Halmat Palani

This article explores the importance of pluralism in the context of Iranian democracy. It challenges the prevailing myth that Iran is solely represented by Persians and emphasizes the diverse and multinational composition of the country. The author argues that acknowledging and recognizing the inclusivity of linguistic, economic, and political spheres is crucial for democratization. The rejection of demands for inclusivity as separatism undermines democratic principles and perpetuates forced assimilation policies. The article highlights the historical and ongoing struggles of non-Persian ethnic groups, such as Kurds, Baloch, Ahwazi, and Azeris, in asserting their distinct identities and calls for their autonomy and rights. It also examines two theories, centripetalism and consociationalism, as potential approaches to managing ethnic divides and designing an inclusive democratic system in Iran. The author emphasizes the need for embracing pluralism as a prerequisite for a functioning democracy, and argues for a vision that recognizes and respects the diversity of Iran's ethnonational groups. The article concludes that unity among these groups and the establishment of a clearly defined governance system, drawing on both centripetalist and consociationalist principles, are essential for realizing a pluralistic and tolerant democratic Iran.

This article discusses the political implications of Turkey- EU relations amidst Erdogan's dealing with Russia and the U.S withdrawal out of the Syrian Civil War. It argues that Erdogan is cozying up to Russian and taking Turkey in a very ant-western direction yet faces no disciplinary actions from the NATO alliance.

This article discusses the use of the term "minority" as a political and legal concept. It argues that the term "minority" must be eliminated as a concept in International law because it is a tool of oppression that not only further diminishes the plight and human rights of marginalized groups but also obstruct their progress socially, economically and politically.

This article discusses the rationale provided by The Islamic Republic of Iran for it's targeting of the Kurdish people in Iran and the accusations of separatism. It argues that this accusation is invalid and a mere ploy to turn the the Iranian population against the Kurds and justify the crimes of the Mullah's against them to keep the multi-ethnic population from uniting against it.

This article highlights the fact that Mahsa Amini, the woman whose death sparked protests for woman, life and freedom, is Kurdish and her real name is Jina Aimini. It discusses why acknowledging her Kurdish name matters. It provides a break down of the cultural genocide and assimilation legacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in regards to the Kurds and other ethnic communities living in Iran.

The Kurds in Syria are considered by the Trump administration as mere allies for counter-terror operations in the coalition fighting ISIS but this article explains why an enduring alliance with the Kurds should and must go beyond that. It argues that amidst a declining US role in Syria and the region as a whole, other regional and non-regional states must step up to fill the void of leadership.

This article explores the bloody diplomacy conducted by agents of the Islamic Regime of Iran against  Kurdish leader Ghassemlou and his colleagues at a meeting in the capital of Austria on July 13, 1989. I discuss why this unresolved case is significant to the current climate of tension between the United States and Iran.

The recent tensions between the United States and Iran have raised alarms and led many to forecast a growing probability of full-scale war between the two states. This article explores how nuclear weapons are being used as a card by the Islamic regime to derail and defy International pressure and criticism of its domestic repression and regional belligerence.

This article provides a theoretical examination of why some regimes fall while others survive​. It begans with an overview of the tools that a regime has at its disposal for survival before delving into the historical and contemporary examples in the Middle East. The argument is made that regime Survival in the case of the Islamic Republic of Iran has more to do with Persian nationalism than it does with theocracy.

This article emphasizes the lack of effort and attention paid to the need for Kurdish national consciousness. It outlines the ways in which political, social and cultural elements of Kurdish society have overtly overstressed the national liberation movement as one aimed at demarcating and securing the territories that constitute Kurdistan. Contrary to this notion, it is argued that the struggle to mold and free the Kurdish mind should take priority over all others if liberation and independence are to become a reality fo the Kurds.

This article summarizes the unfolding changes in the Middle East since the Arab Spring and the subsequent failure of US foreign policy. It details how Iran has exploited the growing instability in the region by extending its reach through proxy's on the ground amid talks  to find a diplomatic solution to its nuclear programme with the P5+1 countries.

This article Explores the Obama administrations Iran policy particularly in regard to Iran's Controversial nuclear programme and gross human rights violations.  I argue that Barack Obama's Iran approach is unsound because it is grounded in a western-centric understanding of government and political change that does not apply to Iran. I conclude that efforts to make the regime accountable for its gross human rights record should go hand in hand with attempts to neutralize the nuclear threat as part of a dual-track​ strategy.