Iran
The veil in Iran has been an enduring symbol of patriarchal norms – but its use has changed depending on who is in power
By Amy Motlagh — December 9, 2022
(The Conversation) — The veil as a symbol of oppression has once again moved to center stage in Iran, but it’s important to know about the history of veiling – and mandatory unveiling.
Confusion over Iran’s religious police as women drop hijab
By Jack Jeffery — December 6, 2022
(AP) — The morality police, established in 2005, are tasked with enforcing Iran’s restrictions on public behavior and strict dress codes — particularly on women, who are required to wear the hijab, or headscarf, and loose-fitting clothes.
The US House passed another resolution on Iran. Here’s why it’s the right thing to do.
By James Samimi Farr — December 2, 2022
(RNS) — We often overlook the social cost of persecution and the power of international pressure.
Pope calls female genital mutilation a crime that must stop
By Nicole Winfield — November 7, 2022
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Asked about unrest in Iran sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini after her arrest by morality police, Francis instead denounced women's status as second-class citizens or worse in many cultures.
Iran’s Olympic chief claims no punishment coming for climber
By Kim Tong-hyung — October 20, 2022
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Competitive climber Elnaz Rekabi competed without wearing her nation’s mandatory headscarf.
Hijab rules have nothing to do with Islamic tenets and everything to do with repressing women
By Deina Abdelkader — October 17, 2022
(The Conversation) — Imposing restrictions on women has been a way for many countries to demonstrate to the world what policies they want to pursue.
Religious freedom group asks for UN commission of inquiry into Iran’s crackdown
By Yonat Shimron — October 14, 2022
(RNS) — Of particular concern, the deaths of Sunni worshippers at the hands of the Iranian security forces on Sept. 30 in the city of Zahedan.
Iranian women have been rebelling against restrictions since the Islamic Revolution in 1979 – with renewed hope that protests this time will end differently
By Pardis Mahdavi — September 29, 2022
(The Conversation) — A scholar of Iranian politics explains how Iranians have organized resistance movements for the past several decades while risking arrest and public flogging.
I wear hijab. I also respect any woman who chooses not to.
By Dilshad Ali — September 28, 2022
(RNS) — Iran’s ‘morality police’ focus on the hijab not to enforce Islam but to target vulnerable women.
The death of Mahsa Amini in Iran demands consequential diplomacy by US
By Knox Thames — September 23, 2022
(RNS) — Statements of condemnation are essential but not enough.
My sister is in an Iranian prison for the 4th time
By Iraj Kamalabadi — August 25, 2022
(RNS) — In all instances, she has been innocent of any crime. She is, however, a Baha’i.
Iran denies involvement but justifies Salman Rushdie attack
By Jon Gambrell — August 15, 2022
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Rushdie was attacked Friday as he was about to give a lecture in western New York.
Shiite Muslims in Mideast mark solemn holy day of Ashoura
By Mehdi Fattahi — August 8, 2022
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Security forces, particularly in Taliban-run Afghanistan, were on high alert for any violence. In the past, bloody attacks have marred the festival across in the Middle East, as Sunni extremists who view the Shiites as heretics seize on the holy day to target large gatherings of mourners.
Followers of cleric told to withdraw from Iraq’s parliament
By Samya Kullab — August 3, 2022
BAGHDAD (AP) — In a tweet, a representative of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr told the hundreds of loyalists to leave the parliament building in the capital of Baghdad within 72 hours.
Threat of protests, violent escalation stirs fears in Iraq
By Samya Kullab and Qassim Abdul-zahra — August 1, 2022
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi security forces erected concrete barriers ahead of the street protest called for by a political alliance of Iran-backed groups opposed to the followers of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
