Tag Archives: Iran

White Paper: Quiet Signals, Loud Consequences: Symbolic Protest, Media Blind Spots, and Legitimacy Erosion in Contemporary Iran

Posted on January 7, 2026 by nathanalbright

Executive Summary Recent protest activity in Iran—circulating primarily through diaspora networks and informal media—reveals a phase of unrest that is symbolic, ritualized, and socially embedded, rather than spectacular or riot-driven. These actions include outdoor placement of office furniture, ritualized food … Continue reading →

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White Paper: Diagnosis and Prognosis of Legitimacy Failure in Iran (January 2026) and Its Consequences

Posted on January 5, 2026 by nathanalbright

Executive summary Iran is experiencing a compounding legitimacy failure driven by (1) acute economic deterioration (currency collapse, high inflation, shortages), (2) long-running procedural legitimacy erosion (perceptions of exclusionary elections and narrowing political choice), (3) security-first governance that treats dissent as … Continue reading →

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White Paper: Tehran’s Drought Emergency: Severity, Evacuation Implications, and Feasible Courses of Action

Posted on November 11, 2025 by nathanalbright

Executive summary Tehran and multiple large Iranian cities are facing a compound water emergency driven by multi-year drought, chronic over-extraction of groundwater, and structural mismanagement. In early November 2025, Iran’s president publicly warned that Tehran could face water rationing and … Continue reading →

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Bombs Over Tehran

Posted on June 23, 2025 by nathanalbright

Earlier today someone asked me how the passage in Deuteronomy 21 regarding God avenging the blood of the innocent dealt with the victims of war. My first thought was that it didn’t. Since the beginnings of history, we have realized … Continue reading →

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The Potential Benefits of Regional Autonomy in Conflict-Prone Areas

Posted on February 13, 2025 by nathanalbright

Introduction Throughout history, various regions of the world have experienced significant tensions due to their forced inclusion within national borders that do not align with their cultural, linguistic, or economic identities. Many of these regions would likely experience fewer problems … Continue reading →

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On Pahlavi Nostalgia

Posted on February 12, 2025 by nathanalbright

Nostalgia for the rule of the Shahs, particularly in contemporary Iran and among Persians living abroad, can be attributed to a variety of reasons, ranging from political to social and cultural factors. Here are some of the key reasons why … Continue reading →

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An Imaginary Sermon In Qoms: Part Two

Posted on December 29, 2024 by nathanalbright

In the name of Allah, the most merciful, the most compassionate. To the family, friends, and the nation that mourns the passing of our dear brother, James Earl Carter, Jr., known to us as President Jimmy Carter, peace be upon … Continue reading →

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Deciphering The Elamite Language

Posted on December 20, 2024 by nathanalbright

Elamite was the language of Elam, an ancient civilization centered in what is now southwestern Iran. The language was written in cuneiform script and was used from around 2300 BCE to 350 BCE. The decipherment of Elamite presents an interesting … Continue reading →

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The Biblical Account of Chedorlaomer: A Comprehensive Archaeological, Historical, and Linguistic Analysis

Posted on December 5, 2024 by nathanalbright

Introduction The account of Chedorlaomer, King of Elam, represents one of the most intriguing intersections of biblical narrative, archaeological evidence, and ancient Near Eastern history. This analysis examines the textual, archaeological, and linguistic evidence regarding this enigmatic figure and the … Continue reading →

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Haven in Iran: The Persian Tradition of Refuge and World War II Refugees

Posted on December 4, 2024 by nathanalbright

### Abstract This chapter examines Iran’s significant role as a sanctuary for refugees throughout history, with particular focus on the World War II period. While the Polish exodus represents the largest single group of wartime refugees, this study places their … Continue reading →

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