Alas Vine & Hitchens Kissing Cousins and an Iranian Uprising
4 snips
Jan 14, 2026 This week, the hosts tackle the contentious topic of cousin marriage and the political hesitation surrounding its condemnation. They pivot to the Iranian uprising, discussing the risks of foreign intervention and historical Western miscalculations. Economic turmoil and youth dissatisfaction fuel protests in Iran. The conversation shifts to the impact of American English on linguistics, with debates over grammar and usage. Finally, humor shines through as they share personal food aversions, rounding out a lively discussion.
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Support Local Campaigners First
- Do focus on supporting grassroots campaigners within communities that practice cousin marriage rather than imposing top-down bans.
- Help local women and reformers lead change because outsider decrees will meet strong resistance.
Moral Courage Has Practical Benefits
- Banning cultural practices can cut healthcare costs and improve women's lives, but political leaders often avoid controversy.
- Sarah Vine argues moral courage from leaders can protect future generations and save NHS resources.
Sanctions Have Unintended Costs
- Western sanctions and interventions have repeatedly misfired in Iran, fueling resentment and economic hardship.
- Peter Hitchens links US withdrawal from the nuclear deal to worsening Iranian prospects and street unrest.
