The June first edition of Newsweek features Iran, with articles by Fareed Zakaria, Hooman Majd, and Maziar Bahari. There is also a great article about Rahm Emmanuel and his mission for peace. Rahm is definitely an asset in the Peace Process for Obama. The cover reads "Everything you think you know about Iran is wrong"
If you do not subscribe to Newsweek you should definitely pick up this issue from the newsstand. Here's a quick rundown of what is inside.
Tehran or Bust: A Journey Through the Heart of Iran--Hooman Majd's article that reviews major cities and the complex views and attitudes of many Iranians. This article begins to reflect the complexity of Iran's population and the diversity of outlooks held by many. Hard to stereotype after reading this.
The Peace Maker--Dan Ephron and Michael Hirsh compare and contrast Netanyahu and Emmanuel. This article begins with the similar backgrounds of the two men, but then carefully develops the essential and valuable role that Rahm will play in the drive for a settlement. (I've always thought that Rahm is a tremendous asset central to getting any real change in US policy toward Israel.)
They May Not Want the Bomb and Other Unexpected Truths--Fareed Zakaria's article highlights the inane neocon talking points and shoots them down. 1) Iranians aren't sucidal 2) Iran isn't a dictatorship 3) Iran might be ready to deal.
Anyone But Ahmadinejad: The Unlikely Candidacy of Mir Hossein Mousavi--Maziar Bahari's article about the potential of the mobilized youth vote in the June 12th election. I found that my numbers about the youth in Iran have been off. I have repeatedly cited 50% of the population was born after the Revolution--if this article is correct that number is closer to 75%. WOW!! A very interesting article that portrays Mousavi as a of bit an enigmatic figure (and artist) who might just pull off an upset. I must admit I'm a bit nervous about a backlash among conservatives in Iran with Mousavi being featured so prominently in the Western (US) media. Oh well.
There are also two excellent interviews with Mohammad Khatami (Former Reform President) and Mohammed Elbaradei (Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency)
UPDATE: Thanks for the Rec list--much appreciated. I am starting to get very optimistic about the election in Iran--Mousavi may pull it off. Something to watch for the next two weeks.
UPDATE II: Thanks for putting this #1 on the list. I had a rec'ed diary before, but not number #1. Thanks, it means a great deal.