Category Archives: Iran
Shirin Ebadi’s Fear
The Iranian lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi has interpreted the harsh sentences imposed by the Iranian government on fellow lawyers in Iran as a “sign of fear” on behalf of the regime. That may well be so, … Continue reading
Emancipation of women in Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran is again at the forefront of social progress (see my previous posts about scientific and academic progress): This time, it’s women’s rights, something very dear to the Mullahs. All over the world, women are victims … Continue reading
Death to the Conifers!
Deforestation speeds up climate change in two ways: First, the loss of trees reduces the forests’ capacity to convert carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Second, if deforestation is not carried out for the production of timber, but for the winning of … Continue reading
Iran punishes athlete for standing next to an Israeli.
In a recent post, I had already wondered how Iran’s government would react to an Iranian chess player losing the world record in simultaneous chess to an Israeli player. Well, now we know how Iran’s sports administration has handled a … Continue reading
WikiLeaks and Israel
When WikiLeaks announced last week that it would release hitherto secret communication between the US State Department and US embassies around the world, the levels of curiosity and anxiety were equally high. Overall though, the revelations might have bruised some … Continue reading
Election Boycott – What is it good for?
If this headline reminds you of the 1970 song “War” by Edwin Starr, then you already have your answer: “Absolutely nothing!” In pseudo-democratic to openly oppressive countries around the world, opposition parties and candidates regularly face a tough choice: Should … Continue reading
Education Reform, Iranian Style
I have already written about my total lack of understanding for UNESCO’s decision to award the hosting of the 2010 World Philosophy Congress to Iran. But as so often, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not avoid providing plenty of … Continue reading
A new Chess War?
Alik Gershon has set a new world record for the most chess games played simultaneously by one player: He played against 523 people, moving from one board to the next in a Tel Aviv square. He only lost 11 of … Continue reading
UNESCO World Philosophy Day – why in Iran?
Since 2002, UNESCO is holding a World Philosophy Day each year in November. – That’s a nice idea because philosophy is much underrated in public debate. This World Philosophy Day is hosted by a different country each year. – That’s … Continue reading
New innovation from Iran: Islamic bikes
After its revolutionary space programme, sending a mouse, a turtle and a can of worms into space in February 2010, and after being set to uncover the secrets of nuclear fusion, Iran is continuing on its unstoppable path of innovation … Continue reading
The Happy Hermit 