The Commentary Magazine Podcast

A New Iranian Revolution?

34 snips
Jan 9, 2026
Explore the remarkable unrest in Iran, where protests against the regime are gaining momentum. Expert Jonathan Schanzer contrasts current events with past uprisings, pinpointing crucial internal and external triggers. With regime responses including internet blackouts and coercive tactics, the situation remains tense. The discussion delves into the implications for regional stability, the role of modern technology like Starlink, and the historical context impacting U.S.-Iran relations. A deeper look at the protesters' resolve and the possible military hesitations adds to the gripping analysis.
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INSIGHT

Continuity Of Iran's Protest Movement

  • Iranian protest waves show continuity from 2009 through 2022 and beyond rather than a single rupture.
  • Mounting economic, environmental, and currency collapses plus international pressure have raised the current stakes.
INSIGHT

Prestige Loss Fuels Street Confidence

  • External blows to Iran's prestige — Israeli strikes and U.S. actions — have weakened the regime's aura of invulnerability.
  • That loss of credibility emboldens more Iranians to protest and raises the chance of regime fracture.
ADVICE

Amplify External Support Now

  • Increase visible external support to multiply internal pressure and isolate the regime politically.
  • U.S. and Western leaders should publicly cheer and materially back the Iranian people to hasten change.
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