tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188715032025-07-28T13:59:05.242-05:00BAZAAR DISPATCHAn Iranian Economist Covering Economic Affairs in Iran and in the Middle East. Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.comBlogger452125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-49342907627877363452015-05-19T14:57:00.000-05:002015-05-19T14:57:31.050-05:00Iran and Afghanistan: Blood RelativesI have started writing in English regularly now. So I thought I should post some of them here. This is my note for Financial Tribune Daily in Tehran on Iran and Afghanistan Trade.
Few countries share a bond that neither history nor politics can break. Afghanistan and Iran share and have shared their unique history and cultural heritage for so long that it is impossible to consider them anything A.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10086429349263017169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-70989555798420141142013-11-11T17:32:00.002-06:002013-11-11T17:35:31.052-06:00All quiet on western frontToday WWI ended, the greatest man slaughter in history come to an end. The tragedy of WWI is not the bloodshed, is the fact that it was not the last major conflict. Allies dictated such inhumane terms to defeated Germany that paved the way for Hitler and his Nazi thugs and another war. Versailles Treaty was not a bad deal according to Clemenceau. 22 years later the French begged to differ. In theA.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10086429349263017169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-23298611814930841532013-06-04T08:14:00.002-05:002013-06-04T08:15:28.262-05:00The Problem is the Same: EconomyAnother piece I wrote for IranOpinion.com on the economic challenges ahead and the significance of the economy in the upcoming election:
As Iran’s presidential election approaches an increasing number of analysts and observers comment on the state of Iran’s economy. The last reports indicate that some segments of Iran’s labor force are experiencing high unemployment rate while the economy is Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-92098969231064468142013-06-02T20:11:00.000-05:002013-06-02T20:12:39.324-05:00President vs Unemployment: what are his chances?My note for IranOpinion.com
Can the next Iranian administration solve the economic issues facing the country? Its options might be limited. However the public expects the next president to deal with issues such as unemployment and inflation. The fact is that the next administration's actions might pay off in the long run and not in the immediate future. Its options are limited by the economic A.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10086429349263017169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-3481113104314525752013-04-20T10:53:00.001-05:002013-04-20T10:53:44.323-05:00Second International Conference on Iran’s Economy
International Iranian Economic Association (IIEA)
Second International Conference on Iran’s Economy
Bilgi University, Istanbul
24-25 June 2013
The International Iranian Economic Association (IIEA)
IIEA is a pioneering initiative to foster high level academic research and scholarship on Iran’s economy. This project is initiated by twenty five senior economists from various A.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10086429349263017169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-84288341166091890042013-04-17T13:33:00.001-05:002013-04-17T13:33:34.530-05:00Still resilient: people vs. pricesMy recent article for IranOpinion.com
As Iranians came back from a long new year holidays they face more volatility in their economy than they expected. Two digits inflation rate has been part of Iran’s economic reality for the past decades, however recently Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) announced that inflation has reached new heights in the last month of last Iranian year (March 2013).
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-55125644830432481262013-04-09T11:38:00.001-05:002013-04-09T11:38:59.775-05:00Bushehr Earthquake Mehrnews reports that an earthquake of 6.1 magnitude hit Kaki county in the province of Bushehr at 4:22 PM on Tuesday April 9th. The center of quake is 160 km from Bushehr nuclear facility. So far casualties stand at 32 killed and more than 500 wounded. A large number of wounded needed first aid and were released after being treated.A.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10086429349263017169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-29622037914488358812013-04-07T08:42:00.001-05:002013-04-07T08:42:45.117-05:00ImpasseThe 5+1 reminds me of Iran's negotiations with Iraq before Iraq attacking Kuwait. They met, they talked but nothing came out. Then Iraq attacked Kuwait and out of sudden "There was a will" on Iraqi side. They released our POWs over night almost. I remember that night I was camping with my high school in Golestan Forest in Gorgan. Our bus driver came to tell us and our teachers that "The dude saidAlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-43085824345114098912013-04-06T11:00:00.002-05:002013-04-06T11:25:11.635-05:00Holding Your Breath
As Iranians come back to start a new working year, they are uncertain about their immediate economic future.
Iran amazes me. Today the Iranian New Year holidays were over, officially and unofficially. By the official account this year the holiday season lasted 23 days! While the official holidays is usually 5 days, the 29th of of Esfand is the anniversary of nationalizing oil and still Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-51185150649551868852013-03-13T10:19:00.000-05:002013-03-13T10:22:07.242-05:00Chavez: A Paradox of Economics and HistoryThe day after Hugo Chavez passed away I wrote this editorial for Donya e Eghtesad, the most prominent daily paper in Iran dedicated to economic affairs. It was well received, partly because like Iran Venezuela is an oil rick country and partly because Chavez was a well known figure within Iran. I was encouraged to translate it for this blog as well. Let me know if anyone is interested in printingAlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-73529426022153473142012-09-08T20:29:00.003-05:002012-09-08T20:29:59.836-05:00Romney in IranThis issue of Tejarat e Farda (Commerce of Tomorrow) weekly in Tehran has a special section on US election, to which I have contributed an article. I have uploaded its cover, which is interesting. I hope GOP does not mind it. This issue covers fundraising process in US election, the future of US economy and the candidates' different approaches to the economy. The text on Mitt Romney's image readsAlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-20792181639061114672012-08-12T16:10:00.001-05:002012-08-12T16:10:31.039-05:00Earthquake in Northwest
Saturday became is a very sad day for Iranians, when two consecutive earthquakes shook Varzaghan and Ahar in Azarbaijan in northwest of Iran. Many Iranians and Iranian-Americans are seeking ways to send aid and donations to Iran, however internationally imposed sanctions make this impossible. Many, including myself, are contacting Red Cross to see if they would help. More than 300 Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-15248851501307931322012-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:002012-05-08T00:00:09.259-05:00Tat BankI am reading the dispatches on Tat Bank, Iran's eighth private bank. The best I can say is that it is going to merge with two recently founded financial institutions to form a new bank called "Mardom Bank". One report speaks of some "irregularities" without further elaboration. Well the positive side of the story is that there is a banking watchdog in Iran. That is comforting, at least partially.Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-36719568116594372782012-03-29T17:29:00.002-05:002012-03-30T10:29:08.031-05:00How Much Darker Should It Get?Azadeh Moaveni has written a piece for Guardian in which she writes "But the reality is not as black and white as Tehran makes out. American law includes provisions allowing Iran to procure spare parts by applying to the US treasury department for a special licence. Under this provision, Iran applies for what it needs through an intermediary and the parts are installed in a licensed Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-64655863212136099652012-03-11T15:11:00.000-05:002012-03-11T15:11:00.578-05:00Neither Shahs Nor MullahsToday Bravo is going to broadcast "Shahs of Sunset" a reality show about six Iranian-American men and women or as one of the local radio stations in Atlanta calls them "six Persian-Americans". These not so young individuals live in Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian immigrant population in the United States. The show is another reality TV production, filled by drama, to use a Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-86242214164942635542012-02-19T20:58:00.000-06:002012-02-19T20:58:29.533-06:00A Photo from Hiking in Tehran
Last Christmas I went hiking with a group of friends in Chin Kalagh in Northwest of Tehran. Chin Kalagh has a decent trail which is not very crowded, unlike Darakeh and Touchal. The slope is mild at the beginning then it peaks up as one goes higher. The peak offers a breathtaking view of Tehran, Sa'adat Abad and Farahzad. My good friend Shayan has taken these photos in his last hike with otherAlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-36285017818620071032012-02-18T18:10:00.000-06:002012-02-18T18:10:31.304-06:00Information or TruthYesterday I discovered World Affairs Council of Atlanta. Today theme was "Democracy. Democratization. Development". It was a great meeting, the speeches I was able to hear covered information technology transformation, development projects and the importance of democracy in achieving sustainable economic growth.
The interesting part of discussion was about social media and the reality. Many Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-91059314025366427612012-02-05T18:54:00.000-06:002012-02-05T18:54:14.116-06:00Arresting DataThe administrator of Mesghal.com has been arrested. He has been accused of attempting to distort the market as part of a plot to dis stabilize the economy. Mesghal.com is a website dedicated to covering currency and precious metal markets in Iran and across the globe. It has become the reference for many who work in these markets in Tehran.Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-29456669967437581042012-02-02T18:56:00.000-06:002012-02-02T18:56:04.574-06:00A Contractionary Fiscal PolicyWell here we are the budget is in finally for IRI. It seems they are cutting spending, how successfully? no one will know.Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-36448842598625487232012-01-27T22:35:00.000-06:002012-01-27T22:35:01.733-06:00Increasing the Interest RateI am not so sure if increasing interest rate will affect M1 in Iran. Still it seems it has been done to encourage people to keep their deposits in the banks. That is being said, I wonder if this means banks are going to charge a higher APR as lenders. One has to wait and to see. All in all currency market seems a bit calmer. Although I do not know if this is due to the government's edicts or its Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-72067357876722468902012-01-25T17:26:00.000-06:002012-01-25T17:26:12.326-06:00Bridge to IranCaty Borum Chattoo has kindly forwarded me an email announcing airing "BRIDGE TO IRAN" which a series of documentaries already produced by Iranian filmmakers on Iran. It reads:
San Francisco, Calif., January 23, 2012 – Against a backdrop of rising cultural and political tensions in Iran, Link TV will premiere its four-part documentary TV series, “BRIDGE TO IRAN,” beginning on February 14 atAlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-16980167589331263902012-01-22T10:04:00.000-06:002012-01-22T10:04:45.750-06:00Is Economy SinkingUS dollar was traded at 20'000 rials, British pound at 30'000 and euro at 25000! Is the economy sinking? I do not think so. However it sure has hit a crisis. Unfortunately these changes are happening at the beginning of new year shopping season in Iran (Iranian new year begins on the first day of spring). Traditionally this means an increase in demand and prices all over the marketplace. To this Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-89212273088119663272012-01-21T19:35:00.000-06:002012-01-21T19:35:46.519-06:00Separation: A New Window to IranSeparation is still attracting attention on the global stage. And this has provided many with a rare way of understanding Iranian society. A few days ago Separation was named the Foreign Language Film of the Year at 32nd London Film Critics’ Circle Awards on Thursday. Asghar Farhadi was named the Screenwriter of the year with film’s supporting actress, Sareh Bayat, winning the Best Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-68590744799734406072012-01-17T19:12:00.000-06:002012-01-17T19:12:42.564-06:00Gold Rising Again in TehranGold coins, known as Bahar Azadi, are again on the rise in Tehran. Their price has just passed 7'200'000 Rials! to give you a perspective that is more than what a government retiree receives in a month. The new rise has began almost immediately after government opposed increasing interest rates for banking deposits. As the volatility in market increases people are more desperate to find new meansAlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18871503.post-18452537172166741772012-01-15T20:19:00.000-06:002012-01-15T20:19:01.811-06:00Iran: Women Unemployment, Still HighI am checking the report for last year, Spring 2010 to Winter 2011, the statistics on women are very interesting.
The unemployment among women still is much higher than unemployment among men: %20.5 versus %11.9 overall, %39.7 for women age 15 to 29 years versus %21.8 for men of the same age group.
The increase in unemployment for women is also higher than the increase in unemployment for Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09982355758998089326noreply@blogger.com0