Mardo Soghom

Viewpoint: Deciphering The Direction Of Iran's New Foreign Policy

After the limited nuclear deal Iran reached with the United States and other world powers in Geneva, the quintessential question is whether Tehran is ready to make a major change in its foreign policy and put aside its traditional anti-U.S. stance.

Viewpoint: Khamenei's Blistering Attack On U.S. And Israel -- Tactics Or Worldview?

Hours before the start of a fresh round of negotiations in Geneva between Iran and representatives of the 5+1 group of world powers, Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic republic came out swinging with a heavy bat against the United States and Israel.

What’s Inspiring The Arab Revolt?

It is next to impossible to predict the course of mass activism and protests in Tunisia, Egypt, and elsewhere in the Arab world. But there are reasons to think that the fall of authoritarian regimes by mainly young and frustrated protesters will not necessarily lead to a catastrophic outcome.

Iran's Opposition Must Take Back The Initiative

One obvious rigidity of the protest movement in Iran is its tight attachment to important days of mourning or celebrations. This gives the regime advance warning to prepare for confrontation and also time to recoup and deal with opponents in between waves of protests. Therefore, the protest movement should be more innovative and flexible to try to choose its own time, place, and method of defiance.

New Era Or A Waiting Period For Lebanon?

Everyone expected the Hezbollah bloc to win Lebanon's June elections, given its perceived success in the 2006 war with Israel and its reputation for efficient governance. Then the first surprise hit.

The Election That Changed A Nation

Westerners whose image of Iranians has been formed by watching Ahmadinejad on the world stage might be surprised to learn that Persians know how to kiss and make up. But this time, perhaps too many glasses have been broken.

Iran's President And The Arab Street

While only rigged elections and an antidemocratic constitution can ensure Ahmadinejad's reelection in Iran, his popularity in the Arab world is higher than ever as a result of half-century-old wounds that lionize defiance of the United States and Israel.

Is Situation Ripe For Peace Between Turkey And Armenia?

If the historic visit by Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Armenia is followed by more diplomatic contacts and negotiations, it may prove to have been truly a far-reaching strategic event for the whole region. It will not only have a direct impact on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but it will open up unprecedented doors for Armenia economically.

Armenia: Karabakh 'President' Leading Contender For Prime Minister

Armenia: Prosecutor Responds To Letter From Opposition Leader

Armenia/Azerbaijan: Karabakh Parliament Suspends Activities

Armenia/Azerbaijan: Iran Denies Being Conduit For Arms

Armenia: Nagorno-Karabakh Leader Is New Prime Minister

Armenia: NATO�s Solana To Meet President

Armenia: Foreign Minister Sasy U.S. Taking More Active Role

Armenia: Opposition Calls For United Front

Azerbaijan/Armenia: Armenia Accused Of Violating Ceasefire

Armenia/Azerbaijan: Karabakh Meeting Called 'Productive'

Armenia: Foreign Minister To Meet Albright

Armenia/Azerbaijan: Nagorno-Karabakh Must Remain Part Of Azerbaijan