Quillette Podcast Fighting for Freedom in Iran
Jan 8, 2026
Roya Hakakian, a Jewish-Iranian poet and journalist, sheds light on the current wave of protests in Iran. She contrasts today’s demands for the removal of the supreme leader with past protests like the 2009 Green Movement. Discussions delve into the impact of Mahsa Amini's death and the regime's geopolitical weaknesses. Hakakian highlights the complexities of foreign intervention and the challenges of regime change, pondering who still supports the government and the potential for exile options for its leaders.
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From Reform To Regime Change
- The Green Movement sought electoral redress and preserved belief in the system's legitimacy.
- Current slogans like "death to the supreme leader" show protesters now demand regime overthrow, not reform.
Hybrid Political Currents
- Recent protests reprise the "Woman, Life, Freedom" cry and add praise for the Pahlavi monarchy.
- This mix signals both secular and monarchist currents aiming to replace theocratic rule.
Geopolitical Weakness Amplifies Protests
- Iran's geopolitical position has weakened after losses among regional proxies and allies.
- This external vulnerability makes the regime more fragile than in past protest waves.
