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'Berlin Wall's Lessons For Today'

In an op-ed for "USA Today," Jeffrey Gedmin discusses RFE and the role of free media in societies living under repressive regimes. More
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Radio Farda

Launched in 2003 as the successor to RFE/RL's Persian Service, Radio Farda provides objective and accurate news and information to counter state censorship and ideology-based media coverage. Radio Farda's new website was launched in 2006 and receives over 3 million page views every month.

Features & Multimedia

Conflict In Yemen Widens Amid Charges Of Iran Involvement

A decades-old conflict in Yemen between the government and northern rebels from the country's Shi'ite minority is heating up. As it does, Yemeni officials are charging Iran with supporting the rebels in a conflict that is also drawing in Saudi Arabia. RFE/RL correspondent Charles Recknagel speaks with RFE/RL's Radio Farda correspondent Hossein Aryan about the fighting in Yemen and whether it risks sparking a larger regional crisis. More

Putting A Price On Iran's Nuclear Decisions

Iran has rejected a UN-proposed deal under which it would export its lightly enriched uranium for further enrichment. What options does that now leave for the United States? More

International PEN Marks Day Of The Imprisoned Writer

International PEN -- the worldwide association of writers -- marks the Day of the Imprisoned Writer this time each year. Its aim is to recognize and support writers who resist repression of their basic human right to freedom of expression. While International PEN campaigns on behalf of hundreds of authors all year round, this November 15 the group is highlighting the cases of five authors in five countries, representing five geographical regions. The countries are Cameroon, Iran, China, Russia, and Mexico. RFE/RL correspondent Bruce Pannier spoke to Sara Wyatt, director of the writers in prison committee at International PEN, about the campaign. More

Iranian-American Author Discusses Islamic Dress

Iranian-American Azadeh Moaveni, is the author of the best-selling memoirs "Honeymoon in Tehran" and "Lipstick Jihad." She spoke to RFE/RL correspondent Kristin Deasy about Iran's strict Islamic dress code on one hand, and the banning of Islamic headscarves in Uzbekistan on the other. More

Muslim Fashion Designer Discusses The Burqini

Lebanese-born Aheda Zanetti, now an Australian citizen, is a Muslim fashion designer who created the "burqini" after reading about how difficult it was for women to swim in full burqas. She spoke to RFE/RL correspondent Kristin Deasy about the politics of Islamic fashion. More
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Facts & Stats

Map of Iran

Population
65,875,000 (2008 estimate)

Ethnic Groups:
Persian 51%
Azeri 24%
Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%
Kurd 7%
Arab 3%
Lur 2%
Baloch 2%
Turkmen 2%
Other 1%

Religions:
Muslim 98%
(Shi'a 89%, Sunni 9%)
Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, Baha'i and others 2%

Languages:
Persian 58%
Turkic dialects 26%
Kurdish 9%
Luri 2%
Balochi 1%
Arabic 1%
Turkish 1%
Other 2%

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