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My Favorite Cake: Cinema, Memory, and Resistance in Iran
For some time now, My Favorite Cake, directed by Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, has been available to the public through some Telegram channels. After receiving attention in the 74th Berlin Film Festival’s cinema circles, audiences now have easy access to this film. My Favorite Cake draws power from its…
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Strikes and Struggles: The Plight of Iran’s Oil Workers
The new wave of strikes, called the “14-14” campaign, began on June 19. Contract workers in various oil and gas companies went on strike demanding higher wages and a 14-day work, 14-day rest schedule. Earlier, these workers had warned that if their demands were not met by the end of…
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Hijab, Political Islam,
and the Construction of Theocracy in the Middle EastThe Iran-Iraq war saw the slogan “My sister, your hijab is your fortress” symbolizing the Islamic Republic’s efforts to cement its ideology through veiling. Over time, the veil revealed itself to be a protective measure for the regime rather than for women. Questions about policy’s significance in women’s dress arise…
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From Faith to Secularism: Shifting Attitudes in Iran
A nationwide government survey conducted in the 2024 winter shows a significant shift among Iranians away from the ruling ideology and towards a secular system. According to the national survey “Values and Attitudes of Iranians,” which is classified and has not been made public, an overwhelming majority of participants support…
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How Iran’s Political Prisoners Are Driven to Suicide
Dalia Andam, a 15-year-old Kurdish protester from Sanandaj, tragically ended her life after rejoining protests and receiving threats from law enforcement. On November 17, 2022, Dalia was shot with 25 pellets during a protest, further attacked later, and her family avoided hospitals for fear of arrest. She rejoined protests but,…
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Rap as Rebellion:
Toomaj Salehi’s Battle Against OppressionToomaj Salehi, the most famous protest rapper in Iran, is a mechanical engineer and a lathe worker who has spent his salary and even his motorbike on creating his songs in protest against the regime. He says he is not afraid and wants to spread his courage to others. In…
Borders: More Than Lines
How do boundaries shape nations and identities? Beyond physical barriers, borders influence culture, politics, and human connections, profoundly impacting global dynamics and interactions.
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Iran and Middle East
Into Iran’s significant role in the region, focusing on human rights, the labour movement, and the fight for democracy. These efforts are pivotal in shaping a just and equitable Middle East.
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Book Review
Into notable works, highlighting themes of human rights, the labor movement, and the fight for democracy. These reviews illuminate pivotal struggles and inspire informed readers.
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Unveiling Iran
Culture, Politics, and People
The spirit of the Iranian people remains strong. They continue to fight for their rights, culture, and place in the world.
Women
Women are the backbone of society, driving change and progress. Fight for equality and freedom demonstrate strength and resilience, shaping a better future for everyone.
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Labour
The ongoing worker movement for rights and fair conditions is vital for socio-political change. This struggle is essential for creating a just society where everyone can thrive and succeed.
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Society
Iranian society is diverse and vibrant, blending ancient traditions with modern influences. Despite challenges, the people’s resilience and rich cultural heritage continue to inspire and endure through time.
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History
Iran’s modern history is marked by significant events: the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War, and ongoing political reforms. These events shape its complex and evolving identity today.
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FNT Podcast
Join me every two weeks as we delve into various aspects of socio-political issues, with the goal of cultivating a more profound comprehension of our world. Together, striving to bring lucidity to the complexities of our collective existence.
Recent News
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Iran’s Economic Woes: Inflation and the Struggle for Survival
The Iranian Parliament’s Research Center has laid it out for everyone—poverty in Iran has clawed its way to 30.1% in 2023. That’s nearly a third of people, everyday Iranians, who can’t make ends meet. We’re not talking a new issue, either. For five years, poverty’s hovered here, stuck like a…
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Child Labor in Iran: A Silent Crisis Exploiting Youth
The Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA) has brought to light a painful truth—children in Iran are working under brutal conditions, exploited and unprotected. In unregulated workshops across the country, young workers are denied the most basic rights, like insurance and social security, even as their employers make significant profits. One…
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Iranian Feminist May Face Death Penalty for Protesting Compulsory Hijab
Mozhgan Keshavarz, an Iranian feminist, was arrested in early 2019 along with two other women’s rights activists, Munirah Arabshahi and Yasman Ariani (mother and daughter), for protesting against the compulsory hijab. Before their arrest, these three had published a video on social media giving flowers to women in the metro…
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Iran: A protester was executed
Five protesters have been sentenced to death in an show-court in Alborz province, which had only three so-called hearings and lasted only six days. Sixteen people were convicted in this show-court, five of whom were sentenced to death, and the remaining eleven were sentenced to long prison terms. Three children…
Recent Journal Posts
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The Face of Hate: How Islamic Regime Feeds on Anti-Semitic Lies
Shariatmadari, a former interrogator from the 1980s and now the mouthpiece of Ali Khamenei, reflects a dark legacy in his editorial work. He distorts the global outrage over Palestinian suffering to propagate hateful narratives reminiscent of fascism. His recent statements accuse the German government of Zionist control and dismiss the…
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Iran-Israel Tensions: The Shadow of Military Strikes
The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have resulted in a complex situation with recent military actions unclarified by either side. Israel claims to have struck 20 targets deep within Iran, including a factory known for industrial machinery, while Iranian authorities dismiss these claims as false. The IRGC promotes a…
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Breaking Down Orientalist Views of Politics
Last October, I was talking with friends about the situation. Week after week, it became clear to me: they didn’t care about defending Palestine, or standing with oppressed people, or fighting against colonialism. It was only about fighting Israel, at any cost. I had a conversation with a Palestinian friend…
The Fire Next Time
The Fire Next Time by Siyavash Shahabi is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International
