23th inc

With the wind of change rustling through Iran, it’s important to take this time to consider what this could mean.
  Fundamentally, liberation for the public from the interior religious state and the opportunity to form a new government, will stir up many ideas for the way forward. One of the most striking pictures circulating is of a young woman lighting a cigarette from the flames surrounding a picture of the Ayatolah. And this could be a huge shift.
  The mosques being burnt aren’t a sign of religious instability, but a rebellion against certain places that carry the weight of IS/ISIS/Hezbollah, etc so those buildings are specific to ‘a body’ and should not be confused with any spiritual unrestwithin Islam per se. However, as with the young lady not wearing her hijab and lighting her cigarette, this image is likely to stir up emotions in the youth.
  It is the drive of the younger generation to point to change and this opportunity will give them chance to consider their faith, feelings and consider what country they want, as they move forward. What will this country look like? One where each individual has the right to dress respectfully, yet fashionably, be spiritual but not tied to religious doctrine, and allowed the freedom to explore other philosophies should they wish to, without fear?
  After the conclusion of the unrest, there will be a period of transition where the country will be as fresh clay and it’s imperative that the younger generation have a voice. It will also be essential that external forces don’t try to mould the government in a hegemonic fashion, especially as they emerge from one. They naturally will be very circumspect.
  What will be most interesting is if this liberation will bring equality to Muslim women, or at the very least an improvement in the rights of Muslim females, as this would be a catalyst that is necessary for the constructive spiritual evolution of women within Islam. So the scope will be there to help reform some ‘outdated’ views.
  As for the older generation, they may desire to return to the days of Shah, yet others will be unsure of returning to an old way, preferring a better option that will reveal itself. The elders will certainly command respect at this time and will be guiding their communities as best as they can.
  As this unfolds, it will be interesting to see what choices are made by the country, the younger generation and how Islam itself will change as result of sweeping out the old and ushering in the new.

  With activities also happening in neighbouring Syria, there’s broader scope to ‘reset’ the middle-east. The Syrian government is still sorting itself out and IS are still being thwarted, and the trouble in Israel regarding Hezbollah, could be resolved by carefully watching the conclusion of Iran’s revolt and how it works out.
  I urge caution over any use of terms used such as, “trade zones, economic zones,” etc to establish order in the country, as this certain habit is becoming increasingly ambiguous and concluding issues in a tacit fashion. It’s overuse in discussions relating to the Middle-East is disconcerting. Iran needs to find its own way through this, and we should only help if asked. With no Shah, no Ayatolah, and a world of choices, it’s important that they sort their own country out.
  After all is said and done, it will be interesting to see who stands up and says, “The internet is back on,” as they could be a potential new leader.
 
Lee Keith Freeman
23th-inc