The big deal about the Iran nuclear deal

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/11/iran-nuclear-deal-battle-spin-201311255301531860.html
This article was on Aljazeera under the opinion section and was written by a professor of Iranian Studies. I chose this article because the author really presented both sides of the deal and it seemed to me to be a fair presentation of the information compared to other articles that I had seen. Also, I wanted to get a perspective of someone who is very knowledgeable about Iran. One thing in this article that he even out is how the information concerning the deal that was made is already being twisted by different people to benefit them. For example, the article mentions how the U.S government presented the deal with it's own spin for domestic benefits. Also, the article mentions how Iran put it's on spin on the deal as well. Since the author presented how different sides have twisted the information concerning the deal for their own benefits I feel like the author presented both sides pretty well and did not leave much out. The author points out that he believes that the winner in this deal is Iran, and I agree. I think that Iran is the winder because as a result of the deal Iran now has no threat of military action for right now and has had some sanctions lifted that were really hurting the Iranians. A final point about this article is that it makes a connection to class because it discusses how geopolitics will be changed as a result this deal. We have discussed in class how other situations have impacted geopolitics in this region.

Israeli PM tweets prior to deal being reached

This tweet from the Prime Minister of Israel on November 20, 2013, is in response to ongoing negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program. These messages were tweeted prior to a deal being made on November 24. Clearly, the PM is letting the public know that the overall Israeli position is that there should be absolutely no nuclear program within Iran. The chance of Iran having the capabilities to produce nuclear weapons is a massive threat to Israel. This viewpoint is understandable considering the closeness of Iran to Israel and also it's rocky relations. What I find most interesting about these tweets after the fact, is that the last one says "this must be a genuine solution." Knowing that a deal has recently been made, it's interesting because the deal is simply just a temporary solution, more of a first step rather than an end-all response. It's as if the PM knew that the deal that would be agreed upon would not be a genuine, final solution but rather one that eases present tensions. 

Iran is negotiating with the wrong US officials.

http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2013/11/us-iran-negotiationsnuclear.html

This article from Al Jazeera America is in the opinion section and focuses on the current talks between the United States and Iran on nuclear power and sanctions. As known by many already, there has been an ongoing conflict of interest between the United States and Iran over Iran's desire to have nuclear power as a source of energy. Many U.S. politicians and policy makers argue that nuclear energy isn't the true goal of Iran, but nuclear weapons are. This article's author argues that Iranian officials are discussing sanction talks with the wrong "arm" of the U.S. government. While Kerry is talking to Iranian officials and is a direct link to the U.S. executive department, the author seems to argue that the talks should be with Congress. The article points out that Congress largely wants to keep the tough sanctions and actually make them even tougher on the Iranian economy. The article goes on to point out that only Congress can change laws, since they are the ones who create laws. I personally agree with the author's argument to an extent. I think talking to the U.S. executive branch is important for negotiations, but I feel trying to talk directly with the U.S. Congress is equally important, as they are the branch tasked with creating and changing laws.

A Deal Has Been Made

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/23/john-kerry-iran-nuclear-talks/3685425/

     This article by USA today announces that a deal has been made with Iran. Iran agreed to limitations on their nuclear power program in return for $7 billion in aid in order to help them recover from the effects of the sanctions that have been placed on them. Not only has this deal been made, but if Iran goes against the agreement the sanctions will be reinstated. It is only the first step in the process, but I feel that it was a good step. In a way, everyone gets what they want. The United States has new security in knowing that the nuclear plan is a peaceful one and that they can cancel the deal if Iran does not comply. Iran gets to continue with their nuclear energy research, at a more limited level of course, and gets economic help for their nation. The United States' allies, are relieved because they feel safer knowing that no nuclear weapons will be headed their way via Iran. This deal is a way to calm some very stressful situations in the Middle East as well as soothe worries in the countries in the west. I find it interesting though that Israel is not as content with this decision as other allies of the United States are. Most of what they wanted was achieved, but they still feel unsafe and threatened. They want nothing to do with the deal. I think Iran should have access to nuclear energy if that is the energy source they choose to utilize as long as the world is safe from nuclear weapons. It seems that Israel wants Iran to have nothing to do with nuclear power, which is understandable beings they are neighbors, but there has to be a middle ground to please everyone. I believe this first step is a step in the right direction because the United States and other world powers can now monitor the situation more closely and make the world safer.

Background/History

This video gives a really good overview of the history and issues concerning Iran's nuclear program. As a result, I thought that this would be a good video to start the blog with to give everyone some background information. I was interested to hear that the leader of Iran stopped the nuclear program but restarted it after the Iran/Iraq war in which Saddam Hussein attacked the people of Iran with chemical weapons. This attack as well as the Iran/Iraq war connects to class because it was something that we discussed in depth and the video showed how it was related to Iran's nuclear program.  One of the best things about the video is the part where it depicts how uranium is changed to be used for weapons which is something I did not previously understand. A major theme or issue that is involved with Iran's nuclear program is the fact that no one knows for sure if Iran is indeed using it's nuclear program to build weapons. I believe that it is definitely a possibility considering they said they were not building weapons in the past and then an underground facility that was capable of making weapons was discovered. Also, it is suspicious that Iran will not allow the IAEA to go to all of their facilities and test for anything they would like. I think that it is very important to take into consideration this situation from the Iranians perspective. Iranians could feel that the IAEA just wants to come into their facilities and start testing whatever they want and going to any facility they feel like to look for things that may not exist. When considering the situation from their perspective it seems justified to not allow the IAEA to go and do what they want to.

Program Outline and time lines

In this online blog project you are being asked to search the web for information related to the nuclear power program undertaken by Iran. I would like you to look at sources of media surrounding this particular issue to see how Iran, its neighbors, 'the Middle East', nuclear power/weapons, ‘nuclear countries’, oil, geopolitics etc were being portrayed. What can we learn about the place of Iran from this differing coverage? What can we learn about those who are writing about Iran from this coverage? In other words, how is media-even global media-place based? You will need to do 3 posts over 3 weeks. You can chose to structure your posts chronologically, or regionally, or just jump into whatever aspect excites you the most--this is YOUR blog. Timeline 11/14-12/05 post to the blog (original posts and responses) by 12/07 all posting and replies end 12/16 turn in write-up

The Directions

One of the themes of this course is how do we learn about other places, and particularly places in the Middle East. In this blog you will be discussing the coverage of, assumptions about, and [expected] outcomes of the nuclear power/program in Iran. What can we learn about Iran? About geopolitics? Energy as a source empowerment or weaponry? And of course how our geographic imaginations of Iran are shaped by what is said about it in the wide world of media. Here is what I will be looking for in your online participation: Regular participation!– I expect you to contribute your thoughts to your groups’ blog regularly throughout the 9 days of the project. Don’t just drop in once or twice and expect a good grade. You are expected at a minimum to upload 3 items (with a discussion of what you see) and respond to at least 3 posts by your groupmates. This level of participation, if done well, can earn you a B, but more is needed for that coveted A. Interesting and diverse postings—are you only looking at CNN? Not that CNN is wrong, their articles should be on the blog too, but try also looking farther afield. This could be news sources from around the world, or different types of media (cartoons, Youtube, mashups, flickr, etc) Depth of reflection and analysis– once you have found an item to share with the group, don't just state an opinion and stop, develop your ideas, show why you view the item the way you do. Don’t be afraid to share experiences where relevant, but always keep your tone and content respectful; A willingness to examine your own assumptions –the best way for YOU to get credit for examining your assumptions is if others (graciously and respectfully) point out the assumptions you are making. Thus don’t be afraid to disagree with each other. Or even if you do agree, can you find a source that wouldn’t? What are the assumptions that separate the two? Direct references to reading material when called for. Here is what to avoid: 1. Attacking another point of view or person; disagreeing is fine, but be respectful and give your reasons, simple yes or no responses; 2. Long winded responses in most cases a few well developed paragraphs should do, 3. Late responses be sure to participate in the dialogs during the time period in which the topic is up for discussion.

What to do

For every post, you will need to complete one of two following types of tasks keeping in mind the directions above. TASK ONE - ORIGINAL THOUGHTS, ORIGINAL POSTS The first task is to create at least three new threads (starting messages) over the project timeframe that pose significantly different points than those already offered. This is where you upload or post your media source and your original analysis of it. These must be completed by April 15th in order for your peers to have an opportunity to reply back to your ideas. It will be to your benefit to contribute your first thought early (to avoid having to read all other messages in order to see what points have not yet been made). TASK TWO - CARRYING AN IDEA FARTHER The second task is to make at least three new replies to blog threads started by other members of your group. The responses to others can answer questions posed, amplify and support points (with evidence and observations), or question and pose counter-arguments to points made by others (with evidence and observations). You can make your replies in text alone or add media your replies. These responses can diverge, reflect or support other statements already offered. However, each contribution must offer significant additional information (i.e. -- an "I Agree!" message will not earn points). When you are presenting any media, fact, or statements that state a conclusion, you are responsible for properly citing your sources so that the statements can be verified or clarified. This is particularly important with the media—let us see it, even if you just upload a picture from a news story include the link so that we can follow it back and see the image in its original context. You can link this information to the title of your post and/or list it in the "List of our Sources" widget at the bottom of the page. If you are using yourself and your personal experience as the source, then you must make this obvious, such as "based upon what (Iranian) friend's father told me, the city of Tehran is full of coffee shops where people talk about politics. This helps explain this sentence in my article_________." Or "After my mom explained how she felt when the American hostages were taken, this __________ sentiment made more sense to me." You are encouraged to bring your personal experiences into the discussions. The purpose of discussions within the course is to share experiences and backgrounds, as well as perceptions and ideas, so that we can learn in a peer-to-peer manner. Please realize that my role as the instructor is to monitor the discussions but I will generally refrain from participating unless the conversation needs guidance into another direction. Comments to the class will reflect the entirety of the discussions observed and your grade will be based on your successful completion of the requirements (specified above).

Questions to ask of the media the sources

Come questions that you may wish to consider as you look at the various texts include: a) What are the primary concerns of each author as revealed in the representation/text? b) Who or what are the author’s sources? How did he/she obtain the information? c) For whom is the author writing and how does this affect the themes discussed and the overall presentation? d) What is the general impression given? Can you identify a master metaphor? e) What kinds of details are given, what details are excluded, and why? f) Are the various representations consistent with one another? If not, why not? g) How has the representation of this place evolved over time?

code of conduct: the rules

You are expected to treat your instructor and all other participants on the blog with courtesy and respect. Your comments to others should be factual, constructive, and free from harassing statements. You are encouraged to disagree with other students, but such disagreements need to be based upon facts and documentation (rather than prejudices and personalities). Students will need to contribute in intelligent, positive, and constructive manners within the activity. Unprofessional or disrespectful conduct will result in a lower grade for this assignment. Behaviors that are abusive, disruptive, or harassing will result in being denied further access to the blog and may result in further disciplinary actions. Warnings will not be given; part of the learning process in this course is respectful engagement of ideas with others.

media sources to consider (links on BB and can be googled)

Partial list of resources (includes only Internet-searchable resources) General World newspapers (sources list) Local media around the world (sources list) Arab Net TradeArabia.com Om al-Dunya (Arabic and English) Country by country profiles Commentaries Café Arabica Mid East Web (Multilingual Israeli site) Arabia.com Selected institutions Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies L’Institut du Monde Arabe (Paris) Khalil Sakakini Cultural center (Palestine) Newspapers and news sources Regional Al-Jazeera (English) As-Sharq al-Awsat (Arabic) Arabic News (English) Middle East Online (Arabic & English) Al-Hayat (Arabic) Dar al-Hayat (English) Algeria Al-Khabar (Arabic) El-Moujahid (French) El-Watan (French) Al-Youm (Arabic) Horizons (French) La Liberté (French) Le Matin (French) La Nouvelle République (French) Bahrain Al-Ayyam (Arabic) Gulf Daily News (English) Bahrain Tribune (English) Akhbar al-Khaleej (Arabic) Djibouti La nation (French) Egypt Al-Ahram (Arabic) Al-Ahram Weekly (English) Akhbar al-‘Ummal (Arabic) Al-Gumhuriyyah (Arabic) Al-Wafd (Arabic) Middle East Times (English) Al-Ahali (Arabic) Cairo Times (English) Al-Masa’ (Arabic) Ash-Sha’b (Arabic) Iraq Electronic Iraq (English) Iraq Press (English & Arabic) Iraq Today (English) Baghdad Bulletin (English) BBC Iraq (English) Institute for War and Peace Reporting (English) Kurdish Media (English) Kurdistan Democratic Party (English) Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (English) Jordan Jordan Times (English) Ad-Dustur (Arabic) Al-Ra’y (Arabic) The Star (English) Kuwait Al-Rai’ al-Aam (Arabic) Al-Watan (Arabic) Kuwait Daily (English) Lebanon The Daily Star (English) As-Safir (Arabic) Al-Anwar (Arabic) Al-Liwa’ (Arabic) An-Nahar (Arabic) Al-Mustaqbal (Arabic) L’Orient le jour (French) Libya Al-Fajr al-Jadeed (English) Al-Fajr al-Jadeed (Arabic) Al-Fateh (Arabic) Al-Jamahiriyyah (Arabic) Al-Shams (Arabic) Al-Zahf al-Akhdar (Arabic) Morocco Al-Anba’ (Arabic) As-Sabah (Arabic) Morocco Today (multi-lingual) Palestine The Electronic Intifada (English) Palestine News Agency (WAFA) (English, Arabic, Hebrew, French) Jerusalem Media and Communication Center (English) Al-Ayyam (Arabic) Al-Hayah al-Jadidah (Arabic) A-Quds (Arabic) Al-Manar (Arabic) Fasl al-Maqal (Arabic. Israeli-Arab) Qatar Al-Rayah (Arabic) Al-Watan (Arabic) Gulf Times (English) Saudi Arabia Aj-Jazirah (Arabic) Al—Mojaz (Arabic) Ar-Riyad (Arabic) Arab News (English) Al-Yaum (Arabic) Muheet (Arabic) Okaz (Arabic) Sudan Al-Ra’y al’Aam (Arabic) Al-Mehairah (Arabic. Islamist) Syria Syria Times (English) Tishreen (Arabic) Al-Thawra (Arabic) Al-Ba’th (Arabic) Tunisia Akhbar Tunis (Arabic) Al-Hurriyah (Arabic) La Presse (French) Le Renouveau (French) United Arab Emirates Gulf News (English) Al-Khaleej (Arabic) Khaleej Times (English) Dubai News (English) Yemen Yemen Times (English) 26 of September (Arabic) Al-Thawrah (Arabic)

Think tanks to consider

Think Tanks that might have Policy Papers to look at: Stanley Foundation Media Think Tanks Poynter Institute World Journalism Institute Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Thompson-Reuters Foundation International Institute for Journalism World Press Institute (right in your own backyard!) Center for Public Media Non-Press Think Tanks Council on Foreign Relations Center for Strategic and International Studies Middle East Institute International Crisis Group Center for American Progress World Affairs Councils ISIS Woodrow Wilson International Institute for Strategic Studies

NAMES

This Blog is for Kyle, John, Sheena, Moira, Melanie, Andrew PAR, Christina SPAD, and Marcella.