U. S. INSTITUTE OF PEACE MEDIA ALERT
February 8, 2000 Media inquiries should be directed to the Office of Communications: Phone: 202.429.3828 E-mail: usip_requests@usip.org
		A New Path for Iran? Iranians Vote in Major Parliamentary Elections Next Week
		Washington, DC -- On February 18, Iranians will go to the polls in a national parliamentary election that could dramatically effect the current delicate balance of power between reformists and religious conservatives in Iranian politics. Is this election more likely to improve or decrease the chance of American-Iranian rapprochement? Is the reformist political movement in Iran sustainable? How might the elections effect the balance of power in the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli peace process, and U.S. national interests? Is Islamic fundamentalism on the decline in Iran and throughout the Middle East? Middle East specialists Jon Alterman, Bernard Lynch, and Elaine Sciolino are available for questions, commentary, and analysis in examining the impact of the February Iranian Parliamentary elections. Jon Alterman Bernard Lynch Elaine Sciolino Scenes from an election All photos taken by Jon B. Alterman during a visit to Iran in February 2000. Translations courtesy of Jon B. Alterman and Bernard Lynch. Please click on the image for a larger picture.   "Obtaining Women's Rights, Freedom of Thought, and Social Justice." The banner is by the "Society of Islamic Women." hidden space   "Iran for all Iranians. Religiosity, Justice, Freedom." This banner is by the Left-oriented "Iran Islamic Participation Front."     "February 18: The Day of Freedom for the People. Victory. 6th Majles. We will solve the people's problems. Unity." This banner is by a conservative faction: "The Followers of the Line of the Emam and the Leader." "Respect for Islam. Continuation of Construction. Prosperity of Iran. Let's reach out to each other in kindness and make our country prosperous. Security - Welfare - Freedom." This banner is by the center-Left party, "The Executives of Construction of Iran." In addition, the following Institute resources related to the Middle East are available online: The Middle East: In Depth: The full range of Institute activities this region. Iran's Elections (Current Issues Briefing - February 2000) The Middle East in the 21st Century ( Address by Egyptian Ambassador Nabil Fahmy - October 1999)   The United States Institute of Peace is an independent organization created and funded by Congress to promote research, education, and training on the resolution of international conflicts.

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