TEHRAN — The momentous (maybe to the Press) takeover of Iran’s parliament by hard-liners in Friday’s elections means a new era for the country, and likely the end to the Islamic republic’s seven-year experiment in softening its harsh domestic and international policies.
Were they a buncha softies before this? Gosh! And I missed it!
Although hard-liners have returned to prominent positions of power, their options are limited, analysts here say, by Iran’s new social, economic and geopolitical realities. These include a restless, underemployed generation of young people intolerant of religious social controls and a lively civic culture filled with unofficial associations and groups.
Did they ever leave positions of power? What is this reporter smoking? Mebbe there are 2 Irans...
The population is savvy, and has access to the Internet and satellite television. Other realities include an ailing economy in need of foreign investment and a ubiquitous U.S. military intolerant of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
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Up on the tightrope, things can get a little dicey. I’m pulling for gravity. Much more at the link. |