1 Iran
Iran's claim to the number one position on the Guardian's 2010 Troublespotometer is overwhelming. It currently exhibits all the characteristics of a state hell-bent on self-destruction.
First, its repressive government is widely seen by its own people as illegitimate, after June's "stolen" elections. Simmering political and social unrest exploded again in December and could yet become uncontainable.
Second, the country's economy is in a frightful mess, with youth unemployment high and opportunity and investment low. This is all the more unforgivable, given Iran's vast oil and gas riches.
Third, its top leaders, Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, are zealous Islamic purists to whom the idea of compromise, with domestic or foreign foes, is wholly alien.
Fourth, Iran continues to work hard to make itself a pariah state, flouting the UN security council, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Non-Proliferation Treaty in pursuit of its "nuclear rights" (ie alleged atom bombs).
Fifth, Iran's backing for violent, hardline groups in Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq and Yemen is increasingly seen by Arab neigh... >>>
Person | About | Day |
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نسرین ستوده: زندانی روز | Dec 04 | |
Saeed Malekpour: Prisoner of the day | Lawyer says death sentence suspended | Dec 03 |
Majid Tavakoli: Prisoner of the day | Iterview with mother | Dec 02 |
احسان نراقی: جامعه شناس و نویسنده ۱۳۰۵-۱۳۹۱ | Dec 02 | |
Nasrin Sotoudeh: Prisoner of the day | 46 days on hunger strike | Dec 01 |
Nasrin Sotoudeh: Graffiti | In Barcelona | Nov 30 |
گوهر عشقی: مادر ستار بهشتی | Nov 30 | |
Abdollah Momeni: Prisoner of the day | Activist denied leave and family visits for 1.5 years | Nov 30 |
محمد کلالی: یکی از حمله کنندگان به سفارت ایران در برلین | Nov 29 | |
Habibollah Golparipour: Prisoner of the day | Kurdish Activist on Death Row | Nov 28 |