You can comment on this along with most other posts below. -Amir
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Interesting links
Hey guys.
First I wanted to say that so far I have been very impressed by your comments. You guys all deserve praise for what you have done. Secondly, this post is not for comment. There's enough to comment on all ready. Though if you would like to comment, you are welcome, it just won't count towards the requirement. Basically I am just going to post some links to some interesting stories about the fallout of Ahmadinejad's visit. He seems to have almost broken the Internet in half. I'll add more links to this post if I see anything else of worth. I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts!
This is Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, on how he will deal with Iran if he becomes President.
This is the how Iran is becoming a major campaign issue in the upcoming presidential election.
This is a sampling of reactions from Iranian bloggers both inside and outside Iran to Ahmadinejad's visit.
This is from the Jerusalem post. At the end of the article seems to be Ahmadinejad's stance on Israel. Its not friendly, but its not exactly "wiping it off of the map" either.
This is about the media's "war blitz" against Iran. Its very interesting.
This is an article about how Iran, (in retaliation for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard being possibly labeled as a terrorist organization by the US), has labeled the CIA and the US Army as terrorist organizations.
And finally, this is a link to a video of Ahmadinejad at the UN.
See you all on Monday.
-Amir
First I wanted to say that so far I have been very impressed by your comments. You guys all deserve praise for what you have done. Secondly, this post is not for comment. There's enough to comment on all ready. Though if you would like to comment, you are welcome, it just won't count towards the requirement. Basically I am just going to post some links to some interesting stories about the fallout of Ahmadinejad's visit. He seems to have almost broken the Internet in half. I'll add more links to this post if I see anything else of worth. I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts!
This is Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, on how he will deal with Iran if he becomes President.
This is the how Iran is becoming a major campaign issue in the upcoming presidential election.
This is a sampling of reactions from Iranian bloggers both inside and outside Iran to Ahmadinejad's visit.
This is from the Jerusalem post. At the end of the article seems to be Ahmadinejad's stance on Israel. Its not friendly, but its not exactly "wiping it off of the map" either.
This is about the media's "war blitz" against Iran. Its very interesting.
This is an article about how Iran, (in retaliation for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard being possibly labeled as a terrorist organization by the US), has labeled the CIA and the US Army as terrorist organizations.
And finally, this is a link to a video of Ahmadinejad at the UN.
See you all on Monday.
-Amir
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Attention all new students
Most likely we've been in some sort of e-mail correspondence, but to reiterate, please purchase the reader from Copy Central on Bancroft. Amir and I tried our hardest to minimize the cost without compromising the content. It contains a lot of useful readings and all the students are expected to participate in informed (that means doing the reading) discussion during lecture.
Also, I'm happy to say that I've seen an increase in the number of postings on this site. They've been great, guys! Keep up the good work.
Have a good weekend and be prepare to expand on the information about the Shah next week.
Keyan
Also, I'm happy to say that I've seen an increase in the number of postings on this site. They've been great, guys! Keep up the good work.
Have a good weekend and be prepare to expand on the information about the Shah next week.
Keyan
Monday, September 24, 2007
Mossadegh and the CIA
To learn more about the CIA overthrow of Mossadegh, and the man himself, I would suggest checking out these links below.
NY Times: Secrets of History
National Security Archive: The Secret CIA history of the Iran Coup
Wikipedia: Mossadegh Bio
Mossadegh Project: Official Site
For a posting comment, I would like you to answer any or all of these questions:
-Do you feel like you understand why Iran has acted the way it has in the last 28 years, specifically in relations to the U.S., by watching the video today?
-Do you think the U.S. was justified in taking Mossadegh out?
-Do you think Iranians share the blame for what happened to Mossadegh?
-Do you think the CIA should repeat what it did to Mossadegh to other countries, even Iran today?
You can post on any of the items we have posted so far, but make sure to do it by next Monday.
-Amir
NY Times: Secrets of History
National Security Archive: The Secret CIA history of the Iran Coup
Wikipedia: Mossadegh Bio
Mossadegh Project: Official Site
For a posting comment, I would like you to answer any or all of these questions:
-Do you feel like you understand why Iran has acted the way it has in the last 28 years, specifically in relations to the U.S., by watching the video today?
-Do you think the U.S. was justified in taking Mossadegh out?
-Do you think Iranians share the blame for what happened to Mossadegh?
-Do you think the CIA should repeat what it did to Mossadegh to other countries, even Iran today?
You can post on any of the items we have posted so far, but make sure to do it by next Monday.
-Amir
Cold War in Iran
If you're interested about the beginnings of the Cold War in Iran, read this article by Professor R.J. Rummel (same guy who created the term "democide") and comment on it.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Iran's Plan for Iraq
In this article on the Iran Press Service, Walid Phares describes Iran's mounting influence in Iraqi affairs and outlines a situation in which he calls a"projected reality if U.S. forces prematurely and abruptly withdraw from Iraq."
Before agreeing with or challenging his thoughts, please read some short details on his background at this Wikipedia post. If you choose to comment on this piece, please make a reasonable, erudite connection between his affiliations listed on Wikipedia and the frame of thought that's portrayed in the article on Iran Press Service.
Keyan Keihani
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
First Discussion Posting Chance
Hey guys!
This is your first chance to do a discussion posting. Don't worry if you have nothing to say this time, there will be plenty of chances to come.
I have been given two links from some very nice students, I would like your comments to address both.
The first link has to do with the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He has requested
to see Ground Zero in New York to pay his respects. Unsurprisingly, he was rejected. However the angry reaction to his request is very interesting. Here is the link. You can approach posting on it any way you want, but if you are stuck, think about this: Do you think the reaction is justified?
Secondly, a top U.S. Army General has recently stated that the U.S. and the world could live with a nuclear Iran. The link is here. What do you think about his comments?
I do know that we haven't gone over these issues yet, and that's why I have put it up. I want to see what you guys think going into the class. By the end of the semester it will be interesting to see if your opinions have changed.
As Keyan stated before, "A response that’s thoughtful and astute will be regarded higher than something that’s rushed and out of compulsion. Remember, intelligent debate is an integral component of this course." Be sure to put your full name on the post so we have an accurate count of how many posts people have done.
Also, the slides have been approved and they are up at www.decal.org/iran.
Finally I found this amusing video about Persians from the animated comedy American Dad. Its offensive, but strangely funny. Don't watch it if you are easily offended. And don't worry, you don't have to comment on it. This is the link. Enjoy. - Amir
This is your first chance to do a discussion posting. Don't worry if you have nothing to say this time, there will be plenty of chances to come.
I have been given two links from some very nice students, I would like your comments to address both.
The first link has to do with the Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He has requested
to see Ground Zero in New York to pay his respects. Unsurprisingly, he was rejected. However the angry reaction to his request is very interesting. Here is the link. You can approach posting on it any way you want, but if you are stuck, think about this: Do you think the reaction is justified?Secondly, a top U.S. Army General has recently stated that the U.S. and the world could live with a nuclear Iran. The link is here. What do you think about his comments?
I do know that we haven't gone over these issues yet, and that's why I have put it up. I want to see what you guys think going into the class. By the end of the semester it will be interesting to see if your opinions have changed.
As Keyan stated before, "A response that’s thoughtful and astute will be regarded higher than something that’s rushed and out of compulsion. Remember, intelligent debate is an integral component of this course." Be sure to put your full name on the post so we have an accurate count of how many posts people have done.
Also, the slides have been approved and they are up at www.decal.org/iran.
Finally I found this amusing video about Persians from the animated comedy American Dad. Its offensive, but strangely funny. Don't watch it if you are easily offended. And don't worry, you don't have to comment on it. This is the link. Enjoy. - Amir
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Slides and other news
Hello class,
I hope you all enjoyed the last lecture. We promise they won't be so text heavy again.
To reiterate some of the things Keyan said in his e-mail, the movie won the survey by one vote. Its a good movie and a good choice. Readers should be available at copy central. Just ask for the reader of PS 98/198. Also, if you didn't get an e-mail let us know so we can add you to the e-mail list.
On the links section to the right added a link to the facebook group of the class. Join up if you want to be a part of the community!
I have also posted the slides some of you requested to the decal organization's server. Apparently it needs to be approved by the decal board itself. In a few days, go to www.decal.org/iran and scroll to the bottom, the file should be uploaded by then. It will be titled "copy of lecture 2." In order for it to fit the size restriction I had to cut out a lot of the pictures. I am sorry about that.
Also as a note for everyone, we'll be updating this blog often with chances for you guys to post. So I would suggest just checking back often for a new posting. If there isn't one, there's always those youtube videos to watch.
Finally, someone from the class asked me to post some specific pictures. They are below.
-Amir
I hope you all enjoyed the last lecture. We promise they won't be so text heavy again.
To reiterate some of the things Keyan said in his e-mail, the movie won the survey by one vote. Its a good movie and a good choice. Readers should be available at copy central. Just ask for the reader of PS 98/198. Also, if you didn't get an e-mail let us know so we can add you to the e-mail list.
On the links section to the right added a link to the facebook group of the class. Join up if you want to be a part of the community!
I have also posted the slides some of you requested to the decal organization's server. Apparently it needs to be approved by the decal board itself. In a few days, go to www.decal.org/iran and scroll to the bottom, the file should be uploaded by then. It will be titled "copy of lecture 2." In order for it to fit the size restriction I had to cut out a lot of the pictures. I am sorry about that.
Also as a note for everyone, we'll be updating this blog often with chances for you guys to post. So I would suggest just checking back often for a new posting. If there isn't one, there's always those youtube videos to watch.
Finally, someone from the class asked me to post some specific pictures. They are below.
-Amir
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Welcome to the class / Syllabus
Hello all. I hope you all enjoyed the first day of class. The site is still under construction for now, but on the right are randomly generating youtube videos, a news feed on Iranian stories in the news, and some links. We will be adding more features as we go along.
We heard that the decal website was down the first day of class. If this prevented people from knowing where the class was located we will allow them to sign up on telebears. Just remember to show up this Monday at 155 Kroeber at 6 or you will be dropped.
If you have 59 units or less of coursework completed sign up for PS98 with ccn 71483. If you have 60 units or more, sign up for PS198 with ccn 72632. Everyone should sign up for 2 units. Also if you are signing up be sure to pick up a reader at copy central.
We will announce the winner of the survey soon. Below is the syllabus for the course. Here's to a good semester. -Amir
IRAN: 28 YEARS OF REVOLUTION
Course Description
This course serves as an introduction to modern Iranian politics in which no prior knowledge of Iran or the greater Middle East is required. It follows the events leading up to the Islamic Revolution and describes the outcomes that have spiraled into the headlines of today. Key topics of discussion include the coup d'etat against Prime Minister Mossadegh (1953), the rule of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the Iranian Revolution (1979), the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the Reform Movement (1997), and the recent rise of the radical movement led by Ahmadinejad (2005). Important current events to be covered will be Iran’s nuclear program, Iran’s role in Iraq, and the Shia-Sunni divide in the Middle East. Documentaries, films, guest lectures, participation in the class blog, and class discussions are integral parts of this decal. Class will meet once a week for two hours.
Course Coordinators
Amir Abadi - amirabadi@berkeley.edu
Keyan Keihani- keihani@berkeley.edu
Course Requirements
Readings
A reader comprised of short summaries and academic articles will offer the students a background to all the topics mentioned above. Specific sources for the reader are listed in the reading list. Additional readings may be handed out in class.
Final Paper
The final paper is a 3–5 page essay. Topics will be handed out two weeks prior to the final class meeting.
Blog Participation
You must submit 3, one paragraph responses on the blog during the course of the semester. You can only respond to the topics offered that week (responses to topics that are more than a week old are encouraged but will not count for a grade). Your responses must be critical and engaging. No more than one response per week will count for a grade.
Grading
Final Paper (50%), Blog Participation (25%), Attendance (25%)
NOTE: YOU MUST RECEIVE A SATISFACTORY GRADE IN ALL THREE COMPONENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THE COURSE. YOU CANNOT MISS MORE THAN ONE CLASS MEETING WITHOUT THE INSTRUCTORS’ PRIOR APPROVAL.
Schedule
Week 1: Introduction; overview of the course
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 1, 7-15
Week 2: The coup against Dr. Mossadegh; documentary screening, The CIA and the Coup of 1953 in Iran
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 19-21
Roosevelt, Kermit. Countercoup. Forward, Ch.13.
Blum, William. Killing Hope. pp. 64-72.
Week 3: The reemergence of the Shah and the events leading up to the Iranian Revolution; documentary screening, Evolution of Revolution: Live from Tehran (ABC)
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 20-29
Pahlavi, Mohammad Reza. Answer to History. pp. 101-129
Week 4: The Iranian Revolution; documentary screening, Iran: A Revolution Betrayed
۞ Reading: Abrahamian, Ervand. Khomeinism. Ch. 1.
Week 5: The Iran-Iraq War: the longest conventional war of the century
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 30-32 & 62-63
Week 6: Contemporary Iranian government structure: a quasi-democratic theocracy
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 46-49
Week 7: Rise of the reformists
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 36-37
Khatami, Mohammad. Islam, Liberty, and Development. pp. 3-16. & 135-153 Amuzegar, Jahangir. "Khatami's Legacy: Dashed Hopes." Middle East Journal, Winter 2006
Week 8: Ahmadinejad and the rise of ultra-conservatives
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 37-38 & Ahmadinejad's letter to President Bush (link on blog)
Week 9: Iran’s nuclear standoff with the West
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 50-56
Timmerman, Kenneth. Countdown to Crisis. Ch.26
Ritter, Scott. Target Iran. Conclusion.
Week 10: Iran’s foreign policy in the Middle East
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 66-81
Week 11: Guest Lecture, topic of the lecture to be announced two weeks prior.
۞ Final paper topics handed out
Week 12: Student chosen topic
Week 13: Final class meeting
۞ Final papers due
We heard that the decal website was down the first day of class. If this prevented people from knowing where the class was located we will allow them to sign up on telebears. Just remember to show up this Monday at 155 Kroeber at 6 or you will be dropped.
If you have 59 units or less of coursework completed sign up for PS98 with ccn 71483. If you have 60 units or more, sign up for PS198 with ccn 72632. Everyone should sign up for 2 units. Also if you are signing up be sure to pick up a reader at copy central.
We will announce the winner of the survey soon. Below is the syllabus for the course. Here's to a good semester. -Amir
IRAN: 28 YEARS OF REVOLUTION
Course Description
This course serves as an introduction to modern Iranian politics in which no prior knowledge of Iran or the greater Middle East is required. It follows the events leading up to the Islamic Revolution and describes the outcomes that have spiraled into the headlines of today. Key topics of discussion include the coup d'etat against Prime Minister Mossadegh (1953), the rule of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the Iranian Revolution (1979), the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the Reform Movement (1997), and the recent rise of the radical movement led by Ahmadinejad (2005). Important current events to be covered will be Iran’s nuclear program, Iran’s role in Iraq, and the Shia-Sunni divide in the Middle East. Documentaries, films, guest lectures, participation in the class blog, and class discussions are integral parts of this decal. Class will meet once a week for two hours.
Course Coordinators
Amir Abadi - amirabadi@berkeley.edu
Keyan Keihani- keihani@berkeley.edu
Course Requirements
Readings
A reader comprised of short summaries and academic articles will offer the students a background to all the topics mentioned above. Specific sources for the reader are listed in the reading list. Additional readings may be handed out in class.
Final Paper
The final paper is a 3–5 page essay. Topics will be handed out two weeks prior to the final class meeting.
Blog Participation
You must submit 3, one paragraph responses on the blog during the course of the semester. You can only respond to the topics offered that week (responses to topics that are more than a week old are encouraged but will not count for a grade). Your responses must be critical and engaging. No more than one response per week will count for a grade.
Grading
Final Paper (50%), Blog Participation (25%), Attendance (25%)
NOTE: YOU MUST RECEIVE A SATISFACTORY GRADE IN ALL THREE COMPONENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THE COURSE. YOU CANNOT MISS MORE THAN ONE CLASS MEETING WITHOUT THE INSTRUCTORS’ PRIOR APPROVAL.
Schedule
Week 1: Introduction; overview of the course
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 1, 7-15
Week 2: The coup against Dr. Mossadegh; documentary screening, The CIA and the Coup of 1953 in Iran
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 19-21
Roosevelt, Kermit. Countercoup. Forward, Ch.13.
Blum, William. Killing Hope. pp. 64-72.
Week 3: The reemergence of the Shah and the events leading up to the Iranian Revolution; documentary screening, Evolution of Revolution: Live from Tehran (ABC)
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 20-29
Pahlavi, Mohammad Reza. Answer to History. pp. 101-129
Week 4: The Iranian Revolution; documentary screening, Iran: A Revolution Betrayed
۞ Reading: Abrahamian, Ervand. Khomeinism. Ch. 1.
Week 5: The Iran-Iraq War: the longest conventional war of the century
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 30-32 & 62-63
Week 6: Contemporary Iranian government structure: a quasi-democratic theocracy
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 46-49
Week 7: Rise of the reformists
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 36-37
Khatami, Mohammad. Islam, Liberty, and Development. pp. 3-16. & 135-153 Amuzegar, Jahangir. "Khatami's Legacy: Dashed Hopes." Middle East Journal, Winter 2006
Week 8: Ahmadinejad and the rise of ultra-conservatives
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 37-38 & Ahmadinejad's letter to President Bush (link on blog)
Week 9: Iran’s nuclear standoff with the West
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 50-56
Timmerman, Kenneth. Countdown to Crisis. Ch.26
Ritter, Scott. Target Iran. Conclusion.
Week 10: Iran’s foreign policy in the Middle East
۞ Reading: Roraback, Amanda. Iran in a Nutshell. pp. 66-81
Week 11: Guest Lecture, topic of the lecture to be announced two weeks prior.
۞ Final paper topics handed out
Week 12: Student chosen topic
Week 13: Final class meeting
۞ Final papers due
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