In our May issue, Pari Esfanidari and Richard Buskin wrote an article called Sex in Iran, about the tension that exists in that country over matters of sex and morals, among other issues. Although the government is a conservative, hard-line Islamic regime, much of the population has a very western attitude towards sex. An uneasy détente exists, with the population outwardly acquiescing, but acting independently behind closed doors.
Over the last few days, however, the government has begun a crackdown, focusing on women and the requirement that they wear the hijab, or head scarf. Using her contacts in Iran, Pari Esfandiari updates us on the situation:
"Since few days ago the Iranian police have launched a crack down on women whose hijabs do not match the government’s expectations. Every spring Iranian authorities increase pressure on women to observe the Islamic dress code, fearing that the unbearable summer heat may encourage women to bare more skin and hair. But this year government is exhibiting the toughest approach in last two decades. The streets of Tehran were filled with morality police, many of whom are women, although the area north of Tehran was quiet. Many women decided to remain at home; as a consequence, many shops and some shopping malls were closed. Still, 3500 warnings were handed over to women and about 300 women were arrested for wearing an overcoat that was too short or tight, for having a loose scarf, for wearing three-quarter length pants, or for showing their toes. Men with short sleeves or long hair were also arrested. Everyone is hoping “this madness” will calm down in few days time.
Considering the extent of international and national crisis Iran is facing, the move may seem irrational. However, using foreign threat as an excuse to strangle civil rights and crash oppositions in the name of national security is not a new practice in Iran. The current nuclear dispute and the imposed sanctions serve well for this purpose. Over last few month pressure on civil rights have been mounting and arrests have been made of activists and human right proponents.
But the move could cause a backlash, since it clearly conflicts with President Ahmadinejad’s election promises, not to mention his increasing unpopularity due to bad economy and increasing unemployment. The move has been criticized by several members of parliament, and brought up roar from many intellectuals, not to mention the anger from general public. Fearing a backlash, the authorities have issued warnings to the press about how to treat this sensitive issue. The hijab is an obvious and critical indicator of the un/popularity of the government’s hardliner ideology. This bold move seems to be a show of the government’s power to more moderate factions, and at the same time an alarming indication of what may happen should the outside pressure on Iran mount up.
Images of the crackdown in Iran:
RSS 2.0
Comments on this entry:
A playful suggestion for the CIA: Run airdrops consisting of crates of miniskirts and bundles of Playboy. Throw in some cases of vodka and a few good mix CDs. Sit back and watch the theocracy crumble. No need for gunboats in the gulf.
Well, we can certainly see their point. That young lady in the center picture does inspire thoughts about her great beauty -- and poise, after getting hassled by the Clothes Cops.
A theocratic regime, despised by the population it uneasily rules, flails and abuses the general population, in a final spasm of appealing to the ultra-reactionary base which forms the last bastion of its dwindling support. The situation is the same in Iran...
What makes you think the regime is despised?? Because a bunch of Tehroohis say so? Tehroonis think they speak for the whole country and American are stupid enough to believe it. I'm shocked to see how closed minded Americans actually are...If it's not American then it's "forced". Keep your freedom...I have seen what your "freedom" has done to Iraq. I'd rather live in my theocracy.