Iran's youths would back Barack Obama over Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/11/06/do0607.xml
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- Katanajon
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If Iran’s Westernised youths were given the choice of Barack Obama or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a free election, an overwhelming majority would back the American.
That, at least, may be the sneaking suspicion of Tehran’s ossified leaders who harbour a gnawing, corrosive mistrust of their own people. Why else would they obsessively screen candidates in their bogus elections to prevent the annoyingly popular liberal reformers from standing?
Yet in a nation where two thirds of the population are younger than 30, Iran’s authorities have almost ended their fruitless efforts to ban satellite dishes. They turn a blind eye while countless teenagers enjoy American films and music.
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The regime denounces the United States as the "Great Satan", but bookshops outside Tehran University sell dictionaries of "American idiom" and even guides to adopting American accents.
This is American cultural power, perhaps the most important dimension of national strength. Until this week, America’s "soft power" was confined to the appeal of its fashion, music and films. Young Iranians could still unite behind their regime in reviling America’s leaders, especially President George W Bush.
That, at least, may be the sneaking suspicion of Tehran’s ossified leaders who harbour a gnawing, corrosive mistrust of their own people. Why else would they obsessively screen candidates in their bogus elections to prevent the annoyingly popular liberal reformers from standing?
Yet in a nation where two thirds of the population are younger than 30, Iran’s authorities have almost ended their fruitless efforts to ban satellite dishes. They turn a blind eye while countless teenagers enjoy American films and music.
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The regime denounces the United States as the "Great Satan", but bookshops outside Tehran University sell dictionaries of "American idiom" and even guides to adopting American accents.
This is American cultural power, perhaps the most important dimension of national strength. Until this week, America’s "soft power" was confined to the appeal of its fashion, music and films. Young Iranians could still unite behind their regime in reviling America’s leaders, especially President George W Bush.
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nessie00
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"Crazy Johnny" is in deep trouble in Iran with not only the youth but the ayatollah(SP). Iran would be much more liberal if they weren't ruled by a dictator. I feel so sorry for these innocent people.
- 3 years ago
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nessie00
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Katanajon
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Get them Google (The Fruit of Knowledge) and Freedom will catch on. And, by the time the rest of the world is free we wont be. LOL
- 3 years ago
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Katanajon
