I was in Iran a few years back and had the occasion to closely watch the young and old there. I also had the opportunity to interact with quite a number of people at that time. My first and lasting impression of the people of Iran was that the people looked intelligent, progressive, rational and was not reticent of asking questions; religion was deeply embedded in their life and at the same time it was so personal. They looked very different from the reckless Pathans who drove cabs in the streets of Abudhabi or Sharajah or the naïve fundamentals from Yemen or Iraq. The films they make, the number of writers, intellects and poets they have, showcases the excellence of Iran. The people of Iran, I thought, aspires a change from the domineering, absolute and autocratic rule forced upon them by a minority in the name of religion. I envisage a revolution to take place there eventually, that will topple the senseless oppressive religious regime and a more practical system of Governance other than based on religious doctrines, will come into reckoning,. Iranians deserve better things and cannot subjugate themselves under the orders of few fundamentalists.
Other two states that are close to the character of Iran are Egypt and Bangladesh. Thirty years of Autocracy by Hosni Mubarak has alienated the learned and the level headed from the Government. People want a change and from the opinions pouring from different quarters, one can understand that people there want a change, a clear-cut democratic system of Government. On the other hand, Bangladesh is already on the right path. The fundamentalist were incessantly voicing in favour of an establishment that works under religious law and Governance. The fundamentalist elements were busted and the democratically elected Government under Sheikh Haseena brought the situation of insurrection under control in a short time. Bangladeshis can be proud of themselves that they are finally on a progressive path.
Cartoon courtesy: slate.com
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