Thank you for taking the time to give us this informative account! We are very fortunate to have you. I visited Iran once in 1970 when passing through from India to Afghanistan. A beautiful country.
Great summary and it's very important to know about this new leader and what's actually going on in Iran. I was married to an Iranian, an academic (as I was prior to retirement), a US citizen when I met him, Wharton PhD. He was also a pathological liar, malignant narcissist who believed that only pure blood Persians (not a thing) counted, who had no respect for any organized religion. I slowly learned all this during our many years of marriage. Our daughter has been in therapy for quite a while because she has PTSD from living with him. I was able to get sole custody when I made it clear he wouldn't have to pay child support, and I got a 10 year protective order a couple of years after the divorce because of criminal harassment charges. But, this man, in no way, represents Iranians. I met a lot of Iranians as my ex cultivated people so he could use them. None of the other Iranians I met were anything like my ex. He died alone a couple of years ago and no one mourned for him. Trump is a similar man but doesn't represent Americans (he uses MAGA). I learned to appreciate Persian/Iranian culture which is ancient (Nowruz is Zoroastrian and the forerunner to many Easter traditions), I learned basic Farsi, the art (mosaics and miniatures), the music and ancient instruments, and I love the cuisine (kabobs, steamed rice, tahdig, varieties of ash and how to make excellent tea). Most Iranians are not Arabs (many are Indo-Europeans) and their native language is not Arabic, they speak Farsi. They did borrow the Arabic alphabet for writing. Most Iranians practice Shi'i (Shia) Islam not Sunni. Many people are not aware that the CIA, in 1953, along with Great Britain, were behind the coup to overthrow the democratically elected Prime Minister because he nationalized Iran's oil and gas interests controlled by US and British companies. They replaced him with Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi who eventually had to flee Iran and go into exile. I never learned any of this in school because my US grade school and high school education concentrated on Europe with some minor mention of other countries around the world. Maybe this has changed over the years (I'm 72). City-dwelling Iranians were very Westernized prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Approximately 60% of Iran's population is under the age of 30 due to wars and the large diaspora after the '79 Revolution. History is very complicated and any country's people can disagree with their governments. Iran has been a theocracy since '79 and Project 2025 wants to create a theocracy in the US. Iran's leaders have been ruthless. Kevin Roberts, the head of the Heritage Foundation, is also ruthless.
Thanks for this brief rundown of who Masoud Pezeshkian is. He is a fascinating individual, and once more it appears that the people of Iran want reform and better relations with the US, stepping over several hardliners to pick the one progressive (for Iran) candidate on the ballot. I hope the US can detect this positive signal coming from Iran and make the most of it, but I'm afraid we are too committed to working through Saudi Arabia and forming a united front with Israel against Iran.
You think our foreign policy is controlled and dictated by the President, think again, the reaction is going to be announced when Israel reacts to it and then the administration would parrot it completely.
I wish we would go back to the days of Regan when we did have some backbone to react to Israel and its leadership. This administration has subbed out even the reactions to the Israeli lobby.
The policies are pushed by the two mega donors, Adelson or the Saban, and to both parties with their sole interest of a foreign country. To me its treasonous to accept their monies to influence our country's policies because at times whatever is good for Israel maybe very bad and injurious to our country.
I wonder how much would change in our relationship with Iran with these two entities involved in our decision making.
From what I have head in comments across several Substack subscriptions, a lot of Americans think of Canada (where I live) as America's unofficial 51st state. Most Canadians would strongly disagree.
As an Iranian-American who at once had some hopes in the reformist for Iran have come to learn that much like their counterparts, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Reformist and hardliners operate and enforce and protect the same system. They have, in both nations, play a good cop bad cop with the people.
Both nations are in deep need of reform, perhaps a revolution, if people of those nations would like a government that works for them and not the powerful few/oligarchy.
As they say, the proof is in the pudding. First, what will the council allow him to to do and what will the west do? The west will play a guarded wait and see, Israel will continue on its current path. Time will tell how this plays out.
I am very disappointed to read "your view" Mahdi on the Iranian elections, the results, and the election system in Iran as if this system has not been around for 45 years and all the info on it is out there for those who wants to know. There is no difference in your view and the typical American/Israeli propaganda who keeps talking about how the Iranian president has no power and everything is in the hands of un-elected the supreme leader. If you want, I am happy to send you the video of the supreme leader's choosing process by an elected body of people's representatives. The process does not look any different than choosing a supreme court judge in the US. I don't hear you complaining about that process?!! If this is how the Iranian constitution is written and voted on by the Iranian people, who are you, or anyone else in the world to complain or stick your nose into a sovereign county's business? This is the way they chose to live and run their country and you should respect that. Ever since the Iranians' chose to stand with Palestine against the US and the west who clearly took the side of Israel, Iran been under sanctions, mockery of their successful political system who had 8 peaceful changes in presidential powers in a region full of dictatorships and oppression. The entire world stood with Saddam when he attacked Iran, supported his and sanctioned Iran just to bring down their successful system and they couldn't. Today, Iran manufacture everything from the needle to the guided missiles that they defend themselves with. Today, Iran is stronger than ever because of their successful political system and leadership. If that is not good enough for you, maybe you should show me which country in the world that has done better under this many sanctions and enemies trying to bring it down.
Thank you for taking the time to give us this informative account! We are very fortunate to have you. I visited Iran once in 1970 when passing through from India to Afghanistan. A beautiful country.
Great summary and it's very important to know about this new leader and what's actually going on in Iran. I was married to an Iranian, an academic (as I was prior to retirement), a US citizen when I met him, Wharton PhD. He was also a pathological liar, malignant narcissist who believed that only pure blood Persians (not a thing) counted, who had no respect for any organized religion. I slowly learned all this during our many years of marriage. Our daughter has been in therapy for quite a while because she has PTSD from living with him. I was able to get sole custody when I made it clear he wouldn't have to pay child support, and I got a 10 year protective order a couple of years after the divorce because of criminal harassment charges. But, this man, in no way, represents Iranians. I met a lot of Iranians as my ex cultivated people so he could use them. None of the other Iranians I met were anything like my ex. He died alone a couple of years ago and no one mourned for him. Trump is a similar man but doesn't represent Americans (he uses MAGA). I learned to appreciate Persian/Iranian culture which is ancient (Nowruz is Zoroastrian and the forerunner to many Easter traditions), I learned basic Farsi, the art (mosaics and miniatures), the music and ancient instruments, and I love the cuisine (kabobs, steamed rice, tahdig, varieties of ash and how to make excellent tea). Most Iranians are not Arabs (many are Indo-Europeans) and their native language is not Arabic, they speak Farsi. They did borrow the Arabic alphabet for writing. Most Iranians practice Shi'i (Shia) Islam not Sunni. Many people are not aware that the CIA, in 1953, along with Great Britain, were behind the coup to overthrow the democratically elected Prime Minister because he nationalized Iran's oil and gas interests controlled by US and British companies. They replaced him with Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi who eventually had to flee Iran and go into exile. I never learned any of this in school because my US grade school and high school education concentrated on Europe with some minor mention of other countries around the world. Maybe this has changed over the years (I'm 72). City-dwelling Iranians were very Westernized prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Approximately 60% of Iran's population is under the age of 30 due to wars and the large diaspora after the '79 Revolution. History is very complicated and any country's people can disagree with their governments. Iran has been a theocracy since '79 and Project 2025 wants to create a theocracy in the US. Iran's leaders have been ruthless. Kevin Roberts, the head of the Heritage Foundation, is also ruthless.
Thanks for this; so well said.
Yes, Iran was the new CIA's first overthrow of a democracy, in 1953. Setting up the Shah and his sadistic SAVAK police.
In 1954 Guatemala followed, I think to make it safe for United Fruit to move in. Similar sadistic repressive enforcement.
I don't know how many more, but I think Honduras was the latest, only due to the support of Secretary of State Clinton and I think one other country.
Thank you again!
-- Robert in Vermont
I agree with you, Project 25 of Trump and Heritage Foundation will lead USA to theocracy and downfall.
How is Iran any different than the USA being at the mercy to the US Supreme Court??
Thanks for this brief rundown of who Masoud Pezeshkian is. He is a fascinating individual, and once more it appears that the people of Iran want reform and better relations with the US, stepping over several hardliners to pick the one progressive (for Iran) candidate on the ballot. I hope the US can detect this positive signal coming from Iran and make the most of it, but I'm afraid we are too committed to working through Saudi Arabia and forming a united front with Israel against Iran.
WOW! Really appreciated this concise, easy to understand article.
You think our foreign policy is controlled and dictated by the President, think again, the reaction is going to be announced when Israel reacts to it and then the administration would parrot it completely.
I wish we would go back to the days of Regan when we did have some backbone to react to Israel and its leadership. This administration has subbed out even the reactions to the Israeli lobby.
The policies are pushed by the two mega donors, Adelson or the Saban, and to both parties with their sole interest of a foreign country. To me its treasonous to accept their monies to influence our country's policies because at times whatever is good for Israel maybe very bad and injurious to our country.
I wonder how much would change in our relationship with Iran with these two entities involved in our decision making.
Biden has always been committed to Zionism.
And apparently every Republican member of congress here has an Israeli minder assigned to coach and remind them.
I recall old jokes about Israel being our 51st state. Now it seems that line has reversed.
From what I have head in comments across several Substack subscriptions, a lot of Americans think of Canada (where I live) as America's unofficial 51st state. Most Canadians would strongly disagree.
As an Iranian-American who at once had some hopes in the reformist for Iran have come to learn that much like their counterparts, Democrats and Republicans in the US, Reformist and hardliners operate and enforce and protect the same system. They have, in both nations, play a good cop bad cop with the people.
Both nations are in deep need of reform, perhaps a revolution, if people of those nations would like a government that works for them and not the powerful few/oligarchy.
I liked your comment about the "good cop/bad cop" political system. But the bad cop is so bad he beats up on the good cop as well as us.
As they say, the proof is in the pudding. First, what will the council allow him to to do and what will the west do? The west will play a guarded wait and see, Israel will continue on its current path. Time will tell how this plays out.
This is a very positive reflection of the People of Iran, who show they do not want more of the same conservative "Old Guard".
And don't want war, with either Israel or the US. But that's just normal, most people don't want war, it's always the leaders who want war.
Thank you for giving us some insight into this man. I’m hopeful our government can find ways to repair an extremely important relationship
Baraye !
For the Iranian Youth !
The USA should be denounced when it does foul shyt.
Very informative and useful overview. Thank you
Real news simply put. Great Job Iran I like this.
Nicely summarized!
I am very disappointed to read "your view" Mahdi on the Iranian elections, the results, and the election system in Iran as if this system has not been around for 45 years and all the info on it is out there for those who wants to know. There is no difference in your view and the typical American/Israeli propaganda who keeps talking about how the Iranian president has no power and everything is in the hands of un-elected the supreme leader. If you want, I am happy to send you the video of the supreme leader's choosing process by an elected body of people's representatives. The process does not look any different than choosing a supreme court judge in the US. I don't hear you complaining about that process?!! If this is how the Iranian constitution is written and voted on by the Iranian people, who are you, or anyone else in the world to complain or stick your nose into a sovereign county's business? This is the way they chose to live and run their country and you should respect that. Ever since the Iranians' chose to stand with Palestine against the US and the west who clearly took the side of Israel, Iran been under sanctions, mockery of their successful political system who had 8 peaceful changes in presidential powers in a region full of dictatorships and oppression. The entire world stood with Saddam when he attacked Iran, supported his and sanctioned Iran just to bring down their successful system and they couldn't. Today, Iran manufacture everything from the needle to the guided missiles that they defend themselves with. Today, Iran is stronger than ever because of their successful political system and leadership. If that is not good enough for you, maybe you should show me which country in the world that has done better under this many sanctions and enemies trying to bring it down.