted a panel discussion with Neda Maghbouleh (author of The Limits of Whiteness, John Ghazvinian (author of America and Iran: a History, 1720 to the Present), racial justice advocate Niaz Kasravi, NIAC Research Director Assal Rad and moderator Yara Elmjouie to discuss how negative stereotypes of Iran and Iranians help drive harmful U.S. policies that undermine human and civil rights at home and abroad.  Read the NIAC report by Dr. Rad: <a href="https://www.niacouncil.org/news/othering-iran/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Othering Iran: How Dehumanization of Iranians Undermines Rights at Home</a>

Othering Iran: How Dehumanization of Iranians Undermines Rights at Home

On May 10, 2022, NIAC hosted Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on Foreign Relations, Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association, and sanctions attorney Tyler Cullis for a live discussion on the state of the Iran nuclear negotiations moderated by NIAC's Jamal Abdi. The panel discussed  the Trump-era sanctions that are holding up the nuclear agreement, the imminent proliferation risks if there is no deal, and how politics may be preventing Biden from reaching the finish line. More information is available here.

On May 10, 2022, NIAC hosted Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on Foreign Relations, Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association, and sanctions attorney Tyler Cullis for a live discussion on the state of the Iran nuclear negotiations moderated by NIAC's Jamal Abdi. The panel discussed  the Trump-era sanctions that are holding up the nuclear agreement, the imminent proliferation risks if there is no deal, and how politics may be preventing Biden from reaching the finish line. More information is available <a href="https://www.niacouncil.org/us-iran-relations/panel-delves-into-risks-of-u-s-iran-diplomatic-deadlock/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=panel-delves-into-risks-of-u-s-iran-diplomatic-deadlock" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Deal or Deadlock: Why are the Iran nuclear talks stuck?

John Ghazvinian

Assal, Sina, and Mana sat down with Professor John Ghazvinian, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Middle East Center, to discuss his new book: America and Iran: A History 1720 to the Present. Ghazvinian's study presents a history that is often overlooked, which goes beyond the historical grievances of the U.S. and Iran. You can follow John on Twitter @JohnGhazvinian and get your copy of America and Iran here.

Assal, Sina, and Mana sat down with Professor John Ghazvinian, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Middle East Center, to discuss his new book: America and Iran: A History 1720 to the Present. Ghazvinian's study presents a history that is often overlooked, which goes beyond the historical grievances of the U.S. and Iran. You can follow John on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnGhazvinian?s=20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@JohnGhazvinian</a> and get your copy of America and Iran <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/59417/america-and-iran-by-john-ghazvinian/?ref=PRH05989246A2&amp;aid=46462&amp;linkid=PRH05989246A2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

NIACast Episode #14 – John Ghazvinian’s New Book, "America and Iran: A History 1720 to the Present”

Anna Eskamani

David Emami

Nazita Lajevardi

Mana sits down with Rep Anna Eskamani, Happy Valley Councilor David Emami, and Dr. Nazita Lajevardi to talk Iranian-American civic life, political engagement, barriers to participation, and more! Representative Anna Eskamani is an Orlando native, the Florida House of Representative from the 47th district in Orange County, and the first ever Iranian American to be elected to the Florida legislature. She tweets @AnnaForFlorida Happy Valley Councilor David Emami is a life-long Oregonian who in March 2019 became the first ever Iranian-American to serve on a city council in Oregon. He tweets @David Emami. Dr. Nazita Lajevardi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University and her work focuses mainly on issues related to race and ethnic politics, political behavior, voting rights, and immigration. She tweets @NazitaLajevardi.

Mana sits down with Rep Anna Eskamani, Happy Valley Councilor David Emami, and Dr. Nazita Lajevardi to talk Iranian-American civic life, political engagement, barriers to participation, and more! Representative Anna Eskamani is an Orlando native, the Florida House of Representative from the 47th district in Orange County, and the first ever Iranian American to be elected to the Florida legislature. <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaForFlorida" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She tweets @AnnaForFlorida</a> Happy Valley Councilor David Emami is a life-long Oregonian who in March 2019 became the first ever Iranian-American to serve on a city council in Oregon. <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidEmami" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">He tweets @David Emami</a>. Dr. Nazita Lajevardi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University and her work focuses mainly on issues related to race and ethnic politics, political behavior, voting rights, and immigration. <a href="https://twitter.com/NazitaLajevardi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She tweets @NazitaLajevardi</a>.

Anna Eskamani, David Emami, and Dr. Nazita Lajevardi talk Iranian-American Civic Life

John Limbert

Assal and Mana sat down with NIAC Advisory Board Member Ambassador John Limbert to discuss his new novel with co-author Ambassador Marc Grossman, Believers: Love and Death in Tehran. Though a tale of fiction, Limbert brings his knowledge of Iran's history, language, and culture, as well as his own experience as one of 52 American hostages held by Iranian students in 1979, to this engrossing spy novel set in Iran at the outset of the U.S. embassy seizure. Share your comments with Ambassador Limbert at podcast@niacouncil.org and get your copy of Believers here.

Assal and Mana sat down with NIAC Advisory Board Member Ambassador John Limbert to discuss his new novel with co-author Ambassador Marc Grossman, Believers: Love and Death in Tehran. Though a tale of fiction, Limbert brings his knowledge of Iran's history, language, and culture, as well as his own experience as one of 52 American hostages held by Iranian students in 1979, to this engrossing spy novel set in Iran at the outset of the U.S. embassy seizure. Share your comments with Ambassador Limbert at <a href="mailto:podcast@niacouncil.org">podcast@niacouncil.org</a> and get your copy of Believers <a href="http://www.mazdapublishers.com/book/believers-love-and-death-in-tehran" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Ambassador John Limbert's New Novel, "Believers: Love and Death in Tehran"

Paul Pillar

Jamal and Sina sit down with veteran CIA analyst Paul Pillar to discuss the mysterious explosions that continue to rock Iran and new revelations of authorizations granted to the Agency to wage offensive cyber operations and conduct what some say is a campaign aimed at destabilizing the country.   Read more: Paul Pillar for National Interest, "The Undeclared War With Iran" Yahoo News, "Exclusive: Secret Trump order gives CIA more powers to launch cyberattacks"

Jamal and Sina sit down with veteran CIA analyst Paul Pillar to discuss the mysterious explosions that continue to rock Iran and new revelations of authorizations granted to the Agency to wage offensive cyber operations and conduct what some say is a campaign aimed at destabilizing the country. Read more: <ul><li>Paul Pillar for National Interest, "<a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/paul-pillar/undeclared-war-against-iran-164883" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Undeclared War With Iran</a>"</li> <li>Yahoo News, "<a href="https://news.yahoo.com/secret-trump-order-gives-cia-more-powers-to-launch-cyberattacks-090015219.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Exclusive: Secret Trump order gives CIA more powers to launch cyberattacks</a>"</li></ul>

Paul Pillar: Sabotage in Iran and the CIA's New Powers

Councilwoman Mitra Jalali

Mana and Assal sat down with Saint Paul Councilwoman, organizer, and former teacher Mitra Jalali one month after the brutal killing of George Floyd at the hands of police. Mitra spoke of her own experience as a Councilwoman close to the site of Floyd's murder and protests and the responsibility of non-Black Iranian Americans to support Black Lives Matter and confront the anti-Blackness within our own community.  Follow Mitra on Twitter @mitrajunjalali and check out this helpful post on Persian terms to talk about anti-Blackness here.

Mana and Assal sat down with Saint Paul Councilwoman, organizer, and former teacher Mitra Jalali one month after the brutal killing of George Floyd at the hands of police. Mitra spoke of her own experience as a Councilwoman close to the site of Floyd's murder and protests and the responsibility of non-Black Iranian Americans to support Black Lives Matter and confront the anti-Blackness within our own community.   Follow Mitra on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/mitrajunjalali" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@mitrajunjalali</a> and check out this helpful post on Persian terms to talk about anti-Blackness <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBLfD9wDIii/?igshid=1xo2iibyop0fx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Councilwoman Mitra Jalali on Black Lives Matter & anti-Blackness in the Iranian-American Community 

Omar Khayyam

Juan Cole

On Saturday, June 20, 2020, NIAC Chicago hosted a virtual event with Juan Cole, founder of the legendary blog Informed Comment and Professor of History at University of Michigan, to discuss his new translation of the Persian and English literary classic The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. The conversation, moderated by NIAC Chicago Chapter Captain Myriam Sabbaghi, delved into the history and significance of the Rubaiyat, the truth about the poetry attributed to Omar Khayyam, and what inspired Cole to undertake this new translation. The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is available to purchase here or at your favorite bookstore.

On Saturday, June 20, 2020, NIAC Chicago hosted a virtual event with Juan Cole, founder of the legendary blog <a href="https://www.juancole.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Informed Comment</a> and Professor of History at University of Michigan, to discuss his new translation of the Persian and English literary classic <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/the-rubaiyat-of-omar-khayyam-9780755600519/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam</a>. The conversation, moderated by NIAC Chicago Chapter Captain Myriam Sabbaghi, delved into the history and significance of the Rubaiyat, the truth about the poetry attributed to Omar Khayyam, and what inspired Cole to undertake this new translation. The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is available to purchase <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/the-rubaiyat-of-omar-khayyam-9780755600519/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> or at your favorite bookstore.

NIAC Live: Juan Cole on His New Book, “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam”

NIAC's new report, "Returning to and Building on the Iran Nuclear Deal: A Maximum Pressure Exit Strategy," outlines how the U.S. can get back to the JCPOA and back to the table with Iran to resolve bilateral and regional challenges -- either under a Biden Administration or a reformed Trump Administration. This launch event features Joe Cirincione of the Ploughshares Fund, Suzanne DiMaggio of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, NIAC President Jamal Abdi, and is hosted by France 24 Senior Journalist Sanam Shantyaei.  &gt;&gt; Read the report &gt;&gt; Watch the event on Youtube

NIAC's new report, "<a href="https://www.niacouncil.org/news/a-maximum-pressure-exit-strategy-returning-to-and-building-on-the-iran-nuclear-deal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Returning to and Building on the Iran Nuclear Deal: A Maximum Pressure Exit Strategy</a>," outlines how the U.S. can get back to the JCPOA and back to the table with Iran to resolve bilateral and regional challenges -- either under a Biden Administration or a reformed Trump Administration. This launch event features Joe Cirincione of the Ploughshares Fund, Suzanne DiMaggio of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, NIAC President Jamal Abdi, and is hosted by France 24 Senior Journalist Sanam Shantyaei.  &gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.niacouncil.org/news/a-maximum-pressure-exit-strategy-returning-to-and-building-on-the-iran-nuclear-deal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the report</a> &gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOQ7DaAi1KU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Watch the event on Youtube</a>

NIAC Live: A Maximum Pressure Exit Strategy

Join the staff of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) as we break down the current political issues, celebrate arts and culture, and meet interesting guests.

This is an informative podcast  - please make more.

Great podcast  - please make more

Outstanding product and excellent analysis!  I look forward to hearing more from NIAC!

Damet garm!

NIACast

Jamal, Ryan and Sina discuss The New Yorker piece "Twilight of the Revolution" and a proposal from the rightwing organization JINSA urging Trump to officially pursue "regime collapse" in Iran. Then they look at Sina's recent series in Responsible Statecraft on dangerous proposals from the Democratic side for Iran and how a Biden administration actually should approach the region.

Jamal, Ryan and Sina discuss The New Yorker piece <a href="/niac/episode/(https:/www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/05/25/the-twilight-of-the-iranian-revolution)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Twilight of the Revolution"</a> and a proposal from the rightwing organization JINSA urging Trump to officially pursue "<a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/middle-east-watch/america-must-have-regime-collapse-strategic-goal-iran-137227" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">regime collapse</a>" in Iran. Then they look at Sina's recent series in Responsible Statecraft on <a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2020/05/08/why-the-us-should-not-emulate-israels-strategy-in-syria/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dangerous proposals</a> from the Democratic side for Iran and how a Biden administration <a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2020/05/08/pressuring-iran-is-not-the-answer-to-the-uss-middle-east-woes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">actually should approach the region</a>.

Group chat: Bad narratives and dangerous proposals for Trump and Biden on Iran 

For the second part in our series of conversations with the authors featured in "My Shadow Is My Skin: Voices from the Iranian Diaspora," Assal sat down with Darius Atefar-Peckham, an up and coming poet whose contribution to the anthology, "Learning Farsi," is a reflection on his mother's passing when he was just 3 and the Iranian identity she handed down to him. "My Shadow is My Skin" is available at your local bookstore or here: https://www.amazon.com/My-Shadow-Skin-Iranian-Diaspora-ebook/dp/B0813R56KR

For the second part in our series of conversations with the authors featured in "My Shadow Is My Skin: Voices from the Iranian Diaspora," Assal sat down with Darius Atefar-Peckham, an up and coming poet whose contribution to the anthology, "Learning Farsi," is a reflection on his mother's passing when he was just 3 and the Iranian identity she handed down to him. "My Shadow is My Skin" is available at your local bookstore or here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Shadow-Skin-Iranian-Diaspora-ebook/dp/B0813R56KR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/My-Shadow-Skin-Iranian-Diaspora-ebook/dp/B0813R56KR</a>

Book Talk: Darius Atefat-Peckham

On the two-year anniversary of the Trump administration's decision to exit the Iran nuclear deal in favor of "maximum pressure" sanctions -- and coinciding with the president's veto of anti-war legislation -- Mana, Ryan, Assal and Jamal reflect on how we got here and where things may be headed.

On the two-year anniversary of the Trump administration's decision to exit the Iran nuclear deal in favor of "maximum pressure" sanctions -- and coinciding with the president's veto of anti-war legislation -- Mana, Ryan, Assal and Jamal reflect on how we got here and where things may be headed.

Group chat: Two Years of Maximum Pressure

A new anthology, "My Shadow Is My Skin: Voices from the Iranian Diaspora," presents 30 essays on the Iranian-American experience from a range of authors. Mana and Assal speak with the editors, Katherine Whitney and Leila Emery. Order your copy today through your local bookstore! Also available on Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/My-Shadow-Skin-Iranian-Diaspora-ebook/dp/B0813R56KR

A new anthology, "My Shadow Is My Skin: Voices from the Iranian Diaspora," presents 30 essays on the Iranian-American experience from a range of authors. Mana and Assal speak with the editors, Katherine Whitney and Leila Emery. Order your copy today through your local bookstore! Also available on Amazon: <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/My-Shadow-Skin-Iranian-Diaspora-ebook/dp/B0813R56KR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://smile.amazon.com/My-Shadow-Skin-Iranian-Diaspora-ebook/dp/B0813R56KR</a>

Book Talk: "My Shadow Is My Skin: Voices from the Iranian Diaspora"

Mana, Assal and Jamal discuss the Trump administration's new campaign to kill the Iran deal at the UN by claiming the US. is still a participant in the agreement. Then they talk through a troubling update on Sirous Asgari, the Iranian scientist unjustly detained by ICE, who has now contracted coronavirus (16:40).

Mana, Assal and Jamal discuss the Trump administration's new campaign to kill the Iran deal at the UN by claiming the US. is still a participant in the agreement. Then they talk through a troubling update on Sirous Asgari, the Iranian scientist unjustly detained by ICE, who has now contracted coronavirus (16:40).

Episode 3: Pompeo wants back in the Iran deal...sort of

Sirous Asgari

The U.S. government lost its case against Sirous Asgari. But just moments after a judge dismissed the charges against him, Dr. Asgari was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is being held indefinitely. Now, as he fights for his freedom, he is sounding the alarm about the dangerous conditions in ICE detention facilities that put him and his fellow detainees at risk of contracting coronavirus. This week we speak with attorney Mehrnoush Yazdanyar who is working with Dr. Asgari to help secure his freedom. (You can sign the petition to ICE here: https://www.change.org/p/ice-field-office-director-new-orleans-save-my-dad-from-ice-s-virus-ridden-detention-centers)

The U.S. government lost its case against Sirous Asgari. But just moments after a judge dismissed the charges against him, Dr. Asgari was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is being held indefinitely. Now, as he fights for his freedom, he is sounding the alarm about the dangerous conditions in ICE detention facilities that put him and his fellow detainees at risk of contracting coronavirus. This week we speak with attorney Mehrnoush Yazdanyar who is working with Dr. Asgari to help secure his freedom. (You can sign the petition to ICE here: <a href="https://www.change.org/p/ice-field-office-director-new-orleans-save-my-dad-from-ice-s-virus-ridden-detention-centers?source_location=topic_page" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.change.org/p/ice-field-office-director-new-orleans-save-my-dad-from-ice-s-virus-ridden-detention-centers</a>)

Episode 2: The curious case of Dr. Sirous Asgari

Mana and Jamal discuss the campaign to suspend Iran sanctions during the corona crisis (1:50) and evaluate pro-sanctions talking points from the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board (5:10). Then physician Payam Parvinchiha joins Mana and Assal (15:18) for a group chat about the societal impact of coronavirus, why the U.S. was caught unprepared, and what we can do to fight the pandemic and support our health care workers.

Mana and Jamal discuss the campaign to suspend Iran sanctions during the corona crisis (1:50) and evaluate pro-sanctions talking points from the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board (5:10). Then physician Payam Parvinchiha joins Mana and Assal (15:18) for a group chat about the societal impact of coronavirus, why the U.S. was caught unprepared, and what we can do to fight the pandemic and support our health care workers.

Episode 1: Should the U.S. lift sanctions during the coronavirus pandemic?

Yasmin Khan

One of the many great things about Yasmin Khan is that she feeds you both knowledge and tasty treats. Yasmin is a writer, cook and campaigner who loves to share people’s stories through food. She's also a regular media commentator and runs cooking classes, pop-up supper clubs and writing retreats around the world. Prior to immersing herself in the fragrances and flavors of the Persian kitchen, Yasmin worked as a human rights campaigner, running national and international campaigns for NGOs and grassroots groups, with special focus on the Middle East. Visit her website at www.thesaffrontales.com, and check her out on Instagram: @thesaffrontales, and on Twitter: @yasmin_khan. And buy her book here! https://www.amazon.com/Saffron-Tales-Recipes-Persian-Kitchen/dp/1408868733 Yasmin and I talked about her new book, The Saffron Tales; how a project like hers opens new eyes to our cuisine, our culture, and our people; why it's important for her to give people a taste of the real Iran; and how a modern take on a classical Gilaki folk song symbolizes what she's trying to do with her own work.

One of the many great things about Yasmin Khan is that she feeds you both knowledge and tasty treats. Yasmin is a writer, cook and campaigner who loves to share people’s stories through food. She's also a regular media commentator and runs cooking classes, pop-up supper clubs and writing retreats around the world. Prior to immersing herself in the fragrances and flavors of the Persian kitchen, Yasmin worked as a human rights campaigner, running national and international campaigns for NGOs and grassroots groups, with special focus on the Middle East. Visit her website at <a href="http://www.thesaffrontales.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thesaffrontales.com</a>, and check her out on Instagram: @thesaffrontales, and on Twitter: @yasmin_khan. And buy her book here! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Saffron-Tales-Recipes-Persian-Kitchen/dp/1408868733" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Saffron-Tales-Recipes-Persian-Kitchen/dp/1408868733</a> Yasmin and I talked about her new book, The Saffron Tales; how a project like hers opens new eyes to our cuisine, our culture, and our people; why it's important for her to give people a taste of the real Iran; and how a modern take on a classical Gilaki folk song symbolizes what she's trying to do with her own work.

Yasmin Khan is Cooking Up Something Marvelous to Make Your Mouth Water

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Multi-Part Documentaries

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!