US sanctions Iranians over alleged assassination plots of former US officials, dissidents
The United States has announced sanctions against some Iranian and Turkish people and firms accused of plotting to assassinate former U.S. government officials, dual U.S. and Iranian nationals, and dissidents.
Salman Rushdie honored at PEN America gala, first in-person appearance since stabbing
Salman Rushdie has made an emotional and unexpected return to public life, attending the annual gala of PEN America and giving the event’s final speech as he accepted a special prize, the PEN Centenary Courage Award.
Critics reject changes to Roald Dahl books as censorship
Critics are accusing the British publisher of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s books of censorship after it removed colorful language from works such as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Matilda” to make them more acceptable to modern readers.
Biden administration responds to Iran's offer on nuke deal
The Biden administration says it has responded to Iran’s latest offer to resume its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, but neither side is offering a definitive path to revive the agreement, which has been on life-support since former President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018.
US, Iran inch closer to nuke deal but high hurdles remain
The Biden administration is expected to weigh in this week on Iran’s latest offer to resume its compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, but neither side is offering a definitive path to revive the agreement, which has been on life-support since former President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018.
Iran deal tantalizingly close, but US faces new hurdles
Last week’s attack on author Salman Rushdie and the indictment of an Iranian national for plotting to murder former national security adviser John Bolton have given the Biden administration new headaches as it attempts to negotiate a return to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
Writers warn in open letter against threat to free speech
The letter comes amid a debate over so-called cancel culture where prominent people face attack for sharing controversial opinions. The forces of illiberalism are gaining strength throughout the world and have a powerful ally in Donald Trump, who represents a real threat to democracy, the letter said. But resistance must not be allowed to harden into its own brand of dogma or coercionwhich right-wing demagogues are already exploiting. In a series of tweets, Rowling said she supported transgender rights but did not believe in erasing the concept of biological sex. The letter criticized the state of public debate and the swift and severe retribution dealt out to any perceived wrongs.