Pezeshkian and the Issue of Women and Youth
An editorial published by Hammihan Online said that the limited political and managerial presence of women and youth in Iran has become a critical and even dangerous issue. It noted that a study conducted in schools reveals that the new generations of Iranians, particularly women around 20 years old, have significantly diverged from official and government values. As these generations of youth grow up and assume leadership roles, this gap poses a substantial security challenge for the country.
The editorial added that this issue has become more pressing than before, with heightened expectations and increased pressure on Pezeshkian to include women and young people in the cabinet. It questioned the roots of this problem, attributing it to a hardline misconception regarding the role of women. The traditional view of women, it argued, is obsolete in the modern world.
The editorial discussed the revolutionary changes that have occurred for women in terms of education, culture, and society. It noted that while the proportion of girls admitted to university has soared from 30% before the revolution to over 60% today, their participation in the workforce, particularly in managerial roles, and the political sphere has not kept pace. This discrepancy has caused a serious imbalance between women’s potential and their actual involvement in the political and administrative life of the country.
The editorial raised the issue that this neglect or exclusion of women has prevented their real capacities from emerging, perpetuating the belief that women are less capable in management than men. It highlighted the unwritten taboo against women becoming ministers, arguing that this taboo must be abolished. When it was briefly lifted in the past, the results were beneficial.
The editorial said that the problem of youth, both boys and girls, is even more complex than that of women. It noted that during the revolution, a generation of young people assumed managerial roles much earlier than usual, maintaining these positions for over 45 years. This has created a generational gap more dangerous than the gender gap, as well as a value gap between the revolutionary generation and the youth.
The editorial discussed how the selection and recruitment criteria are designed to exclude most people from entering the political sphere, exacerbating the disconnect between the youth and the current political elite. The youth are often criticized for not adhering to the values and patterns of the older generation.
The editorial argued that the traditional approach to women in politics and administration is incompatible with the government’s efforts in education for women and youth. It called for a complete revision of this approach, suggesting that Pezeshkian should address this issue within the cabinet and government administrations. It concluded that a combined management and cabinet model would be an effective way to achieve this goal.
Get Over the Wrong Mindset
A Hammihan Online editorial stated that the formation of the cabinet over the last few decades has been based on a flawed mentality. It noted that this mentality assumed a stage of competitive democracy where any group with a majority could form a cabinet fully aligned with the elected person and his group, operating within the framework of the country’s issues and the rule of law. If successful, the people would reelect them; if not, a rival candidate would be chosen in the next election.
The editorial added that there was an assumption that the government and state apparatus would unite in service of the policy of the victorious candidate, maintaining a stable public and administrative atmosphere. However, it argued that the experience of the past 35 years has proven these assumptions wrong. While there was a semblance of legal competition, in reality, it was a battle to eliminate the dominant current in the country. Members of the opposition, whether in other institutions or outside the government, were uninterested in the success of the ruling administration and were prone to undermining it. Conversely, those in power sought to consolidate their position by any means necessary.
The editorial discussed several examples to illustrate this point. It said that during the first term of Rafsanjani, this phenomenon was negligible, but it began in his second term. Under Khatami, it peaked from the outset, with serial murders and internal crises. During Ahmadinejad’s tenure, the issue culminated in the 2009 conflict, leading to his isolation. With Rouhani, the completion of the JCPOA, intended as a unifying force, instead caused division, with his second term representing the worst political era post-revolution.
The editorial noted that with Raisi’s arrival, there was a belief that unification would solve political issues. However, within three years, numerous crises emerged, and not only did 60% of the populace become disillusioned, but the remaining 40% also saw a decline in support. Despite their losses, those in power continued to destabilize the government. The editorial argued that this cycle cannot continue and that all sides have ultimately lost.
The editorial said that to escape this vicious cycle of despair and hopelessness, a shift in analysis, imagination and assumptions about the political playing field is necessary. It emphasized that no group can exclude another, and efforts to eliminate opposition only lead to self-exhaustion.
The editorial argued for the acceptance of legal competition and mutual recognition. It noted that extremists opposing this path must either change their views or remove themselves from mainstream politics. In the next stage, it suggested agreeing on general principles that benefit the public and reflect the people’s will.
The editorial proposed forming a multi-wing cabinet that fosters an interactive approach based on agreed principles, aiming for comprehensive development with minimal differences. It acknowledged that this is a challenging task but essential to meet the expectations of both Pezeshkian and the political elite of the country. It concluded that everyone is tired of the current situation and that past methods, based on incorrect analyses and mentalities, cannot be repeated.
What Is the Problem?
An editorial on Hammihan Online said that while Iran faces numerous issues, some are fundamental and inexpensive to resolve, yet their existence incurs significant costs. It noted that problems like electricity shortages require investment, but others, such as proper information dissemination and fair judicial proceedings, do not. The editorial highlighted two major issues in today’s public discourse, both rooted in flaws within judicial review and supervision mechanisms: the Crescent Petroleum case and a film regarding the acceptance of bribes for senior posts in Tehran Municipality.
The editorial discussed the Crescent Petroleum case, a 22-year-old contract for the sale of sour gas to the National Iranian Oil Company, which has been mired in a longstanding dispute, leading to its non-implementation and substantial financial claims from the opposite party. It emphasized that the case has dragged on for two decades without resolution, with those involved hurling reciprocal accusations. The case became a hot topic during the recent elections, but Jalili refused to debate with Zanganeh, and the courts have not expedited the process, leaving society in a state of uncertainty in which right and wrong are indistinguishable.
The editorial argued that this situation fosters distrust and instability in society. It highlighted another example: a video of an individual alleging that a senior position in Tehran Municipality was assumed through a substantial bribe. This issue, it noted, is not isolated to this municipality but is a symptom of broader systemic corruption driven by inappropriate regulations, excessive power among city managers, and a lack of transparency. Corrupt individuals seek these valuable positions, perpetuating corruption.
The editorial added that while not everyone buys their positions, whistleblower journalists who expose such violations face jail time, and these serious allegations are neither publicly discussed nor legally pursued. It pointed out the irony that minor offenses against certain individuals are swiftly prosecuted, yet significant public corruption claims go unaddressed, leaving the guilty unpunished or the accusers punished for making allegedly false claims.
The editorial said that the lack of media freedom to monitor and prevent corruption, combined with the absence of effective and impartial judicial oversight, keeps the truth hidden and allows corruption to spread. It warned that when the truth remains obscured, people become distrustful and cynical, unable to distinguish between the innocent and the guilty.
The editorial concluded with a call for action, expressing hope that the new government and the chief justice will address these issues. It cited past instances, like the corruption in livestock inputs, as examples of how unchecked corruption contributed to the previous government’s electoral defeat. The editorial urged for steps towards transparency and accountability to restore public trust and stability.
An Indifferent Society
An editorial featured in Farhikhtegandaily said that an indifferent society poses a greater danger than a rebellious one, according to cultural activist Morteza Ghorbani. He noted that the alarm was sounded years ago, yet no one has taken responsibility. Over the past decade, societal indifference has increased, leading to a situation where 60% of people, during the most significant political events, either grumble from the sidelines or passively consume news without engaging.
The editorial emphasized that this societal apathy is a result of years of governmental neglect of family issues. Ghorbani reminisced about a time when family members rallied to solve problems together. Nowadays, even within small families, younger generations care less about family matters and more about their personal issues, focusing on their entertainment and financial independence. This shift has led to a society that neglects its voting rights and shows no concern about who holds power, making it more dangerous than a society that actively protests.
The editorial argued that this indifference allows entrenched power dynamics to persist, as polarized factions continuously vie for power while disillusioned individuals join the ranks of the indifferent. This environment fosters increasing individualism and polarization, even over trivial issues. Ghorbani clarified that he does not blame society entirely, but highlighted that family dynamics have changed. Economic struggles often force family members to prioritize personal goals over collective wellbeing, leading to discouragement, fatigue, and diminished solidarity.
The editorial discussed the pervasive duality in society, where even minor issues become polarizing, leading to clashes between opposing factions. Ghorbani criticized this mentality, likening it to stadium fans fighting over their teams, oblivious to the majority outside the stadium who are indifferent to the outcome. He warned that this 60% of indifferent people pose a significant threat to societal cohesion.
The editorial concluded by stressing that the opposite of love and solidarity is not hate, but indifference. Ghorbani urged society to recognize and address this indifference to prevent further fragmentation and ensure a more united and engaged populace.
Iran, Russia Agree to Circumvent Western Sanctions
Iran has intensified its diplomatic efforts to eliminate the US dollar from trade with key partners, urging others to do the same to weaken the United States’ global economic influence, according to Arman Melli Online. At the 10th BRICS summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf advocated for this strategy. The BRICS economic union, which now includes Iran among its new members alongside Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, was the venue for Ghalibaf’s speech.
As reported by ISNA news agency and Al-Monitor, Ghalibaf highlighted the necessity of abandoning the dollar to counteract US pressure on emerging economies. He argued that this move would neutralize one of the “main levers of US influence.” This approach has become a key foreign policy strategy for Iran to mitigate the impact of US sanctions.
Iran and Russia, both heavily sanctioned by Western countries, have long sought collaborative measures to circumvent these restrictions. Last year, following extensive negotiations, an agreement to eliminate the dollar from bilateral trade was signed between Iranian Central Bank Governor Mohammadreza Farzin and his Russian counterpart Elvira Nabiullina in Moscow. Additionally, Tehran has engaged in similar negotiations with other countries, including India, Indonesia, and Iraq.
UN Official Expresses Concern About Threats of Rape Against Female Activists in Iran
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor recently condemned the imprisonment and mistreatment of six women’s rights activists in Iran. Lawlor’s announcement on Monday, July 15, highlighted the disturbing conditions faced by Jaloh Javaheri, Azadeh Chavoshian, Negin Rezaei, Forough Samiania, Shiva Shahsiah and Matin Yazdani, who were transferred to Lakan prison in Rasht, Gilan Province, on July 13.
In an X post, Lawlor described the activists’ arrest as violent, involving torture and threats of rape and death during interrogations. She called on the Iranian government to release these individuals immediately and to cease its repression against women’s rights advocates in the country.
This incident underscores ongoing threats faced by women’s rights activists in Iran, including reports of previous instances of assault and intimidation. Last year on August 25, security agents arrested a total of 12 activists in Gilan Province, leading to lengthy sentences, with the six mentioned activists receiving cumulative sentences exceeding 60 years, confirmed by Gilan Province’s Appeals Court on June 8 this year.
Sources close to these activists revealed they endured intense interrogations, physical abuse, sexual assaults, death threats and simulated executions during their detention, as reported by Radio Farda and other media outlets.
EU Extends Sanctions on Iran Over Support for Russia-Ukraine War
The European Union Council in Brussels has announced the extension of sanctions against Iran for another year. The decision, made public on Monday, July 15, cites Iran’s alleged support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and various armed groups across the Middle East and Red Sea regions as grounds for this continuation.
Earlier in April, the EU Council had called on third parties, including Iran, to cease material support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Subsequently, on May 15, the EU intensified sanctions specifically targeting Iran’s drone industries and associated individuals and entities.
The EU’s move comes amidst accusations from Ukraine and Western countries accusing Iran of supplying attack drones to Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, charges Iran denies. Additionally, Iran’s missile attack on Israel in late April further escalated tensions and contributed to the EU’s decision to broaden sanctions.
Furthermore, Iran-linked proxy groups in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq have been implicated in attacks on US forces and Israel since mid-October last year, while Houthi rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, heightening maritime risks in the region.
Despite calls from some EU countries to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, EU officials have yet to find a legal basis for such action and are uncertain about unanimous support from all member states.
The US Says the Missile That Hit a Norwegian Ship Was Iranian
The US Defense Intelligence Agency has confirmed that the missile used by Yemeni Houthi rebels in the December 2023 attack on a Norwegian oil tanker in the Red Sea was of Iranian origin, specifically a Noor anti-ship cruise missile. This assessment, disclosed by the Associated Press on Friday, July 12, is consistent with findings from insurers of the tanker.
According to the US Defense Intelligence Agency’s report released on Wednesday, July 10, the attack on the Strinda ship occurred as it traversed the Suez Canal en route from Malaysia to Italy. The missile strike ignited a significant fire aboard the vessel, prompting a response from the US ship Mason, which intervened swiftly to extinguish the blaze and safely evacuate the crew.
The missile’s engine, identified as a Tolua 4 turbojet engine, is a known component used in Iranian Noor missiles, a technology that Iran publicly exhibited at a Russian aerospace exhibition seven years ago. Despite conclusive evidence linking the missile to Iran, Iranian authorities have continued to deny their involvement in the incident.
This revelation adds to ongoing concerns about Iran’s support for proxy forces in the region, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The United States and its allies have repeatedly accused Iran of supplying weapons and military support to the Houthis, thereby exacerbating regional tensions and posing a threat to maritime security in the Red Sea.
