This section brings to the forefront of our site
changes that may be of interest to our visitors. Our team of writers
and web developers keep the site constantly changing, always trying to
bring you up-to-date factual information as well as thought provoking
analytic pieces:
March 6: AIC President returns from Mideast tour, which included visits to Tehran and Dubai. An article detailing the highlights of this trip will be featured in the next AIC Update.
March 2: President Ahmadinejad visits Iraq on a historical trip, the two nations have had little to no ties since the Iran-Iraq war in 1980. Ahmadinejad reiterated several times throughout his trip that, "Iran has no need to intervene in Iraq", despite U.S. claims that the trip was an attempt to meddle into Iraqi affairs...(more)
January 22: AIC has published an article proposing a "Big Push" for US-Iran relations. The idea centers on a concerted non-conditional diplomatic effort to prepare for normalized US-Iran relations that begins with a change toward a more respectful tone. The article is entitled "Nuclear Geopolitics in US-Iran Relations: The case for a Big Push towards confidence building"
December 15: AIC has phttp://www.american-iranian.org/publications/aic-update/ublished a major article on the power structure and relations within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran's politcal system and decision making are complex. While there is, of course, the legal structure, there is also the "de facto" way in which it operates. It is important to understand something of both.
November 16: The AIC has interviewed former political detainee in Iran's Evin prison, Ali Shakeri. Prior to his 140 day imprisonment, Mr. Shakeri had been a founding member of the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding of the Univeristy of California - Irvine. Mr. Shakeri has worked with and supported the AIC for many years, and has granted us an in depth and exclusive interview on his detention in Iran. Amongst issues discussed where, his time in solitary confinement, the overwhelming support that he received from the community during his detention and upon his arrival, and the reality of a war with Iran...(Full Transcript of the Interview) 
October 23: PBS Frontline aired Showdown With Iran on October 23, 2007. This program is of great interest and importance to those seeking a better understanding of the AIC and how it has worked to improve the American-Iranian relationship. The AIC's work to help bring the U.S. and Iran together by means of the "Grand Bargain" proposal is featured in this documentary. Documents used by Mr. Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times and the PBS Frontline team may be found on this site (documents in pdf format). The AIC is proud of all past efforts and initiatives taken to improve this difficult relationship. An improved relationship would benefit both countries and their peoples. The DVD will soon be available. Check back for details.
October 15: In "Iran and Nuclear Geopolitics in the Middle East," Dr. Amirahmadi presents and argument requiring the reader to reexamine his or her assumptions pertaining to the rise of Iran and its nuclear technological capabilities. Is the Irananian quest for nuclear energy a rational action that is nothing more than a bid for energy diversification and continued independence? Or, is it a mask for its real intention, that is, to build a weapons program? If this latter point turns out to be true, what are the consequences of it? Should the international community accept such a bid?
September 27: The AIC helped to organize a dinner event with the President of Iran, Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on his brief trip to New York City. This event involved a lengthy and lively exchange of ideas. President Ahmadinejad noted that he had learned important lessons and gained useful insights from his trip to the United States. The AIC brought nearly 10 of its members and supporters to meet with the President in order to share with him ideas on improving the American Iranian relationship. Many of these ideas related to the importance of more effective exchanges of academic, diplomatic, and business relations. (Over the next few days, we will include different commentaries and analyses of the President's visit to the United States, his speech at the U.N., and our understanding of where the oveall U.S-Iran relationship itself.)
A traditional Haft Sin table celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is seen set Wednesday, March 19, 2008 in the State Dining Room of the White House. Nowruz is, in the Persian culture, a family-oriented holiday celebrating the New year and the coming of spring. The Haft Sin table has seven items symbolizing, new life, joy, love, beauty, health, sunrise, patience, and garlic is used to ward of evil. Laura Bush welcomed guests to the White House for a tea in honor of Nowruz. There were several other honorable recognitions of Nowruz by key players in Washington, the most prominent one coming in the form of a letter released by President Bush (
The AIC's programs exists upon a foundation of academic research. Our team of researchers, policy experts and columnists all have substantive academic backgrounds and interests. We include articles that are primarily theoretical, some that are primarily practical, and many that are combinations of the two. While the most recent ones are listed below, others may be found in the "