Iran
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Hamas’s “Al-Aqsa Storm” attack on Israel and the subsequent geopolitical reactions unfolded against a backdrop of prophetic beliefs and theological superstitions, particularly focused on the Red Heifer and apocalyptic outcomes. These religious narratives infuse both policy and conflict, influencing actions across Israel, Iran, and the U.S. In Israel, it aligns with the anticipated Messianic times, while in Iran, it coincides with the Mahdi’s appearance and Israel’s destruction. In the U.S., Christian Zionists, interpreting these signs as heralding the end times, resist diplomatic restraint, advocating instead for conflict perpetuating Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza.
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Iranian leftist and communist organizations collectively condemn militarism, asserting the current Iran-Israel conflict benefits only the ruling regimes and imperialistic powers. They urge activism against war and oppression, associating increased hostilities with Iran’s attempts to distract from its domestic issues. Highlighting warmongering policies as a detriment to the Iranian populace and regional peace, they call for the dismantling of oppressive regimes and advocate for peaceful coexistence and respect for human rights and democracy.
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Marx’s analysis links primitive accumulation of capital and colonialism as two pillars of capitalist expansion, involving violent expropriation and exploitation tied to colonial ventures. This historical critique aligns with contemporary leftist debates in places like Greece, where the left grapples with anti-imperialist narratives and the ethical implications of alliances and trade with oppressive regimes. These discussions challenge the left to address both international solidarity and the intersection of capitalism, imperialism, and nationalism, prompting a reevaluation of strategies supportive of global class struggles.
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The Islamic Republic is facing a crisis of hegemony; its political, economic, and cultural dominance is diminishing amidst internal discontent and defiance, particularly from the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. In contrast, Turkey exemplifies the decline of political Islam in a less autocratic context. Historical communism’s struggles inform current leftist nationalism in the West, which often ignores the complex political economy of war. The 1979 Iranian Revolution underscores this with Iran’s working class rapidly advancing debates on social and political change, challenging communism’s ineffective strategies and leading to the establishment of the Communist Party of Iran.
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After several decades, we think that Western intellectuals in 1979 were mistaken about the Iranian Revolution, or, at best, were deceived by the words and behavior of Islamist who oppressed the revolutionaries and the “tricks” of the their leaders. But this is true? Can we add that these were intellectuals who described and explained events with an Orientalist perspective? The most significant example to prove this hypothesis is the views of Michel Foucault, one of the main symbols of intellectuality at that time, about the revolution in Iran and their roll in manufacturing the term of Islamic Revolution. However, reducing…
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In the unforgiving deserts of Nimroz, amid dust and displacement, we made bonds and promises sprinkled with earth-tasting sugar to never forget each other. Narges Joodaki, an award-winning journalist, documents the harrowing journeys of Afghan refugees scarred by continuous wars. While teaching displaced children, subject to a world of suffering and untimely maturity, the bitter tangibility of their strife is captured. As makeshift camps dissolve and political landscapes shift, these moments of connection resonate against the backdrop of a turbulent history, marked by 20 years of American presence and a fragile, uncertain future.
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Reza Alijani’s book “The Future of Islam in Iran” explores the social evolution and religious criticism in Iran since the Qajar era, focusing on the post-1979 authoritarian turn and economic corruption of the Islamic Republic. Analyzing society’s move towards modernity and individual rights, Alijani underscores the widespread challenge to traditional religious dominance, the advent of an “Iranian Renaissance,” and rising secularism among Iranians, including many clerics. Alijani, a national-religious figure, argues for the separation of religion and state while acknowledging the deep historical roots of religion in Iran.
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Healthcare expenses, particularly medication, consume a significant portion of Iranian household incomes, with many forgoing treatments due to high costs. Iran’s rate of direct health payments is above global averages, indicating a widespread occurrence of catastrophic health expenditures. This trend results in increased poverty and reduced living standards, despite national policies aiming to protect against such financial risks.
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The state in favor employers manipulate the basket food to suppress wages. The Ministry of Health has reduced nutritional needs in the food basket, sparking worker protests. Amid inflation and unemployment threats, the true cost of living is ignored, leaving workers underpaid and increasing hunger, while employers oppose wage hikes citing economic strain. The Supreme Labor Council prepares to set a minimum wage far below the actual cost of living amid inflation, benefiting employers at the expense of workers’ quality of life.
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The phrase “camel, cow, leopard” symbolizes a confusing mixture, something Iranians use to describe Ali Shariati’s complex blend of Islam and social science, reshaping young Iranians’ views. Asef Bayat’s book details Shariati’s role in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, portraying him as a thinker who challenged Western ideologies and traditional religion with a Marxist-Islamic perspective. He captivated young intellectuals and was central to pre-revolution debates. Despite varied views, Shariati’s teachings inspired Islamic leftists globally. His life, from formative years under his father’s guidance to transformative Parisian influences, was marked by intellectual growth, activism, and controversy, ultimately rendering him a legend in…
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Iran is set to hold its twelfth parliamentary elections and sixth Assembly of Experts elections on March 1, 2024. With prevalent disqualifications of candidates, 7 provinces face uncontested seats in the Assembly of Experts, indicating a lack of genuine competition, a trend mirroring Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s preference for compliant candidates. It’s called an election, but in reality, it’s not an election. Not only do the vast majority of the people not have the right to participate as candidates, but multiple political parties are illegal, opponents of the Islamic government are not allowed to operate, even opposition newspapers are being…
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In a bold and unapologetic exploration, Zaniar Omrani’s documentary “Binke” (The Base) tears into the fabric of Sanandaj’s contemporary political landscape. Omrani doesn’t just depict history; he thrusts viewers into the heart of the furnace. From the explosive liberation of political prisoners in 1979 to the tumultuous birth of Rojhelat’s self-governance, “Binke” refuses to look away. It confronts the formidable establishment of city councils and captures the raw defiance of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s assault on Kurdistan. And let’s not overlook Jina’s fiery 2022 revolt—a fierce battle cry to reclaim the very essence of public sovereignty. This isn’t just…