The Intelligence from The Economist Forgoing a song: protest inside and beyond Iran
Nov 25, 2022
In this engaging discussion, Middle East correspondent Greg Karlstrom sheds light on the profound protests in Iran, ignited by Masa Amini's death, spotlighted by the national team’s silent stand during the World Cup. Senior economics writer Callum Williams warns of a looming global recession, emphasizing persistent inflation amidst rising market optimism. Meanwhile, Obituaries editor Anne Rowe reflects on Hebe de Bonafini, an emblem of resilience in Argentina’s human rights struggle, illustrating the intertwining of personal loss and collective activism.
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Silent Protest
- Iran's football team protested the regime by remaining silent during the national anthem at the World Cup.
- The crowd's reaction was mixed, with some booing and some uncertain whether to support the team or the regime.
Divisive Silence
- The Iranian team's silence during the anthem was divisive, receiving both praise and criticism.
- Some criticized the gesture as not going far enough, while others accused it of being coordinated with the regime.
Evolving Protests
- Protests in Iran are scattered and small-scale, often sparked by killings by security forces.
- The death of a nine-year-old boy, Kian Pirfilak, fueled further protests, highlighting the violence directed at children.