Iran
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Iran: A Lost Potential
Despite the fact that it has a theocratic regime today; Iran has had a significant potential of secularism and western modernity. Even with decades of state-enforced religious dictation; a great deal of their people seem quite modern and secular-minded. Many women out there refrain from fully covering themselves. When I look at Iran; I see a regime that just does not suit them, which is not the case for other countries ruled by islamic law like Saudi Arabia. Based on my interactions with Iranian tourists; they are not religious at all, they have a huge admiration for Ataturk. This reminds me of that scene from the movie Persepolis where it is mentioned that once their Shah wanted to imitate Atatürk's reforms, starting at around the 20-second mark:
But why did these attempts fail and Iran turned into this? their sect might be one factor. In Shi'a; religious leaders are revered and that's why Khomeini was able to garner popular support even though most people did not really cheer for an Islamic revolution, as can be seen in this footage where women protested the dictation of hijab. So; similar to Turkish women; Iranian women had a desire for freedom and resisted against patriarchy:
unlike Arab women who are more grounded.
Also unlike Turkey; Iran has oil resources so global powers did not just leave them alone and stirred chaos in the country which is why their democratically elected secularist patriotic leader Mosaddegh was overthrown by CIA. Since Turkey is not rich in oil; we did not draw as much attention.
Geographical location can also be a factor. Iran is at the heart of Near East (not MENA), while Turkey is at crossroads between two continents.
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Originally Posted by Archie Bunker
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