I first became aware of Iran (Persia as it was then) through a school-friend, who's father was posted there as a senior UK Air Force Officer. The Shah was still 'on the Peacock throne' at the time, and it was a friendly country. They still had some strange ways (public hangings, etc), but the The Shah himself was a great social reformer, and changed the country into a serious, and respected, international competitor.
Sadly in 1979, after the Iranian Revolution, the country fell under the control of religious leaders, and general repression returned. Women's rights were eroded, and again they were made to cover themselves with the Hijab. The equal rights established by The Shah were abolished, and women once again became invisible, gays were thrown off rooftops, and any opposition was seriously punished.
Now, after more than 45 years of social decline and oppression, the country has once again revolted, and it seems that they want a return to the more liberal 'good old days' of The Shah. His son, who has been in exile, is ready to return, and it is already rumoured that The Ayatollah is preparing to escape to his beloved Russia (like Assad before him).
One can but hope that the Iranians themselves take charge of any change, and that very basic human rights are returned to ALL their citizens.
I wish them 'Good Luck'.
I fear the secret influence of Trumpists. Funny how Iran is an oil rich nation just like Venezuela.
ReplyDeleteWhen my friend lived there, there were the rich and the poor; and nothing in between. There was no second-hand car market so the rich had their chauffeurs simply drive the old car out into the desert, and dump it. My friend had great fun driving them about; they still had petrol in them, and the keys.
DeleteWe've all seen how the ladies looked so pretty and normal in their Western attire before the Revolution, then sadly forced to cover up once the Religious leaders took over.
ReplyDeleteThose leaders must now be ashamed of the high body count as the world watches the mayhem taking place in Iran right now.
Personally I abhor the hijab and other such nonsense outfits. I have to grit my teeth in anger everytime I see them all over London.
Women brought us into this world, and this is how they're rewarded.
Let us hope that soon Iran can return to some kind of normality.
A neighbour living here in one of our flats in our house came here for a better life just to get away from all the nonsense. And he's living a much better life. He even helps look after my plants at the front of our house. A good fellow indeed.
I couldn't agree more. I do remember when I lived in Bayswater, an Iranian student friend said that there were as many Iranian secret service men in the UK as there were students. The Mullahs run a tight ship!!!
DeleteYes, that neighbour is from Tehran. And living here in North London which is like living in another world altogether. He is very worried and concerned at what is happening to a country that he turned his back on.
ReplyDeleteThere will be more bloodshed, but I'm sure it'll end up for the better. The people have had enough!
DeleteWe are all watching anxiously the situation in Iran. Hoping they get reform, a new regime, hoping also Trump doesn't make any stupid moves
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they can look after themselves without Tru*p getting involved. He seems to see himself as the Saviour of the World at the moment. He isn't!
DeleteIran is another hot spot for concern.
ReplyDeleteI hope US and British troops will not end up in Iran. The unknowns today are numerous.
If they did, they'd be no better than Putin in Ukraine.
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