The aftermath from elections in Iran have bought with them a promising future. The reformists backing President Rouhani all did better than expected, which is a blow to all those conservatives who are still seething over the nuclear deal. Interesting how hard-liners in both Iran and the U.S. are in agreement - the world is full of strange bedfellows.
It didn't make many headlines in the West, but Iran kept its long-standing principle of reserving seats for minorities. Two Armenian candidates were duly elected - Karen Khanlarian and Zhorzh Abrahamyan. (I am a global citizen first and foremost, however having Armenian heritage gives me a sense of pride). Newsflash: people's from the nation that first took on a Christian identity are being well looked after in the Islamic Republic. (Refer to my article from August 31, 2015). For those of you counting, there are 480 churches in Iran. I can expect this statistic to be listed when politicians (of a narrow-minded variety) scream: "Iran is the great Satan". All the while forgetting Saudi Arabia has that down pat (they care little for minorities, although that doesn't stop freedom-loving politicians from kissing their feet).
It's exciting times, with sanctions being lifted and a somewhat modern government developing, who knows what the future holds...One things certain, countries that are landlocked will be celebrating the new Iran. (Side note: this has been a big talking point among economic development circles - I have been involved in these discussions during my working trips to Armenia).
There is still a major influence in Iranian politics that cannot be suppressed anytime soon, that being the Guardian Council. This body made up of six experts in Islamic Law still can veto legislation if it doesn't adhere to Islamic values. The religious leaders are slowly undertaking a fresh approach by considering generational change. There is a battle for one position on the council between a 25-year-old (Maysam Doost-Mohammadi) and someone three times his senior. Mohammadi is campaigning on the premise of trying to form a bridge between modernity and Islam, fascinating times ahead...
Iran has a highly educated young population, if somehow that youth can thrive with a new sense of purpose, anything is possible (not to mention the large diaspora that will be reinvigorated to help their homeland). Say what you want about the nuclear deal, the fact is, it will allow for a re-connection to the world and even give a helping hand to its much-maligned neighbors.
It didn't make many headlines in the West, but Iran kept its long-standing principle of reserving seats for minorities. Two Armenian candidates were duly elected - Karen Khanlarian and Zhorzh Abrahamyan. (I am a global citizen first and foremost, however having Armenian heritage gives me a sense of pride). Newsflash: people's from the nation that first took on a Christian identity are being well looked after in the Islamic Republic. (Refer to my article from August 31, 2015). For those of you counting, there are 480 churches in Iran. I can expect this statistic to be listed when politicians (of a narrow-minded variety) scream: "Iran is the great Satan". All the while forgetting Saudi Arabia has that down pat (they care little for minorities, although that doesn't stop freedom-loving politicians from kissing their feet).
It's exciting times, with sanctions being lifted and a somewhat modern government developing, who knows what the future holds...One things certain, countries that are landlocked will be celebrating the new Iran. (Side note: this has been a big talking point among economic development circles - I have been involved in these discussions during my working trips to Armenia).
There is still a major influence in Iranian politics that cannot be suppressed anytime soon, that being the Guardian Council. This body made up of six experts in Islamic Law still can veto legislation if it doesn't adhere to Islamic values. The religious leaders are slowly undertaking a fresh approach by considering generational change. There is a battle for one position on the council between a 25-year-old (Maysam Doost-Mohammadi) and someone three times his senior. Mohammadi is campaigning on the premise of trying to form a bridge between modernity and Islam, fascinating times ahead...
Iran has a highly educated young population, if somehow that youth can thrive with a new sense of purpose, anything is possible (not to mention the large diaspora that will be reinvigorated to help their homeland). Say what you want about the nuclear deal, the fact is, it will allow for a re-connection to the world and even give a helping hand to its much-maligned neighbors.
