Commentary: Iran: The Succeeding Generation

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The recent back-and-forth between Ahmadinejad and Khamenei reflects a deeper generational shift. After three decades of Irans clerical network dominating the political scene, the growth of the Islamic Republics next multiplication of leadersnonclerical, war-veteran technocratsmay well portend larger ramifications for Irans inward and outward orientation.

The common narrative argues that all Iranian leadersespecially given the vetting system that one must go through to enter politicsare cut from the same cloth. He is one of them, or He is like all the rest, has progressively become the mantra of a company and lots of its Diaspora who have grown tired of decades of disappointment. At the moment, though, Ahmadinejad and his cronies have emerged as an unlikely group challenging the status quo in Iran; simply put, when looking at the flight of the Islamic Republic and what it has stood for since its origin in 1979, the current president and his cabinet have done more to stimulate the organization to its effect than any other group, including their reformist predecessors.

This should not be interpreted as an indorsement of Ahmadinejad, or a proposition that he intends to raze the systemfar from it. But continuing to promote the boundaries of what is acceptable by the Islamic Republics own standards is surely a trend worth tracking. It is done this paradigm that the recent rift between Ahmadinejad and Khamenei tells the actual story: Its not about Ahmadinejad as often as what and who he represents: a multiplication of war veterans who felt the Persian power structure had put them aside. This generation increasingly personifies everything that Irans clerical organization is not; they are seen as new and confident; as the very cause for Irans revolutionary survival and at the pith of a dissipating mistrust of the West in the heat of the Iran-Iraq war. Above all, they comprise a belief system predicated on Iranian self-reliance and self-sufficiency. They have remained firm to the Supreme Leader for spiritual reasons, but are hostile towards clerics who grabbed power while they fought to protect Iran from Iraqi aggression. To that end, they think that the Islamic Republic has become corrupted and deviated from the straight way of the 1979 Revolution. Perhaps more than seeking to benefit from their inclusion amongst Irans political elite, this new generation of technocrats seeks to include Iran more fully in the world economy.

Many policymakers and pundits have long predicted a consolidation of the conservative faction in Iran, and this is the latest model that proves the notion incorrect. The recent Ahmadinejad-Khamenei spat personifies a larger truth: Iranian conservatives are as varied and divided as the reformists were during former President Mohammad Khatamis tenure. And given the various power networks in the Islamic Republicclerics, technocrats, merchants, the military, the Revolutionary Guard (current and former, high-level to rank-and-file, and far from monolithic)the integration of force in the men of a single faction is practically impossible. Herein lies the strategy behind the Ahmadinejad camps gambit: these developers (or Abadgaran in Persianthe name of their political faction) are betting they can get the aforementioned generation of Iranians behind them, and they have managed a certain level of success. But yet if the Abadgarans gamble fails to pay off, their repeated challenges to Khamenei and the clerical network he represents have created previously non-existent political space for rival factions from the new generation of political elite to proceed systematically shifting influence to Irans non-clerical power networks.

IN THE beginning, the Abadgaran had the silent approval of the Supreme Leader and, unlike today, intentionally placed Iran in a land of international isolation to systemically eliminate domestic political opponents. Ahmadinejad, who had stumbled upon his anti-Israel remarks, quickly realized their potency and utilized them to effectively kill any aspect of U.S.Iran rapprochement during his first term. With Irans international disputes capturing headlines, its increasing isolation provided space for a new bout of domestic political fratricide. From 2005-2009, despite beneath the surface rifts among conservatives, they worked together to marginalize the reformists. Now that there are no reformist scapegoats left to target, conservative factions are now openly fighting one another. Having seen what happened to the reformists, it is open to all those vying for power this is about political survival and the next of the Islamic Republic.

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Obama declares beginning of end of Afghan war

Obama declares beginning of end of Afghan war

Updated 5 hours ago

Pilgrims' progress:'Hajj quota selection was unconstitutional .

The courtyard also establish that the selection process was partisan and malafide, according to the 32-page detailed verdict of a three-member bench. PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court ruled that the Hajj Policy 2011 was unconstitutional because it deprived citizens of their decent to freedom of quality of profession by requiring that the private Hajj tour operators have past experience of providing such services.

Afridi remains under PCB's 'hawk eye'

Shahid Afridi says he will have a return to the home team when the situation improves. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI:

While Shahid Afridi seeks a new start in the ongoing county season, the late captain will stay below the scanner of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which will not pause in taking further action against the retired all-rounder in event of foul play, according to a PCB official.

Pakistan to bring 'home' series in UAE

Pakistan played their last full series in the UAE against South Africa losing the one-off Twenty20, the ODI series 3-2 while drafting the Test series. PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE:

Pakistan will run their home series against Sri Lanka and England in the UAE as security concerns continue to drive away touring sides from the country.

Independent Women's Forum - Secrets Of The National Labor .

certain you know-to the NRLB's efforts to prevent Boeing from building a set in that business-friendly state, although the South Carolina plant, while creating new jobs in a hospitable state, would not shorten the issue of Boeing jobs Washington state.

Okay, granted, stopping the South Carolina plant would kill jobs. But, apparently, not near enough to meet the bureaucrats and labour union officials who have supplied so much campaign money for President Obama. Why be so ad hoc? Why not set up new rules to destroy job creation on a larger scale and into perpetuity?

The Editors of National Review explain:

The Obama administration's takeover of the health-insurance system stands out in many Americans' minds as the distillation of its radicalism, but still more singular is its radicalization of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), part of its tireless campaign to embellish the cartels known as labour unions. Now the NLRB plans to revision the rules for federal elections in a way that further strengthens the reach of the unions and undermines the exemption of employers to observe from having collective-bargaining contracts imposed on them against their will.

Obama's NLRB is contemplating new union-election rules that would give employers less time to prepare a countercampaign. There is dead no grounds for doing so other than to weaken the employers' position.

This new plan may be worse than "card check," which would have banned secret ballots in federal elections, giving unions the power to harass employees who don't wish to belong. Unions could take over a company covertly and by piecemeal. Companies would be compelled to apportion their electronic files and data bases with unions, in effect cutting their own throats.

So-yeah-the government has pivoted to jobs-but it's the destruction, not the creation, of opportunities for people who long to work.

Here is what the government doesn't know: It is businesses, not unions, that create jobs. Unions once had a space of honour in American history, standing up for the small guy. But today they be only around 12 percent of the workforce. But the Obama administration gives them a say far out of kilter with their actual numbers. The damage this does to the saving is massive.

Smithsonian's National Zoo's 50th Kori Bustard Chick Hatches .

than the others, said Sara Hallager, Zoo biologist and mind of the Connection of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for kori bustards. The SSP matches animals across the area to ensure genetic variety in the population. We've reached an important milestone, and Im thrilled that the National Zoo continues to encounter a important part in ensuring this species selection in zoos and in the wild.

In gain to the propagation, breeding and direction that takes aim at the National Zoo, the kori bustard team, led by Hallager, is actively involved in in situ assessments of the species. In 2009, Zoo staff conducted a subject of the health, nutrition, and feeding ecology of wild kori bustards in Kenya by capturing birds and collecting blood samples. They also trained Kenyan ornithologists in capture-and-sample-collection techniques.

Although the International Union for Preservation of Nature lists kori bustards as a species of least concern, conservationists believe that populations are declining in their native habitat in eastern and southern Africa due to habitat destruction, illegal search and their inherent slow reproduction rate. Weighing in at 40 pounds, male kori bustards are the worlds heaviest flying birds.

Bird House staff are hand-rearing the 50th kori chick, just as they did with its predecessors. This increases the likelihood that the bird will breed successfully once it reaches sexual maturity. Hand-rearing has another benefit; several wild birds of prey reside on Zoo grounds, and nurture the chicks in human care eliminates the opportunity of an attack. Although the chick will not be on show until mid-August, Zoo visitors can see its parents at the kori bustard exhibit, located outside of the Bird House.

Credit: Photo by Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonians National Zoo.

Smithsonian's National Zoo's 50th Kori Bustard Chick Hatches .

than the others, said Sara Hallager, Zoo biologist and mind of the Connection of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for kori bustards. The SSP matches animals across the area to ensure genetic variety in the population. We've reached an important milestone, and Im thrilled that the National Zoo continues to encounter a important part in ensuring this species selection in zoos and in the wild.

In gain to the propagation, breeding and direction that takes aim at the National Zoo, the kori bustard team, led by Hallager, is actively involved in in situ assessments of the species. In 2009, Zoo staff conducted a subject of the health, nutrition, and feeding ecology of wild kori bustards in Kenya by capturing birds and collecting blood samples. They also trained Kenyan ornithologists in capture-and-sample-collection techniques.

Although the International Union for Preservation of Nature lists kori bustards as a species of least concern, conservationists believe that populations are declining in their native habitat in eastern and southern Africa due to habitat destruction, illegal search and their inherent slow reproduction rate. Weighing in at 40 pounds, male kori bustards are the worlds heaviest flying birds.

Bird House staff are hand-rearing the 50th kori chick, just as they did with its predecessors. This increases the likelihood that the bird will breed successfully once it reaches sexual maturity. Hand-rearing has another benefit; several wild birds of prey reside on Zoo grounds, and nurture the chicks in human care eliminates the opportunity of an attack. Although the chick will not be on show until mid-August, Zoo visitors can see its parents at the kori bustard exhibit, located outside of the Bird House.

Credit: Photo by Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonians National Zoo.

In this photo: Biologist Sara Hallager feeds the 50th kori bustard chick to cover at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.

The Star Spangled Banner

Goshen College in Indianahas banned the National Anthem at its sporting events because they see it as too violent in nature.Perhaps this is a big time to reflecton the originsofournation`s anthem.

After the British bombing of Fort McHenry in 1814, Sir Francis Scott Key wrote a poem after seeing the flag still standing. We`ve all sung the lyrics numerous times with pride.

Volcanic ash cloud disrupts South America . - Pakistan National News

Volcanic ash cloud disrupts South America flights

Updated 37 minutes ago

ENTRE LAGOS: A huge cloud of ash spewing from a Chilean volcano disrupted air travel Tuesday across lots of South America, while heavy rains around the eruption site prompted fears of mudslides.

Air traffic was sharply curtailed on the continent as the ash cloud drifted over Argentina, Uruguay and into Brazil.

National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity Announce Winners of the .

By Editor - Wed Jun 08, 1:44 am

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LARGO, Md. and PARSIPPANY, N.J. June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - The National BDPA, Black Data Processing Associates (www.bdpa.org), and WorkplaceDiversity.com (www.WorkplaceDiversity.com), the source for diversity talent, announced Allstate Insurance, American Airlines, BlueCross BlueShield of IL, NM, OK, &

Mineral sector: Only 54 funds utilised from total allocation in .

An number of Rs149 million has been earmarked for the Ministry of Oil and Natural Resources in the coming fiscal year. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:

The administration has utilised only 54 per cent funds from the total allocation on different projects in the mineral sector during the outgoing financial year.

An apportionment of Rs 21.

OMGshots

A week ago; Total 275 students from several countries gathered near Washington, D.C. to get office in 84th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 3 day competition was good of brilliant students with their parents. Students tried their best and many of them were exceptional. But the success was declared a 14-year-old girl Sukanya Roy from Pennsylvania with the winning word spelling 'cymotrichous'.

Passing the National Council Licensing Exam For Registered Nurse .

Passing the National Council Licensing Exam For Registered Nurse

The last step after graduation from nursing school is to sit for the home nursing board exams, termed the NCLEX. This is a very grueling test. It behooves all who are leaving to sit for the test to get as much data as possible. The more information the best and the less stress there is passing into the exam.

National Ocean Council, EPA Seek Input to Develop Federal Ocean .

information sessions and public forums throughout National Ocean Month are to aid the Obama administration in gaining public input as it develops the country`s first policies geared toward the nation`s fragile ocean areas.

The information sessions and public forums will be held in office by the EPA along with the National Ocean Council and other environmental partners and federal agencies. In total, 12 different sessions will have place across the area starting next week, with two of the sessions focusing specifically on the Great Lakes Region, in coaction with the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Gulf of Mexico, which was hit by the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill last class and recently experienced the one-year anniversary this past April.

The EPA noted this proclamation was break of President Barack Obama`s action to make a national ocean policy. According to Environment News Service, President Obama established the ocean policy last July in rank to make a collective effort to do the country`s coasts, oceans, and the connecting Great Lakes. The policy, which focuses on the grandness of marine ecosystems, also officially created the National Ocean Council.

As celebrated by the ENS article, in the annunciation of Obama`s establishment of the national ocean policy, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said, "The new national policy provides a clear road map for all federal agencies to play together, with local partners, to protect our vital waters for succeeding generations."

The press release also emphasised that the information sessions and public forums are vital to developing a functional and successful national ocean policy and these public information sessions are partly of the a month-long comment period being held by the National Ocean Council.

According to the National Ocean Council website, the former information sessions will have position between June 9 and July 1; locations include Washington, D.C. Barrow and Anchorage, Alaska. Chicago; Honolulu; San Francisco; and Portland, Ore. However, the EPA and National Ocean Council are encouraging members of the world who can`t see a sitting to take their comments.

Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and heat to both topics to collect further public awareness.

South Florida Theatre Scene: National Tour: Hair (reviews)

The National circuit of the Broadway revival of Hair opened at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on May 31, 2011.
The Public Theater's new product of Hair is the near electric celebration on Broadway! This exuberant musical about a grouping of young Americans searching for repose and enjoy in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old.