The book 'Iran in an Emerging New World Order' by Ali Fathollah-Nejad critically examines Iran's foreign policy and international relations from the post-9/11 era to the rise of Rouhani in late 2014. It explores Iran's geopolitical imaginations, its relations with non-Western great powers, and critiques the 'Rouhani doctrine.' The book provides a nuanced analysis of Iran's policy-making process, drawing on extensive primary and secondary sources. It offers insights into the domestic, regional, and international dimensions that shape Iran's foreign policy, making it a valuable resource for understanding Iran's role in the evolving global order.

On January 3, twin blasts in Kerman, Iran, killed over 90 people near a ceremony for Gen. Qasem Soleimani. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, but Iran blamed Israel and the U.S., citing little evidence. Israel typically targets Iranian state and military infrastructure, not civilians. The Islamic State's claim was disputed by Iran's Tasnim News Agency, suggesting Israeli involvement. Iran's missile attacks on neighboring regions post-incident were seen as a response to internal and external legitimacy pressures. The U.S. dismissed involvement claims, and the EU expressed solidarity with Iran. The Islamic Republic's narrative is seen as a strategy to maintain legitimacy and unity amid skepticism from Iranian society.

The article discusses the recent protests in Iran triggered by a significant increase in fuel prices, which have exacerbated the economic hardships faced by many Iranians. It highlights the widespread discontent with the government's handling of the economy, the lack of trust in promises of compensation, and the broader socio-economic issues that have fueled the unrest. The piece also draws parallels with the protests of 2017-2018, noting both similarities and differences in scale and intensity. The government's response, including violent suppression and internet shutdowns, is critiqued, and the article suggests that the ongoing economic and social grievances will likely lead to further unrest.

Increasing public discontent in Iran over the country's involvement in Syria is highlighted through recent protests and public statements. Key figures like former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and former Tehran Mayor Gholam Hossein Karbaschi have openly criticized the intervention. The economic and human costs of the conflict are becoming more apparent, leading to growing calls for a diplomatic rather than military approach. The sentiment among Iranians is that resources spent on the Syrian war should be redirected to address domestic needs, with slogans like 'Leave Syria Alone!' gaining traction. The article underscores the challenges faced by the Iranian regime in justifying its foreign policy amid rising domestic unrest.

The formation of an unofficial Iran opposition coalition, including prominent figures like Reza Pahlavi, Masih Alinejad, and Shirin Ebadi, marks a significant step towards unifying the Iranian diaspora to support the revolutionary movement in Iran. The coalition aims to pressure Western governments to isolate the Islamic Republic and support democratic change. However, the coalition faces challenges in representing the working class and integrating diverse social groups. The coalition members emphasize unity against the Islamic Republic, the creation of a secular democracy, and the importance of including workers' interests in their strategy.

Iran's official stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine reflects support for Moscow's narrative, blaming NATO's eastward expansion for creating tension and threatening regional stability. Iranian media and officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi, have echoed the Kremlin's portrayal of the conflict, while some Iranian intellectuals and media figures have criticized this stance. Despite attempts by the Russian Embassy in Tehran to influence Iranian media coverage, there is a notable societal distrust toward Russia within Iran. Tehran's support for Russia is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties with Moscow and gain political support against the United States.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the intertwining of politics and economics has led to an oligarchic system where the post-revolutionary elite controls both spheres. Originally intended to aid the poor, the regime has instead created a new class of wealthy elites through religious foundations and monopolistic practices. The brain drain, driven by limited career opportunities, costs Iran billions annually. Despite economic reforms and the nuclear deal, socio-economic inequality persists, leading to widespread protests. The article highlights the systemic corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency within Iran's political economy, suggesting that the structural economic crisis will continue despite potential sanctions relief.

Iranian officials view the 25-year cooperation agreement with China as a strategic move to counter U.S. sanctions and Western pressure, aligning with a 'Look to the East' policy. The deal is seen as a significant step towards economic stability and geopolitical balance, though its full potential remains uncertain due to ongoing U.S. sanctions and Iran's FATF blacklisting. The narrative emphasizes the need for Iran to diversify its international relations to maximize the benefits of the agreement.

Iran has become a major epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the spread of the virus exacerbated by domestic and geopolitical factors, including the regime's need for support and a collapse of public confidence. The country's response has been influenced by US-led sanctions and a dependency on non-Western powers like China. The Iranian government has been criticized for its handling of the pandemic, the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet, and its inability to address socioeconomic issues, which may lead to renewed unrest. The impact of sanctions on Iran's pandemic response is complex, with Tehran attempting to use the crisis to pressure the US and EU to ease sanctions. The pandemic has further damaged Iran's economy, leading to protests and concerns over the potential for increased authoritarian control.

Iran's parliamentary elections on 21 February resulted in a victory for the conservative 'principlists', following mass disqualification of reformist and moderate candidates by the ultraconservative Guardian Council. The elections saw a historically low turnout, reflecting widespread public disillusionment with the regime. The conservative victory, which included all 30 seats in Tehran, may signal a shift towards a more militaristic and nationalistic political landscape, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps poised to extend its influence. The article explores the implications of the election results for domestic power distribution, potential negotiations with the U.S., and the future of reformism in Iran.

The Iranian parliamentary elections on February 21, 2020, resulted in a predictable victory for conservative and ultraconservative factions, following mass disqualifications of reformist and moderate candidates by the Council of Guardians of the Constitution. The low voter turnout, officially at 42.6%, has cast doubts on the regime's legitimacy and reflects public disillusionment. The conservative victory, while consolidating power, may be a Pyrrhic one, as it exposes the regime's crisis of legitimacy and could lead to internal strategic reassessments. The elections have also reignited discussions on the future of reformism in Iran, questioning whether the failure of the moderate and reformist camp will lead to their ultimate disappearance or a reformation of their approach to address socio-economic grievances.

Iran's parliamentary elections are taking place amid significant internal and external pressures, with a backdrop of public discontent and a crackdown on dissent. The Guardian Council has disqualified a large number of candidates, mostly from the reformist camp, which President Hassan Rouhani criticizes as robbing voters of choice. The parliament and presidency, Iran's semi-republican institutions, are overshadowed by theocratic institutions, with the parliament recently further weakened by the Supreme Economic Council's decision to triple fuel prices. The elections follow the November protests, the deadliest in the Islamic Republic's history, and the accidental downing of a civilian airliner by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, both of which have significantly undermined the regime's legitimacy.

The killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike authorized by President Trump has sparked significant debate among Brookings experts. The event is seen as a pivotal moment in U.S.-Iran relations, with potential for severe repercussions in the Middle East. Experts express concerns over the strategic planning behind the strike, its implications for U.S. presence in Iraq, and the broader geopolitical consequences. The assassination is viewed as a significant escalation that could lead to unpredictable Iranian retaliation and further destabilize the region. The analysis highlights the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, the role of Iran's proxies, and the potential impact on U.S. foreign policy.

The article from Brookings discusses the implications of the recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, with various experts weighing in on the situation. They analyze the U.S. strategy against Iran-backed militias, the Iraqi government's response, and the potential for escalation of conflict. The experts criticize the Trump administration's aggressive response, which they believe undermines U.S. interests and could lead to further destabilization of Iraq. They also discuss Iran's influence in Iraq, the role of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the impact on Iraqi politics and society. The sentiment towards the U.S. and Iranian actions is generally negative, with concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. policy and the aggressive tactics of Iran in the region.

Nationwide protests in Iran have erupted due to socio-economic conditions exacerbated by a fuel price hike. The government's justification for the increase, aimed at combating smuggling and generating hard currency through exports, has been met with skepticism. The protests reflect accumulated economic pressures, high youth unemployment, inflation, and corruption. The government's compensation plan for needy households is uncertain and lacks transparency, leading to widespread distrust. The fuel price decision, made by the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination and supported by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has been criticized for its timing and poor management. The protests, larger in scale than the 2017-18 upheaval, have turned into anti-regime demonstrations, with Tehran experiencing significant unrest. The regime's response has been a brutal crackdown and an internet blackout, but the protests continue, indicating potential sympathy within security forces. The unrest also coincides with regional challenges to Iran's influence in Lebanon and Iraq.

The Iranian Revolution, initiated with promises of social justice and greater freedom, has seen mixed results over four decades. While there have been improvements in infrastructure, education, and literacy, significant economic and social challenges persist, including high unemployment, income inequality, and widespread poverty. The political landscape remains repressive, with limited democratic freedoms and ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with the United States. The revolution's achievements are overshadowed by its failures to deliver on key promises, leading to widespread public disillusionment.

The Gulf crisis, now in its third year, continues to impact regional dynamics, exacerbating tensions in countries like Sudan, Algeria, Libya, and Yemen. Qatar has managed to withstand the blockade, maintaining strong economic growth and forging closer ties with Turkey and Iran. The crisis has also strained relations between Morocco and the Saudi-Emirati bloc, while Qatar's neutral stance positions it as a potential mediator in U.S.-Iran hostilities. The blockade has disrupted trade and investment in the region, and the social fabric of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been significantly damaged, with long-lasting animosities likely to persist.

Since the Syrian uprising in 2011, Iran's military involvement in Syria has escalated from sending advisors to commanding Shia militias. The rise of ISIL in 2014 allowed Iran to justify its presence as a 'war on terror.' Despite significant casualties and financial costs, Iran has maintained its military operations, often keeping the details secret from the public. The Iranian regime has used various narratives to justify its actions, including protecting Shia shrines and exporting the Islamic Revolution. However, with ISIL's defeat, Iran faces challenges in justifying its continued presence in Syria amid growing public discontent.

Since the Syrian uprising in 2011, Iran's military presence in Syria has grown significantly, initially providing military advisors and later commanding Shia militias. The rise of ISIL in 2014 allowed Iran to justify its involvement as a 'war on terror.' Major-General Qasem Soleimani's visit to Moscow in 2015 led to coordinated Russian-Iranian operations that bolstered the Assad regime. Despite increasing casualties and economic strain, Iran continues to justify its military expenditures in Syria by emphasizing potential economic benefits and the protection of Shia shrines. However, public discontent in Iran is growing as the justification for the military presence becomes less tenable with ISIL's defeat.

The article examines the multifaceted causes behind the recent protests in Iran, highlighting both structural and contingent factors. It discusses the widespread discontent among economically dispossessed youth, lower middle class, students, and pensioners, exacerbated by the Rouhani administration's neoliberal policies and the regime's authoritarianism. The protests, which have spanned across 70 cities, are fueled by economic inequality, corruption, and unmet social justice promises. The text underscores the ongoing rage and potential for future unrest, criticizing both conservative and reformist factions of the Iranian establishment.

Russia has emerged from recession with increased macroeconomic stability, aided by the central bank's inflation targeting and a new fiscal rule aimed at reducing oil dependence. The rule sets a fixed oil price benchmark for budgeting, protects the National Welfare Fund, and is straightforward to implement. However, it lacks provisions for non-oil business cycles and an escape clause for exceptional circumstances. Enhancements could include accumulating more fiscal savings and addressing deficits from non-oil revenue projections. Successful implementation depends on complementary policies and political commitment.