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Mad Mullahs imitate The Flying Wallendas
TEHRAN â The momentous (maybe to the Press) takeover of Iranâs parliament by hard-liners in Fridayâs elections means a new era for the country, and likely the end to the Islamic republicâs 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 Iranâs 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 Iranâs nuclear ambitions. ...more... Up on the tightrope, things can get a little dicey. Iâm pulling for gravity. Much more at the link. Posted by: .com 2004-02-27 |
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