On Sunday, Iranians observed the Shiite holiday of Ashura, which commemorates the death of Shiite Islam's holiest martyr, Imam Hussein. Anti-government protests were met with severe violence by state security forces. Witnesses said the protests were the largest and bloodiest since those following the disputed presidential elections in June.
Search Results for 'Juan Cole'
Video Blogwatch
December 28, 2009
Citizens of Iran mobilize during Ashura holiday protests
Perspectives
July 20, 2009
Chants, boos and colored ribbons at Friday prayers in Iran
A Worldfocus contributor describes the cheers and boos at a protest in Iran on Friday. One of the country’s top religious leaders, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, expressed new doubts about the results of the recent presidential election.
Blogwatch
May 28, 2009
Controversy stirs ahead of major election in Lebanon
From U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Beirut to new accusations about an old assassination, Lebanon is heating up in advance of its June 7 national election, which could see the tides turn for Hezbollah.
Interview (video)
May 21, 2009
Obama defends decision to close Guantanamo prison
On Thursday, U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a strong defense of his decision to close the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay. Shayana Kadidal of the Center for Constitutional Rights discusses how the president made his case, the next step and potential pitfalls of the Obama plan.
Perspectives
May 21, 2009
What to do about Guantanamo?
President Obama is pressing ahead with his plan to close the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo. Could it mean suspected terrorists are headed to America? A Worldfocus contributing blogger explores what the future holds for Guantanamo and its detainees.
Perspectives
April 29, 2009
In first 100 days, Obama changes tone toward Middle East
Wednesday marks Barack Obama's 100th day in office. Worldfocus contributing blogger Juan Cole takes a look at how the president has fared in the Middle East, where Obama has attempted to change the tone of U.S. foreign policy -- but not necessarily the substance.
Blogwatch
February 23, 2009
“Slumdog” sweeps Oscars, draws mixed reactions in India
Danny Boyle's feel-good love story "Slumdog Millionaire," set in Mumbai, won eight Oscars Sunday night. But the movie has faced some criticism in India.
Perspectives
December 23, 2008
A divided Lebanon is united by DNA
A Worldfocus contributing blogger writes about the discovery that Lebanon's Christians and Muslims share Phoenician ancestry, a legacy that was a source of dispute during the country's civil war.
Blogwatch
December 1, 2008
Mumbai attacks provoke blogger response
Bloggers from all corners of the globe -- from India and Pakistan to the U.S. -- have weighed in on the attacks on Mumbai, from a variety of angles and perspectives.
Perspectives
September 11, 2008
The original Al Qaeda is defeated
A Worldfocus contributing blogger assesses Al Qaeda's condition and outlines its history.
