Iran
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Palestine: Solidarity without Blind Spots
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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…
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Class Conflict and Redefining Socialism
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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…
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Foucault, Iran Revolution,
and the Question of Orientalism•
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…
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Afghanistan; A place Every Bomb Detonated
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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…
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Dawn of the Iranian Renaissance:
Critiquing the Religion•
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…
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How Healthcare Costs Push Iranians to the Brink
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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…
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Iran: Minimum Wage and State Manipulated Food Baskets
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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…
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Islamism, Pseudo-Marxism and Ali Shariati
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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…
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Disqualification Mechanism in Iran Elections
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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…
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Untold Story of Binke:
The 1979 Resistance of Sanandaj’s City Council•
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…
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Hidden Histories:
Insights into Bahman Uprising•
On February 11, 1979, Tehran saw an organized, well-armed uprising against state forces, leading to the fall of the Shah’s regime. Guerrilla groups, alongside a determined public, captured key locations including police stations, military barracks, and the radio-television center. Despite resistance, the insurgents secured arms, released prisoners, and occupied government…
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Iran: A Movement for Life Against Execution
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Recent reports from Iran show a troubling increase in executions, with political dissidents like Worishe Moradi and Shahab Nad-Ali charged with “Baghy,” equating to rebellion. January 2024 saw 86 executions, outpacing new death sentences. This reflects an apparent policy shift or “cleansing” effort, with the death penalty used to suppress…
