podcast


  • Podcast Episode 6

    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. The purpose of introducing this book (despite being written in Farsi) is…

  • Podcast Episode 5

    Podcast Episode 5

    “The Fire Next Time” podcast delves into political and social justice issues biweekly, sparking important dialogues. Valentine Moghadam’s piece examines the Iranian Left during the 1979 revolution, discussing their anti-imperial stance and criticism of capitalism, the influence of historic events, and strategic missteps, including underestimating the clergy’s influence.