Roya Hakakian

Roya Hakakian, a writer and human rights advocate who chronicled Iran's politics, discusses the current protests shaking Iran. She highlights how this wave is unique, with broader societal participation and more assertive demands like 'Woman, Life, Freedom.' Roya reveals the regime's weakened state post the June war and traces the shifts in its support base over decades. She critiques the clerical elite's corrupt practices and analyzes the significance of the 'red-green alliance.' Ultimately, she explores the regime's potential collapse and prospects for reform from within.

Roya Hakakian, an acclaimed author and journalist specializing in Iranian history, shares her insights on the 1979 Islamic Revolution. She reflects on life in pre-revolutionary Tehran and her family's experiences with antisemitism. Hakakian discusses Khomeini's rise to power, the pivotal shift from liberal ideals to religious extremism, and the international misinterpretations of Iran's revolutionary movements. She emphasizes the ongoing repercussions of the revolution, the regime's surprising resilience, and how it continues to influence global narratives today.

Roya Hakakian, an Iranian-American author known for her works on Iran's complex history, shares her insights with Michael. They discuss life in Iran, revealing the struggles for freedom amidst oppression and the courage of its citizens. Roya delves into Khomeini's legacy and its lasting impact on contemporary movements, while also addressing the regime’s international reach and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation highlights the ripple effects of the 1979 revolution and explores the troubling dynamics of Iran's future leadership.

Roya Hakakian, an author and journalist, joins Mohammad Jafar Mahallati, a former Iranian official turned peace advocate, to discuss Mahallati's controversial time at Oberlin College. They delve into Mahallati's complex past and the students' unawareness of his role in a regime linked to human rights abuses. The conversation covers the intricacies of post-9/11 peace efforts, the haunting legacy of Iran's mass executions in 1988, and the ethical dilemmas facing academic institutions when vetting their faculty.

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.