WSJ: Iran's Unlikely TV Hit, Show Sympathetic to Plight Of Jews During the Holocaust Draws Millions Each Week By FARNAZ FASSIHI
Every Monday night at 10 o'clock, Iranians by the millions tune into Channel One to watch the most expensive show ever aired on the Islamic republic's state-owned television. Its elaborate 1940s costumes and European locations are a far cry from the typical Iranian TV fare of scarf-clad women and gray-suited men. read more here.
Something more sober from NY Times: NY TIMES: Pentagon Studies Pre-Emptive Nuclear Strikes
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Taking Out Three Zeros from Rial
According to Fars News Agency President Ahmadinejad has ordered Iran Central Bank to investigate the methods to take out Three zeros from Iranian Rials notes that are circulating in the country.
Mr. Mesbahi-Moghadam a Member of Parliament and an observer in Iran’s Council for Monetary and Banking Affairs, that was dissolved a few months ago, told reporters that a large number in Iranian currency is equal to small change in the strong currencies. In his opinion this necessitates a currency reform. He told reports that when in 1972 the first 10’000 Rials note was introduced two 10’000 Rials notes would have been a month pay. Wages have increased exponentially since then as well as prices. The purchasing power of 10’000 Rials in 1972 is equivalent to that of 1’280’000 Rials in 2007.
He mentioned that per capita there are 110 notes in Iran while the average is 10 to 12 pieces for European countries. He told the reporters that a monetary reform is necessary and President has ordered Central Bank of Iran to investigate the effects of taking out 3 zeros as well as the inflationary consequences of cash checks that are in circulation in Iran.
Meanwhile Iranian economists considered this move as irrelevant to inflation. Dr. Tabibian, a veteran economist of Management and Planning Organization, told Aftab that such a policy would not bear any economic fruit for the country in the absence of inflation control policies. Iranian bankers are more optimistic and suggest adjusting the currency will create some sort of stability.
In the meantime prices continue to increase. And Central Bank reports an increased inflation rate. Inflation is not limited to Iran in the region. The phenomenon is visible in other OPEC countries. Currently UAE is experiencing a 19 years peak inflation rate. However the absence of a monetary market and an investment market in Iran reduces government abilities to combat inflation through interest rate.
That’s a pity. Because if Iranian politicians know anything about economics, that is the political consequences of a high inflation rate and a frustrated public who are struggling with declining shopping power. Anyone who desires another term in the office has to do something about inflation.
Mr. Mesbahi-Moghadam a Member of Parliament and an observer in Iran’s Council for Monetary and Banking Affairs, that was dissolved a few months ago, told reporters that a large number in Iranian currency is equal to small change in the strong currencies. In his opinion this necessitates a currency reform. He told reports that when in 1972 the first 10’000 Rials note was introduced two 10’000 Rials notes would have been a month pay. Wages have increased exponentially since then as well as prices. The purchasing power of 10’000 Rials in 1972 is equivalent to that of 1’280’000 Rials in 2007.
He mentioned that per capita there are 110 notes in Iran while the average is 10 to 12 pieces for European countries. He told the reporters that a monetary reform is necessary and President has ordered Central Bank of Iran to investigate the effects of taking out 3 zeros as well as the inflationary consequences of cash checks that are in circulation in Iran.
Meanwhile Iranian economists considered this move as irrelevant to inflation. Dr. Tabibian, a veteran economist of Management and Planning Organization, told Aftab that such a policy would not bear any economic fruit for the country in the absence of inflation control policies. Iranian bankers are more optimistic and suggest adjusting the currency will create some sort of stability.
In the meantime prices continue to increase. And Central Bank reports an increased inflation rate. Inflation is not limited to Iran in the region. The phenomenon is visible in other OPEC countries. Currently UAE is experiencing a 19 years peak inflation rate. However the absence of a monetary market and an investment market in Iran reduces government abilities to combat inflation through interest rate.
That’s a pity. Because if Iranian politicians know anything about economics, that is the political consequences of a high inflation rate and a frustrated public who are struggling with declining shopping power. Anyone who desires another term in the office has to do something about inflation.
MSNBC: Today in Iran.. Matt Lauer
These are excellent reports and videos on this link :
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20746548/
Specially watch the videos:
1. A glimpse of Iran you don't see
2. Iranian professor discusses politics
3. How do Iranians view America?
Articles:
The lives of women in IranIranian law still favors men, but women in that country are more educated and have a more visible role in life than in many other Islamic countries. Read more.
Pictures:
Iran’s perilous path in pictures
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20746548/
Specially watch the videos:
1. A glimpse of Iran you don't see
2. Iranian professor discusses politics
3. How do Iranians view America?
Articles:
The lives of women in IranIranian law still favors men, but women in that country are more educated and have a more visible role in life than in many other Islamic countries. Read more.
Pictures:
Iran’s perilous path in pictures
American Professor to Be Buried in Iran
TEHRAN, Iran: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has agreed to allow an American scholar to be buried in the historic Iranian city of Isfahan when he dies, the state broadcasting company said Thursday.
Richard Nelson Frye, an 87-year-old professor of Iranian and Central Asian studies at Harvard University, made his request in a letter addressed directly to Ahmadinejad, the broadcasting company reported on its Web site.
"I ask the Iranian president to allow my burial in the beautiful city of Isfahan to prove the unbreakable link between the honorable Iranian and American nations," Frye was quoted as saying in his letter.
Read more here: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/09/13/africa/ME-GEN-Iran-American-Scholar.php
Richard Nelson Frye, an 87-year-old professor of Iranian and Central Asian studies at Harvard University, made his request in a letter addressed directly to Ahmadinejad, the broadcasting company reported on its Web site.
"I ask the Iranian president to allow my burial in the beautiful city of Isfahan to prove the unbreakable link between the honorable Iranian and American nations," Frye was quoted as saying in his letter.
Read more here: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/09/13/africa/ME-GEN-Iran-American-Scholar.php
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
UAE Cuttting Interest Rate
UAE inflation rate is at a 19 years peak currently. Read Gulf News report:
Rate cut likely to fuel inflation
By Babu Das Augustine, Banking Editor
Published: September 12, 2007, 00:29
Dubai: The UAE is facing the prospect of higher inflation if the central bank decides to cut the interest rates in line with the expected US rate cuts on September 18.
The UAE will cut interest rates 'accordingly' should the US Federal Reserve decide to lower rates at its September 18 meeting, the UAE central bank governor Sultan Nasser Al Suwaidi told media in Damascus yesterday. The governor also insisted that the country has no plans to depeg or revalue the dirham.
Read more here: http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Economy/10153053.html
Rate cut likely to fuel inflation
By Babu Das Augustine, Banking Editor
Published: September 12, 2007, 00:29
Dubai: The UAE is facing the prospect of higher inflation if the central bank decides to cut the interest rates in line with the expected US rate cuts on September 18.
The UAE will cut interest rates 'accordingly' should the US Federal Reserve decide to lower rates at its September 18 meeting, the UAE central bank governor Sultan Nasser Al Suwaidi told media in Damascus yesterday. The governor also insisted that the country has no plans to depeg or revalue the dirham.
Read more here: http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Economy/10153053.html
Photos of Iran's Nature: Shahdad Desert
One must compliment Fars News Agency photographer Hamdi Sadeghi. His photos of Kavir e Shahdad in south east of Iran are remarkable. To see them all go here: http://www.farsnews.com/imgrep.php?nn=8604160543
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)