Devansh

Iran’s Broad, Leaderless Resistance Has Yet to Become Political Change

Abbas Milani argues that Iran’s opposition is broader than its organized political movements: women defying dress rules, striking teachers and others who ignore state demands all show limits to the regime’s authority. But widespread dissent does not guarantee political change, he says, because the leadership is prepared to use force and economic pressure has uncertain political effects. Milani contends that a democratic Iran would also make different choices abroad, with elected leaders accountable for the costs of conflict.