As they walk the streets of Tehran, they are noticeable for the scowls on their faces. In early February, a red enemy taunts them through shop windows and on restaurant menus. Signs of another approaching Valentine's Day are everywhere, and the fanatical bureaucrats of the Office of Virtue and Vice are fighting a losing battle..
They must be frustrated. Retailers, stocked with candies, candles and little red pillows, do a brisk business in selling the wares of a holiday 'frowned upon' by top religious leaders. Despite the best efforts of conservative clerics and government officials to crack down on Iran's youthful (more than 50% of the nation is under age 30) and passionate population, the public has gone ahead and celebrated the romantic holiday for the past few years.
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After more than a decade of satellite TV and the Internet, this new Persian generation has embraced the West as never before. Only a few months ago, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in a spontaneous grass roots movement to protest the rigged presidential election. Many protesters were jailed or tortured, and some were murdered in cold blood by government security forces in the street (i.e. Neda). Although tyranny remains in political power, liberty scored an indelible victory.
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Dictatorships, led by ignorant and dangerous men, have a shared destiny. They all fall and are relegated to the dustbin of history. The current dictatorship of Iran will be no exception.
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As the proud and good people of Iran continue their struggle for freedom, Kleostoday would like to wish every Iranian, particularly the oppressed women, a truly Happy Valentine's Day.
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Whether in Tehran or in Timbuktu, love can neither be suppressed nor ever be conquered.
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(Photo: A Persian woman buying a Valentine's Day gift in Iran - click to enlarge)
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J Roquen