Author ArchiveIran blamed Israel for the Shiraz bomb attack in the mosque. The bomb attack killed 14 people. Click on this link to go to the website. FACT BOOK PAGE History of the Sport Activity: Football was an unknown sport in Iran, until the British introduced it in 1907. That was also the year that Iran had its first football tournament which was organized by the British ambassador, Cecil Spring-Rice. The footballers, at that time, were mostly made up of the British residents in Iran, with the occasional addition of local Iranians, if there weren’t enough players. In 1910, football was claimed the national sport and was introduced into school curriculums. As football became more and more popular amongst the locals, several football teams and leagues were created. Iran’s national football team (otherwise known as “Team Melli”) was founded in 1940 and is now amongst the strongest teams in Asia, according to FIFA world rankings. Soon, women’s football was founded in 1970. It has been said that the women football players of Iran are very talented and are at the same level as the men; but women are still not allowed to play without respecting the rules of the Islamic dress-code, they are not allowed to play in the same stadiums as men and aren’t supplied with good facilities. When playing a game, the spectators will only consist of women. Factors making the sport or activity relevant to the country: Football has been ranked Iran’s most popular sport since the 1940’s. It has been a part of many Iranians’ lives for decades and is now being seen played practically everywhere in the nation. Social factors to the country (For example: number of participants, professional and amateur leagues, finance, government influences): The national team and leagues are managed by the I.R.I.F.F (Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation). The I.R.I.F.F was founded in 1920 and became a member of FIFA in 1945. The teams are financed by the Physical Education department of the government and by numerous companies. Despite the popularity and the numerous stadiums, women, by law, are still not allowed to watch men’s football matches without the consent of their husbands and are forced to sit together in one corner of the stadium; this proves that the Iranian government still has a lot of power over its sports. Any other information: Their official jersey colors are red and white. Iran Focus Women bear brunt of Tehran’s crackdown This article is about the mistreatment of Iranian women activists in prison. It was written on April 28, 2007 by an Iranian woman named Scheherazade Faramarzi. This could be important because she might be able to really relate to the women she is writing about. But it seems that she is writing in a purely objective fashion and her emotions aren’t really been shown, since most of the opinions in her article are in quotes: “…women activists accused of receiving foreign funds to stir up dissent in Iran. But their real crime, says Mahboubeh Abbasgholizadeh, was gathering peacefully outside Tehran’s Revolutionary Court in support of five fellow activists on trial for demanding changes in laws that discriminate against women.” But it does seem that everything she has written in this article is negatively showing the government: “It is drafting a law to limit women students to half the places in college, instead of the 65 percent they now occupy. It is also restricting women’s entry to medical schools, arguing that they put a strain on limited – and sexually segregated – dormitory and transportation facilities.” “Over the past 10 months, security forces have “become more and more aggressive even as women’s actions have become more peaceful and tame,” said Jila Baniyaghoub, an activist who has also spent time in jail.” That, alone, could mean that she doesn’t support the mistreatment of these women. I believe that this article is aimed towards Iranian activists, expats, educated or purely interested people. Florence Johannot Faramarzi, Scheherezade. “Women bear brunt of Tehran’s crackdown .” Iran Focus – Women bear brunt of Tehran’s crackdown . 28 April 2007. Iran Focus. 12 May 2008 <http://www.iranfocus.com/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view Analyzing “Iran pollution report” URL: http://www.aghayan.com/iranpol0502.htm By: Kuan-Ting Chen After searching environmental issues about Iran for science fiction story board, I found an interesting report. It was published by the US Department of Energy. The author of this report is from outside the country but, I still think that they send investigators or scientists to investigate Iran. The purpose of this report was to let people know about the environmental situation in Iran. This report is for general audience, it is for every one. The writer was objective because this is a formal report and there is no emotion connection because I think that the writer is American and have no connection with Iran. Further more I think that that the author only put down the facts about the pollution. This report was written on May 5 2002. This means that this article is not that significant because the data have not bee updated. Evidence “Additionally, Iran declared January 19th to be “National Clean Air Day,” “The city is hemmed in by the Alborz Mountains to the north, causing the increasing volume of pollutants to become trapped, hovering over Tehran when the wind is not strong enough to blow the pollution away.” Article Analysis “How to end the U.S.-Iran standoff” This opinioned news article is about how to end the stalemate between the United States and Iran about Iran’s nuclear program. The article is written cooperatively by three different people, William Luers, Thomas Pickering and James Walsh, all of whom are US politicians. Their primary source of information about the US’ policy would be first hand, since they all have knowledge in the subject. But their opinion and views on Iran’s side of the debate would have to be from second hand sources, such as news articles and reports since they are not in any relations with the country. From the content and language of the article it is apparent that the target audience would be mostly mature and educated people, people who are interested in world affairs. It is an opinioned article which while informing the reader briefly about the situation is at the same time stating how to resolve it. This articles objective is to give an opinion and try to persuade the reader that the suggestions are plausible and practical. Because the article is written by US statement, the argument is heavily favored on the US’ side; this perspective causes a fair amount of bias about the issue. This can be seen in the choice of details which are used in the article; most details the US’ argument, while the details included about Iran’s side are very minimal and don’t show the positive side of Iran’s argument, thus causing the reader to agree with the US. And with the article being ones own opinion, their feelings and emotions in the article are very strong. There are a lot of propositions and suggests made in the article which show how the writers feel about the matter and how they think that it is the best way to solve the problem with details and facts to support their proposals. The date which the commentary is written ( March 3, 2008) is fairly recent, this means that the arguments are based on up-to-date facts and events. This makes the opinions much more believable and the writers would have had the ability to look upon the issue with hindsight instead of just relying on raw information and emotion. Article Analysis “Robbed of Simple Pressures” The online news article, “Robbed of Simple Pressures”, outlines women’s rights in Iran. It is written by Ghazoll Motlagh, an Iranian college student who migrated to America in 1986. Her top education, personal experiences, and first-hand perspectives from both Islamic and Western cultures have brought the article both fact and wise opinion. A natural bias is not present and any one-sided view is based on well-found justification. Word choice is simple, but mature topics target mainly those educated and interested in worldly affairs. Nonetheless, the article persuades all readers to fight for woman’s rights. Strong emotions that call for change are flaunted in the many statements—“Now is the time for other organizations to step in and aid in the fight for freedom and equality”—including given interviews of tortured women. Objective aspects are likewise displayed in factual details. Though the text was written back in 2004, it bases on sufficient information, enough to analyze and reflect upon. With post Revolution views, 9/11 terrorist attacks, and discovered nuclear programs, the article was composed when conservatives conquered Iran as modernization spread the world. Iranians grew in isolation, and the article, like its readers, called for action, change, and progress! ARTICLES: PART A Summary and Personal Reflection 1 – “Iran backs Hezbollah in Lebanon” With tensions between Iran and Israel running high, Iran has been accused of supporting and supplying the terrorist group Hezbollah in their attacks on Israel. Although it is known that Iran’s leaders have agreed to support the anti-Israeli Lebanese militia, they have denied supplying Hezbollah with any type of weaponry. The president of Iran however still continues to fire threats at Israel and even openly praising Hezbollah for its war against the “evil and cancerous being” (Israel) and congratulated Hezbollah’s capture of two Israeli soldiers. Iran has also pledged to support its anti-Israeli ally Syria if it is assaulted. This has resulted in a larger gap between Iran and diplomatic solutions with the now anxious and precautious western nations. In my opinion, it is disgraceful how Iran allegedly supports terrorists. A country led by religious leaders who praises the deeds of violent insurgent groups who cause large cases of collateral damage. With large amounts of speculation and distrust forming around Iran’s rebuilding of its nuclear program, it is a fairly unwise decision to give added reasons for the western nations to harass the already degrading country. Also threatening Israel, a country backed by the western forces, with only Syria as an ally, is not very smart move either, although there is some logic to the choices made by Iran. Firstly, they know that an underground group such as Hezbollah would be hard to eradicate and disarm. Also, Iran’s intentions are heavily fueled by their religion, and with various bloody conflicts between them and Israel, it is possible to understand the extreme hate that they openly display toward the country. • How does Hezbollah feel being supported by a country? (Are they thankful for the support or is it just a nuisance?) Sciolino, Elaine. “Iran backs Hezbollah in Lebanon.” International Herald Tribune. 19/6/2006. International Herold Tribune. 23 Apr 2008 . Summary and Personal Response 2 – “ Iran’s Waning Human Rights” According to various experts from organizations such as the Human Rights Watch, Iran’s human rights recorded has begun to deteriorate. The main areas that have been targeted are the independent voices and free speech of individuals and organizations. Although the religious beliefs of Iran’s people forbid certain freedoms and require people to follow the teachings of Islam, the tolerance level and the consequences for breaking the laws are becoming increasingly extreme. Specific human rights violations include a rise in executions, namely the stoning of women and minors. Another infringement is the discrimination of religious and ethnic groups, religious freedom in Iran is restricted and there are even reports of imprisonment and persecution of other minorities by government authorities. The freedom of press has been severely limited if not destroyed, with government censorship on all press releases. Various media and human rights organizations have been shut down and a variety of companies are intimidated and hassled. The abuse of prisoners is another serious issue, although the government denies torturing its prisoners there are widespread reports of beatings within prisons and even some deaths rumored to be a result of torture. Even unofficial detention centers being run by Iran’s government have been found by the UN’s commission of human rights. Not all the blame can be laid on the governments shoulders; there are some volunteer groups such as the Basij that terrorize women, homosexuals and ethnic and religious factions. Some people say that a military intervention by the US or UN is the only way to stop the situation, others say that soft diplomatic solutions will begin to change the condition. Even so, compared to the rest of the Middle East, Iran’s policies are not as harsh, women are allowed small liberties such as the capability to go to school and there are still some independent newspapers and organizations. I recognize the stance that Iran takes towards human rights, being a theocracy run by the teachings of Islam, which has a very strict approach towards free will and individuality, encouraging humbleness and purity. So the limitations set on the freedom of choice are understandable. However I think Iran needs to understand that the world has entered a new age, and that in an age where people can converse across the world in a matter of milliseconds and in a world where democracy and equality reign supreme, isolation and the restriction of free human rights and will is not acceptable. In a world where people of different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds can transverse across the globe frequently and easily, you have to respect the rights of international organizations and foreigners in your country. Iran needs to loosen its grip on its people and allow at least a minimal amount of diversity into its country. Iran must also realize that inhumane executions for crimes such as adultery are a little extreme. Although it is clear that Iran is beginning to recognize the growing international pressure and have opened up a few civil liberties, such as giving the right for women to get an education and a job away from home. • How do the women of the country feel, are they satisfied with the new freedoms or they want the same system of free will as that of democratic countries such as the US? Beehner, Lionel. “Q&A: Iran’s Waning Human Rights Record.” The New York Times. 19/8/2006. The New York Times. 23 Apr 2008 . —————————————————————————————————————- ARTICLES: PART B Contrast and Compare Response Iran is viewed by the western world as a hostile, terrorist country. With its open hostility towards Israel and its willingness to support terrorists, its easy comprehend why the US is being very cautious with the situation. The prospect of nuclear weapons in the hands of an anti-western country is an enormous threat. Even worse, if weapons of mass destruction got into the hands of a terrorist group, like Hezbollah, which operates in Iran, nuclear annihilation of most of the world would become a daunting reality. With Iran claiming that it will continue its research no matter what the cost, and stating that it is willing to sell the information to other countries, extreme diplomatic pressure in the form of sanctions, or maybe even military intervention might be necessary On the other side, Iran should have the right to peruse nuclear research, especially if it is for a clean, renewable source of energy that would be open for the use of the public. It would be unfair that Iran would have to purchase nuclear energy from other countries, while they have the potential to develop it themselves but are being restricted by the countries that are selling the energy to them. In the end it would be a matter of determining the lesser evil, potentially removing the threat of a nuclear war at the cost of destroying billions of dollars worth of research, which might have been for a new economic advance in a developing country. Or letting Iran continue its nuclear plan and let it achieve the use of nuclear energy, but risking the fact that they may have a covert weapons program and may develop nuclear weapons which could likely be used against western nations or its main enemy Israel, and the nuclear technology would be in the area of highest terrorist activity. I think that the UN should continue to observe the nuclear progress of Iran closely, even if it means embedding spies into the country. They should continue the diplomatic talks and sanctions of nuclear products such as uranium, and only use military force if Iran is proven to have begun weapon research or has the potential to easily produce nuclear weapons. Q: “Is the US considering using nukes against Iran? • How will this issue relate to the upcoming US elections, will the republican candidate take the same stand as the current government run by republican George Bush about the issue? Q: “Iran is resolved to pursue nuclear program” “Iran is resolved to pursue nuclear program.” CNN.com. 18/9/2005. CNN. 23 Apr 2008 . Regan, Tom. “Is the US Considering Using Nukes Against Iran?.” The Christian Science Moniter. 10/4/2006. The Christian Science Moniter. 23 Apr 2008 . —————————————————————————————————————- ARTICLES: PART C Acrostic Poem Water shortages caused by frequent droughts are causing Iran’s economy and people to suffer Never has Iran experienced a drought this bad, causing a reduction of rainfall by 78%. Without water, almost 12.4 million acres of farmland and orchard fields have been destroyed Unless Iran learns to manage its resources and educate its people about the urgency of the situation, Iran is heading for dire consequences. There is really currently nothing they can do about the droughts to resolve the problem; I would predict that the current climate change would be responsible for the shift in weather patterns. Iran will have to cope and try to conserve what water they have left. With a lower amount of annual rainfall and the disappearance of bodies of water, Iran has to strictly sanction and manage its resources and make sure a minimal amount of water may be wasted. Iran cannot postpone the issue and expect the rains and lakes to return; neither can they rely on their dams and man made lakes. This will not only affect the amount of water that people can obtain, not enough rain means not enough farmland, which means not enough crops and animals for food. Damages due to freak floods and a drop in exportable items mean a degradation of the economy, and with shortages in provisions prices will inflate. However the public must be informed of the importance of conserving their water. Experts say Iran has enough water to make due with, but people cannot now use their water as they please, they cannot continue to exploit the resource in sizeable amounts. It must be stressful; worrying about how much longer the water will last, having to live in a house where you wouldn’t be able to have a flow of water constantly, not being able to take a bath etc. • If the droughts and minimal rainfall continue, what method/technologies will Iran use to survive? Macfarquhar, Nei. “Drought Chokes Off Iran’s Water and It’s Economy.” The New York Times. 18/9/2007. The New York Times. 23 Apr 2008 . Iran blames U.K. for an explosion in a Mosque. Blaming them for supporting the terrorists. The explosion have killed 14 people. click this button to go to the website. Here is the link to the official website of Iran. Below is a video. |
Hosted by Edublogs.
Mandigo theme by tom.
Entries (RSS)
and Comments (RSS).
