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As all eyes have been set on Gaza, the Islamic Republic of Iran has not only been responsible for funding and training Hamas but the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria. In the meantime, experts from the Institute for Science and International Security, based on data from the International Atomic Energy Agency, now report that Iran can assemble one nuclear bomb in approximately 7 days. Iran has, long ago, entered into the new “axis of evil”, along with Russia and China, and has many bases throughout Latin America, threatening our own national security interests, here at home.

Meanwhile, although the major news outlets are not reporting this, it has been a year and a half since Mahsa Amini’s death, while in the custody of Iran’s morality police. for allowing some hair out of her chador. Emboldened by the protests, many are still wearing their hair uncovered. None of this means a loosening up of any of Iran’s draconian laws. The people of Iran went to the polls for new elections for its parliament and its Assembly of Experts on March 1st. However, the ruling Guardian Council oversaw the election, deciding which candidates were eligible. Many people avoided the elections, altogether, seeing them as a “sham”. What does this say about the future of Iran’s counter-revolution? Is there any hope that the people can overthrow their suffocating regime

Here to discuss these issues and more are Dr. Walid Phares and Gazelle Sharmahd.

About the Speakers:

Professor Walid Phares, an international expert on conflicts and terrorism, is a distinguished Professor of Global Strategies in Washington DC. Since 2007, he has been advising the US House of Representatives Caucus on Counter Terrorism and serving as the Co-Secretary General of the Trans Atlantic Legislative Group on Counter Terrorism. With a diverse teaching background, he has instructed on Global Strategies at the National Defense University and International Terrorism at the Intelligence University in Washington DC. Additionally, Professor Phares has contributed significantly to media as the Fox News Terrorism and Middle East Expert since 2007, providing insights on various networks worldwide. With a vast publication record spanning over three decades, he has authored books and articles on terrorism, geopolitics, and international relations. Professor Phares has also served as an analyst to governments, international organizations, NGOs, and media, providing expertise on ongoing global conflicts and terrorism, testifying before the US Congress, the European Parliament, the UN Security Council, and advising various government departments. He continues to lecture globally on topics related to comparative politics, conflict, strategic studies, and the Jihadist movements. Dr. Phares holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Miami and has a rich educational background from Lebanese and French universities.

Gazelle Sharmahd, an impassioned activist, stands at the forefront of the #SaveSharmahd campaign, where she tirelessly advocates for justice. Proudly carrying the legacy of her father, the journalist, activist, and Iran hostage Jamshid Sharmahd, Gazelle has dedicated herself to shedding light on his plight and raising awareness about injustice against Iranian citizens from the regime.