By FISN Staff, Updated January 2026
Opinion essays are a vital part of the FISN platform. They provide space for scholars, analysts, professionals, and informed citizens to share perspectives, interpretations, and principled arguments that contribute to the broader conversation about Iran’s democratic transition and the struggle for freedom. FISN advocates a free, secular, and democratic Iran, rejecting all forms of dictatorship, past or present, opposing nuclear armament, and committing to peaceful coexistence with neighbors and the international community.
Opinion pieces differ from research articles:
- They do not require an abstract.
- They do not require keywords.
- They do not include a reference list.
- If sources are cited, they must be linked directly in the text (not listed at the end).
Below are the submission guidelines.
1. Descriptive and Impactful Title
Provide a short, precise, and meaningful title that clearly reflects the opinion being expressed or the main argument being defended.
Opinion pieces rely on clarity and persuasion. A strong title signals the author’s position and invites readers into the argument without ambiguity or unnecessary abstraction. Please see the following examples:
Good: Why Principled Resistance Is Essential for Iran’s Democratic Future
Not ideal: Some Thoughts About Resistance in Iran
2. Author Name and Affiliation Information
All submissions must clearly identify the author(s) at the beginning of the article. The author information should include:
- Full name, spelled out completely.
- Academic or professional title(s) (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., J.D., Pharm.D., Professor).
- Institutional affiliation (if any).
- Relevant social, civic, or political activism (if applicable and safe to disclose).
- Multiple affiliations may be listed when appropriate.
For authors who must protect their identity, pen names are allowed, but the editorial team must still hold accurate information privately.
Providing full and accurate author information strengthens transparency, credibility, and accountability. It also helps readers understand the perspective, expertise, and background of the author. For individuals involved in activism, or those writing from within high‑risk environments, the disclosure of activism should be voluntary and evaluated for safety on a case‑by‑case basis. FISN strongly respects and protects the anonymity of contributors when necessary.
Formatting examples include:
- Example 1 — Academic
Naseem Azadi, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science, University of Connecticut - Example 2 — Medical Professional
Naseem Azadi, M.D., Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System - Example 3 — Legal / Advocacy
Naseem Azadi, J.D., Human Rights Activist and Legal Researcher - Example 4 — Health Sciences + Activism
Naseem Azadi, Pharm.D., Political Activist and Writer - Example 5 — Anonymous Contributor
Written under a Pen Name (Full information on file with the FISN Editorial Team)
3. Clear Structure and Logical Flow
Organize the opinion piece into clearly defined sections or paragraphs that build the argument progressively. Section numbers are optional, but clarity and flow are mandatory.
Opinion writing must be readable and coherent. Each major idea should be separated into its own paragraph or section, allowing the argument to develop step by step. Whether formal sections are used is the author’s choice, but the writing should feel intentional and structured.
4. Provide Context and Evidence
If the opinion piece relies on facts, examples, or external sources, include them as direct hyperlinks in the text. Do not create a reference list at the end. Opinion pieces may cite facts, events, or reports. However, unlike academic papers, these should be linked inline to maintain flow and accessibility. End-of-paper reference lists are not needed.
5. Writing and Formatting Standards
All opinion pieces must follow consistent writing conventions to ensure readability and professionalism. Follow these minimal guidelines:
- Correct punctuation must be used throughout.
- Consistent capitalization for names, institutions, acronyms, and titles.
- Leave a blank line between paragraphs to enhance readability.
- Keep paragraphs reasonably short—avoid walls of text.
- Avoid excessive jargon; define specialized terms when necessary.
- Proofread for grammar, clarity, and coherence before submission.
6. Conclusion That Reinforces the Main Argument
End with a concise concluding paragraph that reinforces the key message, takeaway, or call to action.
Opinion pieces aim to persuade, clarify, or inspire. A strong conclusion ensures the reader leaves with a clear understanding of the author’s viewpoint and the stakes involved.