TEL AVIV -- Amid a heated war of words between Israel and Iran over the Islamic republic's nuclear ambitions, one musician is hoping that an unconventional weapon will help cool the tensions. Iranian-born Israeli Menashe Sasson, 67, broadcasts traditional Persian melodies for an audience in his old home country from a studio in Israel. He hears a n ... Continue reading »

A new wind instrument, named the yasnai, will be introduced during concerts that are being organized by tar virtuoso Kayvan Saket.     Mohammad Beigi, the creator of the instrument, will play it during the concerts, which will be held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall from May 8 to 10, Saket said at a press conference on Monday.   Beigi is an expert construc ... Continue reading »

“As the 2013 Iranian presidential election quickly approaches, many in the religious minority communities brace themselves for the worst,” said Sekulow, whose organization represents Abedini’s Idaho-based family. “Meanwhile, Pastor Saeed currently suffers in solitary confinement in Evin prison -- a place in which he said a single day passes like a ... Continue reading »

Shahram, a 20-year-old university student, listens to American R&B. He sings along to his favourite songs while driving his Kia Pride â a Korean version of the Ford Festiva â and is always looking for Persian R&B, which is as scarce as cocktail lounges in Tehran. His friend Pejman, 19, finds himself in hip-hop, which he regards as the only true ave ... Continue reading »

The distinctive and diverse lifestyles and behaviors of a portion of scholars and students at the seminary (hawza) in Qom continue to be heavily shrouded and mysterious, other than what the official Iranian media broadcasts and despite the information revolution and the massive amount of media coverage of almost every event, trivial or significant. ... Continue reading »

The official Syrian Arab News Agency said that a scientific research facility had been struck by an Israeli missile, and a banner displayed on state television said the attack was intended to relieve pressure on rebel forces in the embattled eastern suburbs. The banner was accompanied by martial music and footage of Syrian soldiers marching, descen ... Continue reading »