New Books in Middle Eastern Studies Arash Azizi, "What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom" (Oneworld, 2024)
Oct 23, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Arash Azizi, a historian and writer with a focus on Iranian activism, explores the transformative impact of Mahsa Amini's tragic death on Iran's social movements. He highlights how ordinary Iranians are demanding change, with women at the forefront, igniting protests that challenge the regime. Azizi delves into the complexities of women's rights, the interplay between strikes and cultural attitudes, and the vital role of ethnic minorities in the fight for equality. His insights illuminate a changing Iran that aspires for a brighter future.
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Author's Personal And Academic Background
- Arash Azizi is originally from Iran, trained as a historian, and received his PhD from NYU studying communist movements.
- He combines personal activist ties and academic research to write rapidly about unfolding events in Iran.
Mahsa Amini's Death Sparked A Movement
- Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Kurdish woman taken by the guidance patrol for an alleged hijab violation and died after beatings in custody.
- Her death ignited nationwide protests because it showed unaccountable force targeting an ordinary, defenseless person.
Hijab Rule Is Unusually Draconian
- Compulsory hijab enforcement is unusually draconian and nearly unique globally, enforced broadly only in Iran and Afghanistan today.
- That makes the policy easily relatable and emotionally powerful for observers both inside and outside Iran.
