Original Photo: AP/Hossein Salehi Ara

Watch Iranian writer (and much more), Maziar Bahari, talk to 60 Minutes‘ Bob Simon about his imprisonment and recent release from Tehran’s uber-jail Evin, in an interview that aired on Sunday November 22nd.

We’re just grateful that Bahari was able to make it out alive, despite the torture and interrogation (Basiji/Sepahi style) he says he experienced while in detainment at Evin prison in Iran.

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Some say that “titles are handed out like candy” in Iran, especially (and unfortunately) in certain bureaucratic circles.

But to forge an academic document (we mean degree) from Oxford University claiming that you got an honorary doctorate, might be pushing it.

In particular… when you don’t even bother to use spell check.

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U2 and Jay-Z at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards

U2’s efforts to be heard in Iran and by Iranians as a supportive outside voice during their concerts this year, we feel, secures their place as the official front runner, as far as musicians who have supported Iranians and their plight, in the aftermath of the Iranian election. 

Jay-Z’s decision to join the cause, and support the Iranian people’s fight for freedom and their basic human rights, can only be deemed as: dignified, compassionate, and hella’ hovafied!

However, his appearance on the stage with U2 performing Sunday Bloody Sunday in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany on November, 5th, 2009 at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2009, was not the first time Jay-Z has gone “Green” in support of Iranians. Read the full story

In front of a massive crowd with a green glow, Persian poetry, Iranian artist Shirin Neshat’s artwork, and images of the brutal attacks many Iranians suffered for protesting the 2009 Iranian election’s results carouseled the overhead jumbo-screen on Sunday October 25th, 2009, while mega-band U2, in their true philanthro-artistic virtue reached out to Iranians and all people who “love freedom” before performing a pertinent song from their album War: Sunday Bloody Sunday.

“What is going on in the world?” Bono started his Iran-tribute out with.

“I’m going crazy.”

“Can u hear us? Iran… Radio Tehran. This is the United States calling.”

“We’re speaking to you.” He compassionately added. ”Can you hear us?”

Watch the rebroadcast of the full live streaming performance from the Rose Bowl, and skip to the 1:26:00 mark to hear Bono deliver his shout-out.

Watch this video of Stephen Harper, Canada’s 22nd and current Prime Minister, as he explains why Canada is boycotting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech at the UN and references Iran’s “detainment of Canadian citizens” and ”flagrant abuse of human rights.”

“There’s no way I’m going to permit any official of the government of Canada to be present,” says the Prime Minister.

Credit: OnlyMehdi

Iranians and Americans gathered together in New York outside the Iran mission to the United Nations, to collectively protest Ahmadinejad’s presence.

In addition to the green-clad groups of people chanting anti Iranian regime and anti-Ahmadinejad slogans, a woman is shown laying on the ground, while a man paints red blood-like marks on her face in an attempt to replicate the now infamous bloody death of a young Iranian woman–who was merely a passerby during this summer’s highly intense protests against the results of the Iranian election when she was shot in the chest–Neda Soltan.

You must watch this video of one of the most clever protest platforms we’ve seen thus far, used to voice distaste against Ahmadinejad yesterday in New York.

The art installation consists of people dressed in all white clothing to double as a “human screen” while a compilation of videos and images from this summer’s protests in Iran are projected on them.

Sad but powerful.

Congratulations to Venice Film Festival winner: Shirin Neshat!

Click here to watch modern Iranian artist, Shirin Neshat and her green-clad entourage on the red carpet at the 66th annual Venice Film Festival, where she was awarded with the accolade: Silver Lion for Best Director, for her film Zanaan Bedoneh Mardaan (Women Without Men).

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The 66th Venice Film Festival’s list of participating films has already been announced, yet festival director Marco Muller has decided to add a new film Green Days, made by Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s daughter: Hana Makhmalbaf, to the festival’s exciting lineup of movies.

Shot on the streets of Tehran during the days prior to the Iranian presidential election, Green Days’ main characters are “the ordinary green wearing Iranian public.”

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Yesterday, AFP reported that Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel (and 44 other Nobel prize winners) showed support for Iranians and their efforts, telling them: “Do not lose hope.”

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One of the first chants heard in the video above is: “Iraani mimirad, mellat nemipazirad!” (An Iranian dies, the public does not accept!)

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Photo Credit: Jean Rem

As an Iranian, we’re just as proud of our people for their bravery and fight for freedom as you are, but we are now also super-impressed and highly appreciative of our fellow compatriots (and non-Iranian friends) around the globe, who united for Iran at countless rallies in numerous cities held on July 25th.

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Watch Iranian scholar, Dr. Reza Aslan’s message of support for the people of Iran. (He’s also got a little request for you!)

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