Notations From The Grid On #IranTalks: On the Direct Intervention by US Senators & Other Thoughts

47 United States Senators were signatories to a letter spearheaded by Freshman Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas directed at the Iranian Leadership as it advised the Iranian Leadership on what they perceived to be their "takeaway" on the intricacies of the US Constitutional Process.  This was the view from Israel as reported by +i24news EN :

#GOP "US senators try to undermine #Iran nuclear talks"😨and they suggest more of the same😱 http://t.co/2GLI510J7r http://t.co/2GLI510J7r
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) March 9, 2015

It understandably ignited a firestorm on legal circles and within the Social Media Grid.   We here @ #Outsiders were quite intrigued and fascinated by the discourse.  One of the most poignant and perceptive rebuttals was drafted by Professor Jack Goldsmith of the Harvard Law School:

As #IranTalks continue, on the #GOP "letter" & the errors @lawfareblog..A Virtual High Five 2 u Prof. @jacklgoldsmith http://t.co/PGxSHnoHGH
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) March 10, 2015

Of all the rebuttals and analysis, the Vice President's Statement was even more poignant:

Biden statement on Senate GOP Iran letter pic.twitter.com/hFKsxfCC5Y
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) March 10, 2015

It was also quite interesting how dismissive the response was from the Iranian Foreign Minister.  Dr. Zarif noted that he viewed it as nothing more than a publicity stunt to undermine the negotiations.  He also noted that if the Congress (as both the President and the Vice President noted) undermines this effort, it will hamper the effectiveness of future Presidents.   It is striking how this letter was spearheaded by a US Senator who is a graduate of Harvard Law School.     What is also even more ironic is how this letter echoes the exact sentiments by the hardliners in Tehran--the same hardliners who were admonished by President Rouhani last year when he told them they can "go to hell" for shivering over the pending nuclear deal.   President Rouhani also addressed the challenge yesterday as he spoke at a Martyrs' Conference in Tehran as he saluted what he called Iran's Soldiers of Diplomacy as Dr. Zarif looked on.    It is also noted that there are more US-Educated Ph.D's in President Rouhani's Cabinet than in the Adminstration--including Dr.Zarif who is a graduate of the University of Denver and the head of the Atomic Energy Agency, Dr. Salehi.  Dr. Salehi is a graduate of MIT.       

As the deadline looms large, It is even more ironic how Rouhani/Zarif in Tehran and Kerry/Obama in Washington are dealing with the same set of challenges.    

On the Prowl 4 the Day: Attending Clinton Global Initiative University (Brief Comments)

Clinton Global Initiative University is now being held and our #Outsider Team is attending it.   Right now, there is a fascinating round table moderate by Chelsea Clinton on Big Data which is off the charts in terms of the possibilities being deliberated on how data can be harnessed to help transform the World as we know it.   This was as wonderful achievements by student leaders were featured including Cloud4Cancer and Freshspire which we will have discussions on in the Visions Channel soon

The possibilities are limitless:

"You have to have the feeling that you are responsible for changing the world." - @TawakkolKarman #LaureateCGIU pic.twitter.com/OjgjVqeEuI
— Laureate Connect (@LaureateConnect) March 9, 2015

On the Eve of a New Week: Mindi Abair' "Smile" ....

A New Week Dawns in "Outsiders" and we here @ the #Outsider Team hope all enjoy this Musical Interlude to begin the new week:

Witness to History: What a beautiful Image

What a beautiful day it was......

..and We Shall Overcome.....

View of the Week: Talks to Restore Your Faith in Humanity

Enough Said!!

As part of our continued quest to assess our World, we wanted to report on this latest "curation" of TedTalks which we hope is of interest:

Talks to restore your faith in humanity (12 talks)

Sometimes it’s easy to think the worst of human beings. But these inspiring talks can help you remember: altruism, kindness and helping hands are all around. Watch »

Total run time 3:06:54

Notations From the Grid: One of the Leading Voices of Islam Speaks

For this edition of "Notations From the Grid", we wanted to feature this latest from Hamza Yusuf that is very powerful in directly refuting the narrative that the Media in the West has been pursuing:

Post by Hamza Yusuf.

View of the Week: Reflections on #IranTalks (With Commentary by Guest Columnist Annahita Mahdavi)

We here @ #Outsiders have been assessing the aftermath of the Israeli Prime Minister's speech.    As the entire world has come to basically disregard the Prime Minister's Speech (and as we noted here yesterday that in fact progress has been made) unless one consulted the Murdoch-Owned Media Properties.

What we found especially unfortunate is that HuffPost Live featured an Iranian Actor who somehow was portrayed to convey the wishes and aspirations of the Iranian Diaspora-that is one of the most successful immigrants in the World.  Our Guest Columnist, Annahita Mahdavi, underscored this in her eloquent commentary on Facebook  which we are pleased to feature here.  Our Team here @ #outsiders was frankly surprised that the so-called "Shahs of Sunset" was even on the Air!!!    

Hollywood is famous for producing some of the world's master pieces in the art of films, but also is notorious for producing some of the world's worst and awful productions too, including the reality shows. Now, what scares me in not the reality shows themselves, although they are such insult to human intelligent, but the scary part is the fans! And the the demand on those shows, and how they are insult to human dignity, but are taken well and bringing high ratings. 

This show, the shahs of sunset, is another example of the shallow culture of Hollywood. It portrays the culture of a specific group that do NOT at all applies to the whole group. Iranian immigrants just like any other groups 0if immigrants are multi-Cultural, but as a whole, Iranians are an intelligent, educated, kind and hardworking community. And after all, based on the social sciences, there are Macro and Micro levels of cultural behavior in all nations among specific communities and in general. This person who plays Reza on the show, just stated that bombing of Iran is not only necessary but something that Iranian people ask for!! I wonder if he has ever been in Iran? I wonder if he has ever read ONE page of any book written on Iranian political, social, cultural book(s)? Please my dear fellow Iranians who are very insulted with his comments, remember that his comments come from his deep illiterate core of the view he has towards the world. His world summons up in his universe called : Beverly Hills!! 

As for the wonderful intellectual American friends who have called or messaged me about to make sense of his comments, I have only one thing to tell you: This show and all people involved in it, is another version of jersey shore, remember? As no one should generalize the American people and culture by that show, so is the case with this one. Every culture has one or two Snooki!! And as the saying goes: Stupid is as stupid does... 
 
Annahita Mahdavi
‪#‎ShahsOfSunst‬ ‪#‎Ignorant‬ ‪#‎Boycott‬ ‪#‎Insultin‬ ‪#‎Iran‬ ‪#‎PeaceForIran‬‪#‎NOMoreWar‬

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=707680312684969&pnref=story

69,692 Views

HuffPost Live

Reza Farahan has a message for Benjamin Netanyahu.

Thought 4 the Week

The "Daily Outsider" began with a dream.     The need to pursue dreams and make a difference.    This "clip" reflects this desire--about the art of the possible and being reminded about "Staying Hungry, Staying foolish...":

Meanwhile...in Geneva.....

The negotiations are continuing and Iran's Foreign Minister, Dr. Zarif,  sat down with NBC's Ann Curry: 



It was striking how he debunked all key points by Israel's Prime Minister.   What is also  quite striking is that the interview was featured as a headline on the Islamic Republic Agency Website.   What was also striking was how Dr. Zarif had a ready response for Ayatollah Khameini's Tweet on the frustruation with Israeli Policy.     IRNA has also been busy underscoring the rift that has been developed with what is perceived as a Campaign Stunt in Israel featuring commentary from the State Department spokesman, Jane Tsaki--who's been named to be White House Communications Director.   

Based on what is at hand, the broad framework for a deal is close.    Let's see what the next few days entail especially as the Iranian New Year is also at hand.      This is as the great Jon Stewart of  +The Daily Show told it like it is: 

The Daily Show
Daily Show Full Episodes,  More Daily Show Videos,  Comedy Central Full Episodes

Notations From the Grid: The Aftermath of #NetanyahuSpeech//The View From #israel

As we here @ #Outsiders have been assessing the aftermath of the Israeli Prime Minister's speech, this by the Haaretz US Editor, @ChemiShalev,  laid out the stark realities which we were quite pleased to share on Twitter & Commend Mr. Shalev over twitter: 

#Netanyahu splendid speech and the carnage in its wake http://t.co/L2YJmKTeHr
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) March 4, 2015

Beyond the reality on the ground, Haaretz yet again thru this Editorial underscored the true realities that haunts Israel right now:

Bravo #Haaretz👏👏👏🎉🎉as The real existential threat to #Israel not discussed & bravo 4 using the word #apartheid http://t.co/ee4o9gseEh
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) March 4, 2015

It was also quite telling that Tipzi Livni noted the profound  influence of Sheldon Addelson--the same Casino Billionaire who advocated dropping a nuclear bomb on Iran.     Meanwhile, the talks are continuing and many around the World remain ever so hopeful--and Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman dismissed his speech as "repetitive & boring" and part of the attempt to "side track" the talks.   One of the key headlines on the Farsi Version of Iran's News Agency is the statement from the White House that the President paid no attention to the speech--although reports are that he reviewed the transcript and was briefed--and he did comment on it during a photo op with the US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.   

What is clear is that beyond the Conservative Circles (as epitomized by Fox news) , The Israeli Prime Minister has a problem.    The people of Israel will have their say on March 17.   

Notations From Our World: On #NetanyahuSpeech, #Iran & #Palestine

The Prime Minister of Israel finished his speech to a Joint Session of the US Congress.    It was full of praise for President Obama as he began.  He thereafter went through his own views on why he thinks the deal with Iran is a bad deal.    He cited the story of Esther (even though he selectively forgot to note that Esther was a  Persian/Iranian Jewish Woman) .  He did not mention Cyrus the Great and his role.   He talked about the Hostage Crisis of 1979--but neglected to mention how President Khatami condemned it--the same Khatami who is now under a Judicial Ban--and how 90%+ of all Iranians abhor that day.   He reminded the Congress of the fact that Iran today dominates four Arab Capitals--but neglects key political realities on it     It was disconcerting how his reading and citation of recent history was selective at best.   

He discussed the "public disclosures" without divulging other details.     Whatever details he did disclose was already dismissed by the US Secretary of State although the President did note that he wants a 10-Year moratorium which has already been rejected by Iran.  
As we continue to assess the state of the Speech itself, we wanted to feature this very interesting "prebuttal" from the noted Scholar Professor +Juan Cole that laid out the stark profound differences between Iran and Israel:

Post by The Daily "Outsider".

He had no solution except advocating a change of behavior for Iran.   In the Monday edition of "Notations" here in #Outsider, we noted some of the questions that the grassroots are asking as well. It was quite striking as he noted how he sought peace even though he has done more to undermine peace with his policies in the West Bank and Gaza.   There is a PLO meeting beginning this week that will discuss the future of the Palestinian Authority as Israel has withheld tax money which prevents the PA from paying 180,000 employees.   

The Israeli Prime Minister was cheered some 25 Times during his speech as the wars in the Middle East rages on and as negotiations are continuing.     .    One of the things he had advocated was the war with Iraq which the region and the World continues to pay for even today as the Battle for Tikrit rages on.    We have reviewed reports of some 30,000 Iraqi and Militia Troops with support of Iran's Senior Commanders (including General Soleimani, the Commander of the Quds Force).    

As the wars rage on, at least the talks are continuing despite the profound headwinds.  The deadline is March 24 to reach the broad political framework--but Iran's new year is March 20.   There is not much time left.

An #Outsider Newsflash: On the Eve of the Speech By the Prime Minister of Israel

The Prime Minister of Israel is slated to speak tomorrow in Congress.    We have been asssessing who will and who will not attend the Speech as the Office of the Speaker announced earlier today the schedule at hand: 

PM Netanyahu's Address: A Watch Guide Office of Speaker Boehner  |  VIEW ONLINE Tomorrow, at 11 a.m. ET, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel will address a joint meeting of Congress.   The address is an opportunity for you to hear from the leader one of our closest allies about the grave threats we face from radical Islam and Iran.  If you plan on watching, we invite you to tune in at speaker.gov/live.   Facebook  |  Google+  |  Twitter Here’s a quick primer on what you can expect tomorrow: ·       Speaker Boehner will welcome the Prime Minister to the Capitol by presenting him with a bust of Winston Churchill.  Netanyahu and Churchill are the only foreign leaders to address a joint meeting of Congress on three occasions.  A bust of Churchill can be found in the Capitol’sFreedom Foyer.  ·       After Speaker Boehner gavels the joint meeting to order, a number of dignitaries will be introduced before the Prime Minister, who will be accompanied by an escort committee made up of Republicans and Democrats.   ·       Prime Minister Netanyahu’s audience will include members of Congress from both parties, as well as guests in the gallery.  Speaker Boehner’s guests include former Speaker Newt Gingrichand Elie Wiesel, a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Gold Medal.  ·       Given the ties between America and Israel, it’s no surprise that interest in attending the speech is high.  We’ve had 10 times the number of requests for tickets than there are seats available in the gallery.  In fact, demand is so overwhelming that both the House and Senate have set up separate viewing locations, which are also ticketed events. (Don’t worry, you don’t need a ticket to tune in at speaker.gov/live.) We hope you plan on tuning in tomorrow at speaker.gov/live.  For now, here are some other ways you can watch and discuss the speech: ·       Sign up for e-mail updates to receive exclusive content about the speech.  ·       Follow Speaker Boehner on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more news and real-time updates. ·       Follow us on Flipboard to get the latest content about the speech on your mobile device.

As this was "Making the rounds", the Hill just reported on who is going to "skip the speech": 

Post by The Hill.

Notations From the Grid: #India Rising

While tending to the daily review on the Grid, we saw this very fun (Yet perceptive) clip sent forth by the Indian Prime  Minister, Mr. Modi:

Enjoy! :) https://t.co/AhGG2mdOr2 @IndiaToday @aajtak @HeadlinesToday #MyCleanIndia
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 2, 2015

It is beautifully put together as India rises up.   It is fun to be witness to it to emergence of India.        

Notations On Our World: On #ISIS/#Dayesh/#Israel & Other Thoughts (w/th late breaking developments from Israel)

It has been a busy morning yet again in our World as Iraq has begun a major offensive to take back territory from Dayesh.     We here @ #outsiders first saw reports on the Islamic Republic News Network as it headlined the head of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp, General (Sardar) Soleimani leading a contingent of 5,000 men having entered Tikrit from five areas.    There was live coverage from Iranian correspondents right at the front lines.

Jordan's Monarch was ever so perceptive and eloquent as he spoke on CNN's Fareed Zakaria on Sunday and noted:

Jordan's King Abdullah on Isis: This is our war http://t.co/WTZJsU84bg pic.twitter.com/i5Q0IA9iwr
— i100 (@thei100) March 2, 2015

As the fight against Dayesh continues, there is the fight over the nuclear deal with Iran.   The Secreatry of State was aboslutely spot on when he noted this, "...You can't bomb away knowledge".   The Israeli Prime Minister seems to think otherwise as he spoke at AIPAC--and as he is gearing up for his pivotal Congress speech tomorrow.   Although Susan Rice and Samathan Powers spoke at AIPAC and the Israeli Prime Minister was deferential, the commentary by Al Jazeera's Marwan Bashara underscored the challenge faced right now:

once again the ever perceptive @marwanbishara lays out the true realites w/3 questions @AJENews http://t.co/VUHNbHwbj7
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) March 2, 2015

The unconditional support for Israel will not change--and the World understands that.  The question is whether The Israeli Prime Minister's Move will help or hinder his re-election bid.     But this from Haaretz underscores a sense of reasonable reality that should be encouraged--but is not especially as The US Senate has just introduced new legislation spearheaded by the new Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Corker of Tennessee, to have Congress have the final say on any Iran Deal:

If only reason prevailed as another voice from #Israel notes #Netanyahu should, but won't, tell Congress | Analysis http://t.co/V5XZBIGZgx
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) March 2, 2015

This is as some key questions about Israel that Amnesty International's Sunjeev Bery asked that is even more pivotal: 

• Why is Israel taking Palestinian land?
• Why is Israel undermining Gaza reconstruction?
• Why is Israel arresting nonviolent Palestinian protestors?
• Why does Israel oppose international accountability? 

It will be interesting if Herzog--if he wins--is willing to take on the challenge of answering these questions and somehow a sense of sanity will prevail or not.

A "Musical Interlude" to Enjoy: Peter White - Joyride *k~kat jazz café* The Smoothjazz Loft

Onward to the New Week w/all its' possibilities...

Notations on Our World (II) : The View From Israel on #Netanyahu, #AIPAC & the Future

As the pivotal speech draws near, it was interesting how the Israeli PM professed respect for President Obama as a new development ensued about 10 US Senators having a new "law" introduced that gives them "veto power" over any nuclear deal.    It is also striking how this very perceptive column by Chemi Shalev  underscores the long-term challenge posted by this move by the Israeli Prime Minister.   The President has said he would veto the legislation--and it has been prominently noted in Iranian Media.   Furthermore, the Iranian Foreign Minister has noted that the efforts by Israel's Prime Minister will have no effect on the potential for a deal to be arrived at as Haaretz again reported that Iran's offer to cut Centrifuges has led to further progress in Talks.   


There is also a concerted grass roots effort to oppose this spreaheaded by +J Street and the National Iranian American Council--although the forces of opposition to the agreement is ever so strong as well.   This is compelling reading that all in Israel have to take notice of.   When Israel loses someone like Robert Kagan, it has profound challenge before it--this is as polls in Israel continue to be all over the map on who will actually prevail:  


The real drama isn’t Netanyahu in Congress, it’s Susan Rice, 'the gladiator' in AIPAC’s lion den - West of Eden - Israel News | Haaretz

It will be a challenge to achieve a deal especially as the Rouhani Government continues to fight rear guard action against the so-called conservatives.     Reports just were received about the potential impeachment of another one of Rouhani's Ministers that has been sent to the Parliament (Majlis).  

Notations On World: Distressing Days For Freedom (A Challenging 24 Hours...)

It has been another challenging and distressing 24 hours in our World.   Democracy's retreat seems to be evident everywhere as epitomized by the assassination of the Russian Opposition leader Boris Nemstov.   Ten of thousands marched in Moscow today to remember this fallen hero,   The banners read, "...."Heroes don't die" and "These bullets are for each one of us"".     Vladimir Putin has vowed to bring the culprits to Justice.     As we here @ #Outsiders assessed, we found it especially interesting that pro Kremlin groups had said they would not disrupt this march that was approved by Moscow City Authorities.      One could not help but wonder whether this would be the spark for true change in Russia?

Beyond Russia, there is Egypt.      We have commented on the plight of Democracy Activits in Egypt as they continue to receive the wrath of the State under Sisi such as Alaa Abdel Fattah.   .    It was telling that his Aunt noted how the family was happy that he was imprisoned and not shot as it appears that Egyptians are not as keen anymore to remember all who stepped up to get rid of a King-President to be replaced by another:

Iran is also just as challenging as we just saw reports that a labor Activist, Jamil Mohammadi, has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in Prison for having been the lead organizer for a 40,000-strong petition protesting the plight of the workers in Iran today,   We have also just received reports of silent protests throughout Iran on the new budget by Teachers as exemplified by these images just received by the #Outsider team:

  

Challenging times indeed....

 

An #Outsider Newsflash: On Our World (Late Breaking Notations)

As we gear up for March here in #Outsider, we wanted to report on this very welcome development on the call by the imprisoned PKK leader in Turkey to end the 30-Year insurrection with Turkey:

Jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan calls on his followers to disarmto end 30-year-old conflict: http://t.co/XHt3IDRKKf pic.twitter.com/s43gUSQi7D
— AJE News (@AJENews) February 28, 2015

It is always welcome when there are calls for peace with all the misery that the Middle East has been subjected to for so long.   It was also very welcome as we saw reports of Iraq's National Museum being officially re-opened by the Iraqi Prime Minister.     This is as the merchants of Death of Dayesh continue to suffer losses as they inflict so much misery as epitomized by the latest from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights:



These young souls the Kurdish People's Protection Unit and the Assyrian Christians have prevailed yet again as they took the town of Tal Halmis away from the Dayesh  thugs.  Yet, it is also very disturbing as we saw a leading opposition figure in Russia, Boris Nemtsov, was assassinated early this morning.   Vladimir Putin sent a telegram expressing his condolosecnes and promised a full investigation-as the continued slide into defacto Fascism in Russia continues.       

There is also some interesting news to report from India.   The Finance Minister, Arun Jaitely, has presented the first full budget of the Modi Government.   The one interesting feature we have noted here in #Outsider is the new Social Security Scheme.    It is clear that out of the BRICS Group, it is clear that India and China will be the senior partners in the group with all that has been going on in Brazil, the challenges in South Africa and Russia.

An ever so challenging World indeed......

As We go "Dark": On another Challenging Day, Lira's Admonition & Remembering Mr. Spock

It has been another tragic day as a Bangladeshi American Blogger, Avijit Roy,  and his wife were violently attacked in Bangladesh.  He was hacked to death with meat cleavers.    His wife is in serious condition.   This is as we were witness to the horrific acts by Dayesh in having destroyed priceless artifacts over the past 24 hours.   

We here at #Outsiders were not aware of his work directly until we reviewed the morning reports as we geared up to be "Dark" planning for March throughout the Outsider Network.  We join the comments by the CEO of Index on Censorship in strongly condemning this henious act.     This is as gear up for March in #Outsiders with the Israeli Prime Minister's Speech and the opposition avalanche that continues to build hour by hour,  the latest on the US Political Scene--including some of the more bizarre deliberations in Congress.   Conservatives are having their first major meeting that showcases a "beauty contest" of aspirants to the Presidency--including a declaration of cultural fascism by Brett Bozell.   

As we go "dark" we wanted to share this "musical interlude" from Lira that underscores a hope we have and what drives us to develop #outsiders:

It is not easy to live up to smile as we see a World that is engulfed--but Gandhi Ji reminded us all that we must be the change we want to see in our World as we hope to live up to Natalie Goldberg's admonition to "Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go..."

As we finished this final column, we got word that Leonard Nimoy  "Mr Spock" has passed away.    His admonition to us all to "Live Long and Prosper".  In his honor, we remember him:

Notations on Our World: On Yemen & The latest Dayesh Crime

Yemen is located in one of the most strategic parts of the World.  It one of the many "dominoes" in the aftermath of the Arab Spring that has for all intent and purpose become a failed State.  What was very disturbing was this report that underscored how the former President Saleh amassed a fortune of 60 Billion Dollars.  This is as Yemen is running out of Oil, has run out of Water and the ordinary faces of Yemen have no sense of hope.    

Beyond this shocking news, we were also witness to another horrific crime by the merchants of death of Dayesh (also known as IS in the West).  They destroyed artificats as old as 7th Century BC in the Mosul Museum because they say that they are "false prophets".     We have seen reports of infighting and divisions--and there was one scholar who said that this horrific act was to create a bit of a diversion.    We will continue to assess this daily as the apparent countdown to the invasion of Mosul is drawing near.