Countries Offering Visa on Arrival for Indians

Countries Offering Visa on Arrival for Indians

There was a time when planning a holiday abroad meant first having to deal with the hassle of applying for a visa. Those dreadful queues, the never ending documents, the inquisitive questions and then that long wait for the much awaited piece of paper, a.k.a. the visa, your license to travel. Phew! But, not anymore.

With many countries now offering Visa on Arrival (VOA) to Indian passport holders, travelling abroad is no longer a daunting experience. Some of the countries that offer Visa on Arrival for Indians include:

Asia	Africa	South America	North America	Oceania	Europe
Thailand	Mauritius	Bolivia	El Salvador	Fiji	Albania
Cambodia	Seychelles	Guyana	St Lucia	Samoa	Georgia
Sri Lanka	Egypt		Jamaica	Nauru
Hong Kong	Kenya		Saint Kitts and Nevis	Tuvalu
Macau	Tanzania		St Vincent
Indonesia	Ethiopia		Grandines
Myanmar	Madagascar		Trinidad & Tobago
Vietnam	Mozambique
Maldives	Djibouti
Jordan	Sao Tome & Principe
Timor Leste	Uganda
Laos	Guinea-Bissau
Azerbaijan	Gambia
Mangolia	Cape Verde
Iran	Burundi
Lebanon	Comoros
Israel	Togo
Kazakhstan	cameroon
Kyrgyzstan	Eritrea
Tajikistan	Condo
Turkmenistan	Gabon
	Ghana
	Mali
	Liberia
	Sierra Leone

Going by the popularity of destinations, here are some of the must-visit destinations that offer visa-free travel:

Cambodia

Indians can obtain a Visa on Arrival for Cambodia, for a maximum stay of 30 days, by paying a fee of US$ 20. You must have a passport photo, sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cambodia, and travel documents like visa and confirmed flight tickets. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 4 months from the date of arrival.

Tip: Whether you are a history buff or not, Angkor Wat is a must visit. Marvel at the intricate carvings of Shiva, Vishnu and other Hindu deities at this majestic temple.

Hong Kong

Indians can obtain a visa at the Hong Kong airport, free of charge, for a stay of 14 days. They must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay, along with confirmed onward or return flight tickets.

Tip: Embark on a magical experience at Disneyland and enjoy a day of fun and adventure, no matter what your age.

Indonesia

All it takes is US$ 25 for Indians to get a Visa on Arrival for Indonesia, for a maximum stay of 30 days! You must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Indonesia, in addition to carrying confirmed flight tickets for the return or onward destination. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Indonesia.

Tip: Explore the island of Bali, known for some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Visit Ubud, the cultural hub and go to Mt. Batur, which is an active volcano.

Jordan

Indians coming to Jordan can get a Visa on Arrival for 2 weeks by paying a fee of approximately US$ 30. They must carry at least US$ 1000 (or equivalent) to cover their stay and hold onward or return flight tickets for their next destination. Indians entering and exiting Jordan from Aqaba, along the Red Sea, are granted a 1 month visa for free.

Tip: Floating in the Dead Sea is definitely one of the top experiences in Jordan. Float without a life jacket as the high salt content keeps you buoyant.

Kenya

Indians can obtain a Visa on Arrival for a maximum of 90 days by paying US$ 50. They must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay, along with travel documents required for the next destination.

Tip: Experience the most famous wildlife safari in Masai Mara and spots animals like lions, cheetahs and leopards. You can also opt for the day-long hot air balloon safari!

Macau

Indians coming to Macau can get a Visa on Arrival for free, for a maximum stay of 30 days. Ensure that you have proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (US$ 60), as well as all travel documents for the return or onward destination.

Tip: Asia’s very own Vegas, Macau is known for its extensive number of casinos and gambling hubs. Touted as a popular destination for duty-free shopping, it is a Mecca for shopaholics.

Maldives

Indians can obtain a Visa on Arrival for a maximum of 90 days, free of charge. They must carry documents for the next destination, like return or onward flight tickets. Those passengers without a hotel reservation must carry at least $30 per person per day of their stay.

Tip: Maldives boasts of one of the world’s top diving and snorkelling experiences and is a great way to see the fascinating underwater life.

Mauritius

Indians can get Visa on Arrival for a maximum stay of 60 days, provided they hold a confirmed booking for accommodation in Mauritius, a sponsorship letter, a confirmed booking for return flight and sufficient funds for expenses during their stay (minimum of USD 100 per day).

Tip: Visit Chamarel in Mauritius, a small village known for its seven coloured layers of sand.

Nepal

A single entry Visa on Arrival is granted to Indians for a maximum stay of 150 days. The only thing you need to carry is a proof of nationality such as, passport, driving license or ration card with photo.

Tip: A Mecca for Mountaineers, Nepal boasts of a rich architectural heritage and some of the nicest people in the world. Don’t forget to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.

Seychelles

Indians can obtain a Visa on Arrival for Seychelles, for a maximum stay of 30 days. To obtain the visa they must hold an onward or return ticket and funds of minimum US$ 150 per person per day, along with proof of accommodation.

Tip: Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean and is a popular destination for newlyweds, owing to its pristine beaches, azure waters and lush greenery.

Sri Lanka

Indians can get a Visa on Arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days, provided they show evidence of ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) approval. They must carry proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Sri Lanka along with travel documents like, visas and confirmed onward or return flight tickets.

Tip: Nuwara Eliya will remind you of a quaint English countryside, with its whimsical churches, Tudor-style houses and the scent of freshly cut tea.

Thailand

Unlike foreign citizens, Indians can simply get a Visa on Arrival in Thailand for just US$ 35! Bear in mind that your stay does not exceed 15-30 days. In addition, Indians must hold the onward or return flight tickets plus a minimum of 10,000 baht per person.

Tip: Thailand is known for its glittering temples or Wats, so be sure to include at least one of these in your trip.

Turkey

Indians visiting Turkey can simply get a Visa on Arrival for US$ 20, provided they have a visa issued by the UK, US or a Schengen country.

Tip: Cappadocia in Turkey is an entire city formed out of volcanic eruptions and has up to 36 underground cities!

And There's More

Here are some other countries that offer Visa on Arrival for Indians: Bolivia, Burundi, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Jamaica, Laos, Madagascar, Mongolia, St Lucia, Tanzania, Uganda and Vietnam.

Moon in four hours

'Impossible' rocket drive works and could get to Moon in four hours

The British designed EM Drive actually works and would dramatically speed up space travel, scientists have confirmed

The Em Drive could allow humans to travel to the Moon in just four hours Photo: NASA

By Sarah Knapton, Science Editor, video sourceEnvisionNation

6:09PM BST 28 Jul 2015

2461 Comments

Interplanetary travel could be a step closer after scientists confirmed that an electromagnetic propulsion drive, which is fast enough to get to the Moon in four hours, actually works.

The EM Drive was developed by the British inventor Roger Shawyer nearly 15 years ago but was ridiculed at the time as being scientifically impossible.

It produces thrust by using solar power to generate multiple microwaves that move back and forth in an enclosed chamber. This means that until something fails or wears down, theoretically the engine could keep running forever without the need for rocket fuel.

• NASA gets set for commercial supersonic flight

The drive, which has been likened to Star Trek’s Impulse Drive, has left scientists scratching their heads because it defies one of the fundamental concepts of physics – the conservation of momentum – which states that if something is propelled forward, something must be pushed in the opposite direction. So the forces inside the chamber should cancel each other out.

Watch full interview by EnvisionNation

• Mankind to return to the moon in 2018

However in recent years Nasa has confirmed that they believe it works and this week Martin Tajmar, a professor and chair for Space Systems atDresden University of Technology in Germany also showed that it produces thrust.

The drive is capable of producing thrust several thousand times greater than even a photon rocket and could get to Mars within 70 days or Pluto within 18 months. A trip to Alpha Centauri, which would take tens of thousands of years to reach right now, could be reached in just 100 years.

"Our test campaign cannot confirm or refute the claims of the EM Drive but intends to independently assess possible side-effects in the measurements methods used so far," said Prof Tajmar.

"Nevertheless, we do observe thrust close to the actual predictions after eliminating many possible error sources that should warrant further investigation into the phenomena."

^{The EM Drive}

"Our measurements reveal thrusts as expected from previous claims after carefully studying thermal and electromagnetic interferences.

"If true, this could certainly revolutionise space travel."

• The £87,000 trip to space

^{The EM drive has been likened to the Impulse Drive in Star Trek's vessel of choice, the Starship Enterprise}

Shawyer also claims that he is just a few months away from publishing new results confirming that his drive works in a peer reviewed journal.

However scientists still have no idea how it actually works. Nasa suggested that it could have something to do with the technology manipulating subatomic particles which constantly pop in and out of existence in empty space.

Prof Tajmer presented his findings to the 2015 American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics' Propulsion and Energy Forum and Exposition this week.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/space/11769030/Impossible-rocket-drive-works-and-could-get-to-Moon-in-four-hours.html

The Pole Shift Has Begun

There are two types of pole shifts. The terrestrial kind is where the land masses actually move from their current positions to new ones sometimes thousands of kilometers away.

Then there’s magnetic pole shift, a flip in the Earth’s magnetic field where the north and south poles exchange places.

Adam Maloof, associate professor of geosciences at Princeton University has believed in terrestrial pole shift since his student days.

Years of research has not fully proven that terrestrial pole shift does occur at all, but his research has shown there is no possible way it could happen the way he envisioned it would.

Maloof aired his theory on a National Geographic television program in 2009. The geological evidencediscoveredduring the show found rocks in Australia that were ‘born’ thousands of miles away, and Maloof saw this as evidence of violent upheaval.

The rocks had the ‘wrong’ polarity for their situation. As a geologist he knew that rocks maintain their original polarity from the time they are pushed up from the bowels of the earth until they crumble away to dust millions of years later. Finding rocks that originated thousands of miles north on an island in the southern hemisphere offered further proof to him that his theories were correct.

Closer inspection presented him with a major problem though

There was no evidence of any violent upheaval, none, nothing at all to explain how the rocks had arrived in their current location. The pattern was repeated at other sites around the globe. He and his team turned up dozens ofexamples of rocks that just shouldn’t be where they were finding them. Rocks that originated near the north pole were marooned in Australia and formations that were known for sure to have started their lives in the southern hemisphere were now located thousands of miles to the north.

Maloof immediately concluded that a terrestrial pole shift couldn’t have happened …but that didn’t explain the out-of-place rocks.

After thinking about the issue for some time he hypothesized that terrestrial pole shift could occur after all, but on a scale so slow that we can’t feel it happening. You can hear his explanation on Listen To The story: Talk Of The Nation.

Many scientists do not follow his theory, preferring to believe that the rocks with opposing polarity just came up from the Earth’s interior when the magnetic poles were in their opposite position, or that they arrived where they are due to continental drift.

Magnetic pole shift is a different thing entirely. The Earth’s crust stays in place, there is no movement of rocks or anything else on the surface of the earth. What changes is the Earth’s magnetic field.

The magnetic field around the Earth is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core. When working properly it protects us from particle storms, cosmic rays, UV type B radiation and subatomic particles flying in from deep space. Without it the ozone layer would be eroded, and we would be exposed to almost everything the universe has to throw at us.

Every few hundred thousand years the force of the magnetic field reduces until it is almost not there at all, and at this point the magnetic poles flip over, the poles exchange places. The geological record tells us that there have been many such reversals. The last one is thought to have happened about 780,000 years ago.

Our magnetic field has been weakening for 150 years now, but the weakening is not uniform. Professor Elgil Friis-Christensen former director of Denmark’s National Space Institute told the BBC:


We talk about the weakening of the global field but in some local areas, such as in the South Atlantic, the field has gone down 10% in just the last 20 years. But we do not know whether we will go into a reversal or whether the global field will recover.

Pole shift is not synchronized; for a while we may have two, or more south poles, or north poles, as the field adjusts and settles into its new position. It’s a total unknown as to how long the planet would not have the shielding effects of the field. No one has yet even guesstimated how long it takes to complete the reversal and for the field to return to normal operating levels.

The magnetic North Pole has been on the move for some time, moving from northern Canada towards Russia at a rate of 25-40 miles a year. The speed of movement has increased during the last decade. This increase coincides with the increase in the weakening of the field.



In an attempt to find out exactly what’s going on with the magnetic field The European Space Agency (ESA) launched three satellites on the back of a Rocot vehicle from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome at 12.02 GMT today. The mission, called SWARM will monitor the field for between four and five years and hopefully gather enough data for the scientists to see clearly the state of the magnetic field. (Source)

A magnetic pole reversal is going to present major problems

Compasses will be pointing in the wrong direction and GPS satellites will quite literally not be able to work out up from down as they are programmed for our current polarity.

As humans were not around during the last reversal, the effect on animal life and climate is unknown. Will birds instinctively know that they should fly north for the winter…or do they still fly south? Bees, bats and even mass migrations will most likely be affected.

Will the climate flip at the same time as the poles? Or does that come later? There are so many answers that need to be found and scientists may not have that long to find them.

Magnetic pole shift is a complicated dynamic process. Although no land mass movement will occur we will still face a time of massive upheaval and uncertainty.

Our food supply is fragile at best, and massive environmental changes will be a challenge that needs to be overcome if we are to avoid a massive human die off.

Ozone, the filter that takes out most ultraviolet B radiation, the type most harmful to human and animals will be depleted without the magnetic field there to protect it. Skin cancers and severe sunburn will increase. Cateracts and blindness will rise exponentially as the ozone reduces.

One thing we do have the answer to already is that scientists, and most likely politicians as well, are worried. Cash strapped, austerity driven Europe would not be spending tens of millions of dollars putting three satellites into space if they weren’t.

This is a situation we can do nothing about. Governments around the world know it’s started, but once again they say nothing. They give no advice about preparing for the future.

The magnetic field has been diminishing for years, and as time moves on the speed of that reduction increases.

Magnetic field strength is directly related to ozone

Holes in the ozone allow warming of the oceans in those regions to occur. Warmer oceans regions allow more precipitation and larger hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons to form.

All this crap we hear about climate change, the explanations about why some areas are experiencing warm seas and rising sea levels; it’s not climate change, it’s the start of magnetic pole shift.

Governments cannot admit this because there’s nothing they can do about it. Instead, they sell global warming in a miserable attempt to mitigate some of the changes that are already happening.

Sources:
Www.Sciencedaily.Com
Www.Theengineer.Co.Uk
Hyperphysics.Phy-Astr.Gsu.Edu
News.Nationalgeographic.Co.Uk
Www.Sciencedaily.Com
Www.Bbc.Co.Uk
Www.Nasa.Gov
Www.Enchantedlearning.Com
Www.Npr.Org
Www.Activistpost.Com

Retirement Abroad: 5 Unexpected Foreign Cities

By Jean Folger | October 02, 2014

Retiring abroad has appeal: You get a change of scenery (maybe even someplace exotic), the chance to live in a different culture and, in many cases, a lower cost of living. Combine these with the proven link between travel and healthy aging – travel delivers physical, cognitive and social benefits – and the case for spending at least some of your retirement abroad becomes even stronger. See Retirement Travel: Good And Good For You.

Once you've made the decision, though, it can be a challenge to decide where to move. Some of the more well-known destinations include Costa Rica, Thailand and Spain, but there are plenty of other lesser-known – sometimes surprising – spots worth considering. In addition to scenery, culture and activities, we also looked at medical care. You don't want your new home to be that over-the-top exotic. Here are five destinations that should top your relocation research list.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is located directly across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. A medieval walled city known for its Old World charm, culture, history, architecture and stunning geography, Dubrovnik offers serene beaches with secret coves and calm, turquoise water. Although it is more expensive than other Croatian cities, it’s affordable by typical Mediterranean standards: A couple could live comfortably on about $2,700 a month. Dubrovnik is home to a full-service hospital, and many U.S. insurance companies offer health insurance for expatriates living in Croatia.

Kuching, Borneo

Borneo is the world’s third largest island, and the relaxed yet cosmopolitan city of Kuching, capital of the state of Sarawak, is situated just inland on the banks of the Sarawak River in the island’s northwest region. About 15,000 species of flowering plants, 221 species of mammals and 420 species of birds live in Borneo’s 140-million-year-old rainforest – the world’s oldest. There are beaches, golf, shopping and museums. Borneo offers incentives for permanent residency, and a home-owning couple can get by comfortably on about $600 a month. Kuching is a popular medical tourism destination, and medical care is considered modern and very affordable.

Salinas, Ecuador

Ecuador is home to the Amazon basin, the Andes Mountains, modern cities, quiet villages, beaches, whitewater rivers, and, 600 miles from the coast, the Galapagos Islands. The country’s westernmost city is Salinas, the largest coastal resort town in Ecuador, with oceanfront living, open-air markets and great food. Ecuador came in fourth for the lowest cost of living, according to International Living’s Global Retirement Index, and a couple can retire well for about $1,500 a month. Health care is affordable, and expats can choose from several local clinics, or travel to Guayaquil – about a two-hour drive – for a modern hospital.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Expats from Australia and New Zealand have been heading to Cambodia for years, and recently the country’s beautiful beaches have begun to attract Americans as well. According to International Living’s Global Retirement Index, Cambodia tied with Guatemala for the lowest cost of living. It’s possible for a couple to live comfortably on $700 a month. About $150 a month gets you a furnished 2,000-square-foot beachfront house, including utilities and high-speed Internet. Foreigners are unable to purchase property, but they can obtain leasehold rights for up to 99 years. Health options are limited, so most expats receive medical care in nearby Thailand.

Tagaytay, Philippines

Tagaytay sits in a mountainous region of the Phillipine’s main island. The town, known for its beautiful scenery and cooler climate – a function of its high altitude – rests on the shores of Lake Taal, in the center of which sits Taal Volcano Island. The Phillippines has the second-lowest cost of living in International Living’s Global Retirement Index, and a couple can live comfortably for about $800 a month. Numerous incentives are offered to expat residents, including discounts for the 60+ crowd, and the duty-free import of household goods. Good, affordable healthcare is available in nearby Manila.

The Bottom Line

Before settling on a retirement destination, make every effort to visit the area – preferably over multiple trips to experience the different seasons – to see if you can picture yourself living there. You need more than just beautiful surroundings: Be sure the location offers other activities you enjoy, whether that’s rich culture, adventure sports or bird watching.Consider whether you'll be comfortable in the climate and whether you can manage living in another language, if English isn't widely spoken.

Rules and regulations vary by country, including visa and residency requirements. In addition, taxes for those retiring abroad can be quite complicated. Work with a qualified attorney and/or tax specialist when making plans for retiring abroad.



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The Iran Nuclear Deal

A historical accord, or a historical mistake? Depends on whom you ask, and what they have at stake. Months of preparation, two weeks of final intensive discussions in Vienna, eight parties involved, and the final result? A 159-page agreement with five annexes, the Iran nuclear deal is making headlines across the globe as a landmark historical agreement between extreme opponents.

It’s just the start. The deal actually elaborates a lengthy process spanning over 15-25 years. It will be supervised by an eight-member committee, including Iran, the United States of America, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and the European Union.

Here is a layman’s guide to the nuclear deal of Iran, what it encompasses for the different nations involved, its economic and political impacts, key timelines of the development, and the areas of concern.

In a nutshell, the agreed-upon nuclear deal aims at limiting Iran's ability to produce a nuclear weapon, in exchange for the removal of various sanctions imposed on it internationally.

The Background

Based on the revelations of an Iranian exile group in 2002, Iran is suspected to have nuclear facilities. Following inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and subsequent discoveries, Iran continues to proceed with nuclear developments despite international opposition. In 2006, the United Nations imposed sanctions on Iran, which were followed by similar actions from the USA and the EU. Since then, bitter confrontations have been ongoing between Iran and the world powers.

These sanctions--primarily on Iran's oil business, weapons sales and financial transactions--have severely hurt Iran’s economy. The current geo-political situation is also posing a challenge to oil prices globally, as Iran is one of the largest producers of crude oil. The deal ends a decade-long conflict between the world powers and Iran.

The Parties Involved

The deal was negotiated between Iran and a group of counterparts that included the US, Russia, Britain, Germany, France, China, and the EU.

The supporters of the nuclear deal affirm benefits, which include the best-possible guarantee from Iran that it will refrain from producing a nuclear arsenal. This will also be an important step towards establishing peace in the volatile Middle East region. (related: Oil and Terror: ISIS and Middle East Economies)

Main Points Of The Iran Nuclear Deal

To make nuclear bombs, the uranium ore mined from earth needs enrichment to either Uranium-235 or to Plutonium. Uranium ore mined from earth is processed via devices called centrifuges to create Uranium-235. Uranium ore is processed in the nuclear reactors which transforms it into Plutonium.

Under the deal, Tehran will reduce the number of centrifuges to 5,000 at the Natanz uranium plant--half of the current number. Nationwide, the number of centrifuges will reduce from the current 19,000 to 6,000. The enrichment levels will be brought down to 3.7 percent, which is much lower than the 90 percent needed for making a bomb. The stockpile for this low-enrichment uranium will be capped to 300 kilograms for the next 15 years, down from the present 10,000 kilograms.

The Arak nuclear reactor will not be used to produce any plutonium, and any existing produce will be shipped out of Iran.

No new reactors will be built by Iran for the next 15 years.

“Breakout time” is the benchmark used to indicate a nation’s capability to produce a nuclear bomb. Currently estimated to be a few months, Iran has agreed to extend the breakout time to at least one year. This duration gives enough time to other nations to detect activities and initiate action against Iran in case it commences building nuclear weapon.

All these measures will severely restrict Iran's capability to make a nuclear bomb, and will ensure nuclear power usage is limited to civilian use only.

Monitoring and inspections are expected to be much stricter, more detailed and more intrusive, compared to those in the past.
Next Steps and Immediate Timelines

As the deal is finalized, a UN Security Council resolution will be passed in coming days to revoke all earlier resolutions against Iran, approve the agreed deal, and propose a timeline for removal of each existing sanction against Iran.

By August 15, 2015, Iran will submit written responses to the questions raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), about its nuclear program and developments. It will also allow monitoring of its facilities by IAEA inspectors on or before October 15, 2015.

Based on the findings, IAEA will present a report about Iran’s commitment towards the agreed points by December 15, 2015. This report will be important for decision making regarding sanction removal.

Removal of Sanctions

The UN Security Council resolution will theoretically cancel all imposed sanctions on Iran. But in reality, many of those will be re-imposed with new timelines and conditions.

First, the oil embargo preventing the import of oil from Iran will be removed. (See related: Possible Effects Of An Iran Embargo) The USA and EU will lift oil and trade related sanctions. Foreign companies will then be allowed to purchase oil from Iran, US companies located outside the USA can trade with Iran, and imports of selected items from Iran will be permitted. American manufacturers will be allowed to sell civilian airplanes to Iran. (Related: How Embargoes Affect International Business)

Simultaneously, sanctions on Iran’s banking and financial systems will go away. It will enable the immediate release of around $100 billion currently lying frozen in Iranian bank accounts overseas.
Other Benefits

Immediately after the deal announcement, government officials from major European countries are already reported to be planning visits to Iran to explore business opportunities.

Some of the main challenges faced by Iran during the sanction period were Iran's shrinking GDP, high inflation between 50% to 70% in 2013, and the nation being cut-off from world economic system. All such economic challenges are expected to be drastically improved, once Iran complies with the deal agreement. It will lead to the infusion of billions of dollars into the Iranian economy, paving the way for overall national growth.

The oil economy is expected to rebound, benefiting Iran as well as other global businesses. Lifting sanctions will allow the movement of huge supplies of oil from Iran, which is thought to be sitting on a large stockpile due to years of imposed sanctions. International oil companies like France’s Total and Norway’s Statoil operated in Iran for years before sanctions were imposed. Such companies, and others, will find new business opportunities. Iran may seek assistance from US oil companies in technical advancement. (See related: The World's Top Oil Producers)

European car manufacturers like Peugeot and Volkswagen were market leaders in Iran prior to the sanctions. They are eager to claim their lost territories in the improved environment.

Although a few sectors like auto, oil and infrastructure had significant interest from foreign companies in the pre-sanction era, the reality is that foreign businesses have had limited presence in Iran since the 1979 revolution. In essence, the Iranian markets have remained largely unexplored by international businesses across many other industry sectors. With this new nuclear deal breaking the deadlock, more international firms are expected to jump the bandwagon, invest in Iran, and contribute to the national economy. The Iranian authorities are expected to be supportive and introduce liberal reforms.

Long Term Commitments

Reduction in enrichment levels of uranium, and reduction in the volume of stockpiles will remain in force for 15 years. Measures towards increased transparency, with access to and inspections of required establishments, will remain for up to 25 years.

Relief to Iran in terms of easing out the imposed sanctions will be introduced in a phased manner, contingent on Iran completing the required mandatory steps. For example, sanctions on conventional arms trade may be removed in around five years, while sanctions on ballistic missiles trade may take eight to ten years.
Key Concerns

US President Barack Obama claims the deal will make US and the world a safer place. However, concerns and opposition are on the rise.

A lot is suspected to be hidden under the covers. Major challenges exist for identifying, administrating and monitoring the atomic facilities and developments in Iran. Complete awareness will be needed about the existing labs, establishments, underground sites, research centers, and military bases associated with nuclear developments. Information about the personnel involved, including scientists, researchers and foreign allies may also be required. Though Iran has agreed to provide the IAEA higher levels of information and deeper levels of access to all nuclear programs and facilities in the country, a lot may still remain unexplored.

The Opposition

The deal, although welcomed by a larger group of nations across the globe, has also seen opposition from a few prominent world leaders. Israeli leader Netanyahu cites the deal to be the one which "paves Iran's path to the bomb." His vehement opposition to the deal comes on the basis of Iran’s past history of being a nuclear-capable challenge for the Middle East region, and on the structure of inspection and monitoring terms which allows Iran sufficient time to clean-up before a site can be monitored for suspected activities. Apprehensions are high that the terms of this deal will fail to fully or partially identify, monitor and control Iran’s nuclear programs effectively.

In this backdrop, lifting of sanctions will allow Iran to come out ahead, which may lead to challenging times. Allegations from Israel and the Arab world leaders view the deal as being a platform to fund and nurture a nuclear-capable, religious-extremist country. A strengthened Iran leads to serious concerns about security and peace in the region, and to the world as a whole.

The Bottom Line

The Pros and Cons of such a landmark deal are debatable. Most views, claims, and allegations are often politically tuned. For now, the majority across the globe appears to be positive about the Iran nuclear deal.



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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

by WYNTON HALL17 Jul 20159,639

Iran's Supreme Leader Slams 'Arrogant' US AFTER Nuke Deal, Crowd Chants 'Death to America, Death to israel'

Daily Surge

As Iran and President Barack Obama cheer and champion their controversial nuclear deal, critics are roundly condemning the deal as a historic and catastrophic agreement that will strengthen Iran and imperil national security for America and its allies.

Here, then, are seven facts about Obama’s proposed Iran nuclear deal Americans should know:

1. U.S. Nuclear Inspectors Are Banned From Inspecting Iran’s Nuclear Sites

Obama National Security Adviser Susan Rice admitted to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday that “no Americans will be part of the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] inspection teams.”

The administration’s claim that the deal provides inspections “anytime, anywhere” is also false. Obama’s deal allows Iran to block inspector access to any undeclared nuclear site. As Charles Krauthammer notes, “The denial is then adjudicated by a committee—on which Iran sits. It then goes through several other bodies, on all of which Iran sits” and the whole process may take up to 24 days.

2. Obama’s Iran Nuclear Deal Lifts Economic Sanctions that Could Boost Iran’s Economy with $150 Billion in Revenue

As the Washington Post reports, “Yet another worry is that the lifting of tough economic sanctions on Iran would provide it with as much as $150 billion in revenue. Some of that money would be spent on infrastructure and the Iranian people. Some of it, critics say, would go to the likes of Hezbollah, Syrian Bashar al-Assad and Iraqi militias that no long ago were killing Americans.”

3. The Obama Administration Admits That ‘We Should Expect’ Iran Will Spend Some of the $150 Billion in Revenues Obama’s Deal Gives Them On Their Military and Possibly Terrorism

In the same interview with Wolf Blitzer, Obama National Security Adviser Susan Rice conceded the following: “Yes, it is real, it is possible, and, in fact, we should expect that some portion of that money would go to the Iranian military and could potentially be used for the kinds of bad behavior that we have seen in the region up until now.”

4. On the Very Week Obama Brokered His Iran Nuclear Deal, Large Crowds Across Iran Could Be Heard Chanting “Death to America”—And Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Declared ‘Death to America’ Just Months Ago

As even the Huffington Post noted under a headline titled, “’DEATH TO AMERICA’ JUST LAST WEEK”: “Hatred towards the United States remains a basic tenet of Iran’s ruling system, on display just last week during an annual protest day that saw large crowds across Iran chanting ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel.’”

Similarly, as CNN reported, Iran’s Supreme Leaders Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for “death to America” as recently as late March of 2015.

5. Obama’s Iran Nuclear Deal Does Not Require Iran to Release Any American Prisoners

Obama’s proposed deal with Iran does not require the Iranians to release American prisoners like Iranian-American Christian missionary Saeed Abedini, Iranian-AmericanWashington Post journalist, Jason Rezaian, or U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati.

6. Obama’s Deal Allows Russia and China to Supply Iran with Weapons

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed on Tuesday that “weapons supplies will be possible” under the new deal. As the International Business Times reports, “Russia and China will continue to make weapons deals with Iran under U.N. procedures.” Krauthammer argues that “the net effect of this capitulation will be not only to endanger our Middle East allies now under threat from Iran and its proxies, but to endanger our own naval forces in the Persian Gulf.” He added, “Imagine how Iran’s acquisition of the most advanced anti-ship missiles would threaten our control over the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, waterways we have kept open for international commerce for a half century.”

7. 77 Percent of Americans Oppose Obama’s Lifting of Sanctions Against Iran

According to the latest Associated Press-GfK poll, 77 percent of Americans believe U.S. sanctions against Iran should be kept the same or increased, not lifted as Obama’s deal calls for.

Prior to the announcement of Obama’s controversial Iran nuclear deal, 60 percent of Americans disapproved of his handling of U.S. relations with Iran.

This week, Obama embarked on a 60-day campaign to build support for his controversial Iran nuclear deal.