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The article discusses efforts by the Iranian government to silence the criticisms of Iranians living abroad. Some Iranian nationals who have criticized the regime on Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace claim relatives in Iran have been harassed by the government. An unidentified college student who posted critical remarks on Facebook says his father was arrested in Tehran.

The article discusses unrest in Tehran, Iran following president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's controversial election victory. Supporters for both Ahmadinejad and rival Mir Hossein Mousavi, who claims the election results were rigged, demonstrated in the streets of Tehran. The nation's Guardian Council has announced that votes in disputed areas will be recounted, while Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has asked the Council to investigate claims of electoral fraud.

The article explores the political evolution of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. When he served as the Friday Prayer leader, he challenged the concept of the role, placing Islamic law and the Constitution above the authority of a central figure. However, as supreme leader, he gradually centralized power and, according to analysts and Western diplomats, moved away from a system of theocracy and toward one of an autocracy.

The article looks at how Iran as become the newest member of the international space club. According to the author, government analysts and other experts are worried about Iran's space debut. Comments on the issue from Dr. John B. Sheldon, an analyst at the Center for Defense and International Security Study, are included.

Iran agreed to a cease-fire with Iraq five months ago. Now, however, Iranian leaders are struggling to build a stable and prosperous society, no longer unified by the patriotic spirit of war. Pragmatists are competing with purists for control over both economic and social policy. The strict traditions of Moslem fanaticism remain, but liberalizing influences are beginning to appear.

The article discusses the presence of an underground sexual movement within Iran in the early 21st century aiming to form a protest against the religious-moral control of the government over Iranian society. The book "Passionate Uprisings: Iran's Sexual Revolution," by Pardis Mahdavi is discussed in depth, describing the shifts in public policy and allowance towards women's fashion, the presence of a strong lingerie industry, and discussion regarding the possibility of regime change through subversive ideological rebellion in the younger generations of the country.

Focuses on the recognition of Valentine's Day in Iran. Social conditions in Iran, suggesting the celebration of love and sensuality will not be tolerated by the government; How the young Iranians have picked up on the Western-style celebration of Valentine's Day; Efforts of the government to crack down on people attempting to recognize Valentine's Day; Percentage increase in the price of flowers during the week leading up to Valentine's Day, indicating a potential economic gain; How Valentine goods enter the country; Penalties to be assessed by the government if citizens do not adhere to strict religious laws of Islam known as Sharia.

Describes the political tensions within the Iranian government. Reforms initiated by President Mohammad Khatami; Tensions between his supporters and hard-line conservatives; Khatami's visit to the United Nations in September, 1998; Possible war between Iran and Afghanistan; Khatami's political strength and popularity; October, 1998, elections of the Assembly of Experts; Role of the Council of Guardians; Need for changes among conservatives.

Explains the tensions between Afghanistan's ruling Taliban and Iran. Conflict between the Sunni Taliban and Shiite Iran; The extent of the Taliban's control of Afghanistan; Buildup of military forces along the border; Internal battles in Iran; Views of Iranian President Mohamad Khatami; Deposed Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani; Involvement of Pakistan; Stability brought to Afghanistan by the Taliban.

Presents several brief articles related to world news for February 23, 1999. New fighting in Kosovo between Serbs and ethnic Albanians; Training and weapons received by terrorist Abdullah Ocalan from Greece; Disqualification of political candidates in Iran for the first municipal elections since 1979.

Opinion. Looks at politics and government in Iran after the election of Mohammed Khatami as president in 1997. The guidelines which govern Iran and have since the Islamic revolution in 1979; The support which Khatami has among Iran's population; The shift in the United States policy toward Iran; The power that the clergy still holds in Iran; The belief that Iran is slowly moving toward normalization.

Studies the role of the Iranian government in the peace process in the Middle East as of 1997. The impact that the 1979 Islamic Revolution by Ayatollah Khomeini has had on the Middle East; The critical presence of Iran to the defenses of Mideast nations; How the United States views Iran; Iran's claims for peace; Control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, the outlet for oil exported from the Persian Gulf.

Reports that Iraq held its first parliamentary elections since 1989 on March 24, 1996. Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's pre-approval of the candidates.

Reports that Iran's President Mohammed Khatami appointed Masoumeh Ebtekar to his Cabinet, the first woman to be appointed to the Cabinet since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Organization to which Ebtekar was appointed as vice president; Information on Khatami.

Focuses on the Jameah newspaper in Tehran, Iran. Right-wing clerics who want to shut it down; The paper as President Mohamad Khatami's promise to liberalize the press; The paper as being feared by conservative clerics; Examples of the types of articles the paper prints.

Reports on the impeachment of Iranian interior minister, Abdullah Nouri. Iranian president Mohamad Khatami's reaction to the impeachment; The political activity taking place amidst the World Cup soccer tournament; Iran's victory over the United States in the World Cup; The battle between Islamic conservatives and more-open reformists.