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Unwrapping Iran Iran is a complicated nation; it is isolated and yet active in the world, ruled by religious tradition yet modern in many ways. In this series, NPR listens to what Iranians are saying, from those in coffee shops to those who hold power, examining Iran's politics, economy and controversial nuclear program.
Special Series

Unwrapping Iran

In this series, NPR aims to bring a greater understanding of the country and it's people.

Wednesday

Iran Cracks Down On Human Rights Activists

Every so often, activists will be arrested, visitors from the U.S. will be detained and groups shut down. It's not enough to spark protests in the streets, but it appears to be calibrated to discourage the spread of a human rights movement in Iran.

Iran Cracks Down On Human Rights Activists

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Tuesday

Iran's Economy Struggles As Sanctions Take Hold

Dramatically lower oil prices and mismanaged government policy, fueled by the growing bite of international economic sanctions, are causing deep problems for Iran. The state of Iran's economy will certainly have a huge impact this June, when President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faces re-election.

Iran's Economy Struggles As Sanctions Take Hold

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Friday

In Iran, Supreme Leader Wields True Power

If the U.S. wants to improve relations with Iran, it can happen only with the approval of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran's supreme leader controls everything from Iran's nuclear program to full authority over foreign policy.

In Iran, Supreme Leader Wields True Power

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Tuesday

Memoirs Recount Limitations Of Life In Modern Iran

Memoir writers Azar Nafisi and Azadeh Moaveni chronicle life in pre- and post-revolution Iran — and offer a glimpse of a people struggling to find pockets of freedom within a repressive regime.

Memoirs Recount Limitations Of Life In Modern Iran

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Monday

Abolqasem Ferdowsi: The Poet Who Rescued Iran

Ferdowsi combines myth and history in Shahnameh, known in English as the "Book of Kings." It chronicles the rulers and warriors of the Persian empire, which had come and gone long before the poet was born in 940 A.D.

Abolqasem Ferdowsi: The Poet Who Rescued Iran

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Saturday

Rethinking Iran: Perceptions On U.S.-Iran Relations

As the Obama administration establishes its foreign policy, it must grapple with a strategy for U.S. relations with Iran. Weekend Edition Saturday invites guests to talk about Iran, share their advice for President Obama and examine the impact of the Iranian Revolution, which brought Muslim clerics to power in Iran 30 years ago.

Rethinking Iran: Perceptions On U.S.-Iran Relations

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Thursday

Looking For Political Messages In Tehran Prayers

In Iran, Friday prayers often start with a spiritual lesson and end with current events. This was true last Friday, when the sermon was delivered by Iran's former President Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Looking For Political Messages In Tehran Prayers

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Editor Upholds Ideology Of Iran's Islamic Revolution

Hossein Shariatmadari, chief editor of Iran's conservative Kayhan newspaper, was once imprisoned and tortured by the Shah of Iran's intelligence agency. Now, he edits an edgy newspaper full of sarcasm for perceived enemies, including the United States.

Editor Upholds Ideology Of Iran's Islamic Revolution

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U.S. Must Drop Arrogance, Iranian Lawmaker Says

Iran's nuclear program and support for what the U.S. considers to be terrorist organizations have divided the two countries. An Iranian official suggests his country's leaders would be willing to work with the U.S. if Washington dropped preconditions to talks.

U.S. Must Drop Arrogance, Iranian Lawmaker Says

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Work Of Independent Journalist Stymied By Tehran

Iranian writer and editor Issa Saharkhiz is deeply involved with reformist politics and is a critic of the Islamic republic and its leaders. He has been brought to court for his journalism, and his passport has been seized. Still, he remains in Iran and hopes to continue his work.

Work Of Independent Journalist Stymied By Tehran

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Wednesday

Former Diplomat, Student Recall Iran's Revolution

It's been 30 years since the Islamic revolution in Iran. Two men recall their memories of the Revolution — and their very different fates. One man flew with Ayatollah Khomeini from Paris to Tehran in 1979. The other was a student and was swept up in the revolution.

Former Diplomat, Student Recall Iran's Revolution

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Iranians Weigh Ahmadinejad's Election Chances

In June, Iran will decide if it will keep or replace President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has been the country's public face for almost four years. Opinions of Ahmadinejad differ, and he will face opposition — perhaps from former President Mohammad Khatami (left).

Iranians Weigh Ahmadinejad's Election Chances

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Iranian Support For Hamas Running High Post-Gaza

The political leader of Hamas is on a visit to Tehran this week to thank Iran for its support during Hamas' 22-day war with Israel. During the conflict, Israeli leaders — and some in the United States — characterized the fighting as a proxy war with Iran.

Iranian Support For Hamas Running High Post-Gaza

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