Green Movement

IN A STRANGE WAY, the debate over whether the American left should support the Green Movement in Iran resembles the arguments that took place in progressive circles before the 2008 presidential elections in the United States, and that reemerged in the recent midterm elections. Those in the Obama camp either believed him to be their savior, taking his every word as gospel, or, if they had a more sober political outlook, simply resorted to some version of the tired “lesser of two evils” argument. [Read More]

Recording of a teach-in on labor, human rights and prospects for a Left in Iran with Ervand Abrahamian, on May 2nd, 2010, in New York City. Audio Recording Your browser does not support the audio element Description The Platypus Affiliated Society, in collaboration with United for Iran, Amnesty International and the Network of Iranian Unions (NILU) has organized a teach-in on Iran for May 2nd, from 1-5pm at the Tisch Hall, 40 W. [Read More]

Platypus panel held at Left Forum 2010 in New York City, Pace University, March 20, 2010. Audio Recording Your browser does not support the audio element Panelists Laura Lee Schmidt (Chair)—Platypus Affiliated Society; History, Theory, and Criticism of Art and Architecture, MIT Siyaves Azeri—Worker-Communist Party of Iran Hamid Dabashi—Columbia University Christopher Cutrone—Platypus Affiliated Society; University of Chicago Description Rather than asking what the Left thinks of Iran, this panel will pose the question, what does Iran reveal about the Left, its limitations and failures? [Read More]