State of the World from NPR We hear from an eyewitness to the protests in Iran
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Jan 14, 2026 Yusuf Yazdi, a Johns Hopkins professor and chronicler of Iranian protests, offers an eye-opening perspective on the current unrest in Iran. He contrasts today's anger with the hope of the 2009 protests, highlighting economic crises that fuel local uprisings. Attending a recent protest, he describes the demographic variety, peaceful chants, and the swift escalation into chaos due to police tactics. Yusuf emphasizes the regime's manipulation of violence and discusses how outsiders can effectively support imprisoned leaders without resorting to drastic measures.
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From Hope To Deepened Anger
- Yazdi contrasted 2009 optimism with today's stronger anger, indignation, and revulsion toward the regime.
- He said feelings have intensified because the regime has repeatedly failed in multiple ways.
On-The-Ground Protest Experience
- Yusuf Yazdi joined a nighttime protest in his Tehran neighborhood with a few hundred mostly young people chanting peacefully.
- He witnessed some protesters pull up pavers and throw them, after which riot police used tear gas and lasers.
Tear Gas And Laser Tactics
- Riot police used green laser sights and fired tear gas canisters hundreds of feet, creating confusion and fear among protesters.
- Yazdi himself inhaled tear gas and warned that breathing through your mouth makes the throat burn for days.