Does iran know we have this?

Tehran delenda est.

Great post! I watched this when it was on last week and really enjoyed it - It's a real pity this program hasn't been shown in America!

It's nice to see the other side of Iran being shown. Iran is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with a rich history and vibrant modern culture. Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Religious Council do not accurately represent the views and opinions of the majority of Iranians. As someone who has visited Iran and has Iranian family I get sick of the way the Iranian people are painted as a homogenous group of religious extremist by the Western press and media - particularly in the States. This is far from the truth. Iran is a deeply divided country. Most people don't want the Shah back, and they don't want to loose their Islamic, or Iranian identity. They are sick of being bad-mouthed by the West, and they are appalled by the injustices being perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinians and by America in the wider Middle East. However, they also deeply dislike the corrupt regime in Iran and want change. The regime's power base is Tehran and the holy cities, but in the old center of Iran - Shiraz, Isfahan, etc. - they are deeply disliked and their power is weak. The last time I was in Iran everyone I met hated the regime - some were even thinking of moving to the States. The most common expression I heard regarding government policy was that 'the policy has no parents' - in other words it is not supported by a popular mandate.

The stereotype of the oppressed Iranian woman is also far from the truth. Women participate in all aspects of Iranian society and are heavily involved in politics and business. Iran has also produced a number of notable female film directors whose works have achieved local and international aclaim. Most studies of the Islamic legal system of Iran show that it is also a lot fairer to women than most people in the West realise. Women in Iran must wear a hijaab, but in reality it barely covers their heads. This is not to say that the situation is perfect. There is still a lot of discrimination, but it is not nearly as bad as some people would like us to believe.

Everyone should watch this!

It's not just Tehran - crossing the street in Isfahan or Shiraz is also crazy!