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| Iran remains one of the most important and least understood nations in the world. Complex and mysterious, the country is in the midst of reform that could create the world's first Islamic democracy. As it redefines itself, Iran is also rediscovering its pre-Islamic Persian culture, which gave the world its first declaration of human rights and first monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism. | ||
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The serene tomb of Cyrus the Great who established the Persian nation in 559 BC invites contemplation. The Persians established a secular, progressive civilization that gave the world its first declaration of human rights and first monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism. Today, as Iran leans away from Islamic radicalism it is re-discovering its Persian-ness as a way redefining itself. See Iran's Other Religion |
Despite the heated rhetoric, the U.S.and Iran 's Islamic government has often found ways of working together. The Iran-contra deal was only the most well known example. |
From Esfahan's Ali Qapu palace Iran's Islamic empire shaped much of Central-South Asia. India's surprising decision to ally with Iran was influenced by these ties. Together both nations hope to shape Central Asia into a politically stable economic entity that will link Europe with Asia...while keeping the U.S. out. See Friends of Need |
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Mullah's chasing the moolah. Both the Shah and Khomeini shared a faith in socialism and together they gutted Central Asia's largest economy. Now the Islamic government is taking a more business-like approach to managing Iran's public sector and economy. See Inside Iran's first MBA school |
Iranian women have always enjoyed more freedoms than their Arab counterparts and recent reforms have created a new breed of women entrepreneurs. Confident and bold, they are pushing Iran's patriarchal society towards change. See Iran's Women Entrepreneurs | Half of Iran's population is under 21 years old. Weary of the revolution, they are pushing the envelop through personal expressions of art, dress and culture. Iran's 'new wave' cinema has presented Iran and the world with a poignant articulation of issues facing the Islamic republic. But the response from conservatives has also been artfully firm. See Suffocating Iran's Film Industry |
