Iran: A Mysterious Civilization
Iran is mysterious. This peaceful Islamic country, home of 82 million people, sits quietly between Iraq and Turkey to the west and Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to its east. It has survived an eight-year war with its neighbor Iraq, the longest war in the 20th century, and emerged as a highly politicized country. Conservatism governs the country, from women’s dress and social movements, to alcohol regulation and news consumption. Yet this regulation does not hinder the intellectual advancement of Iranians. Citizens access banned news outlets like CNN and the BBC by installing their own satellites, which allows them to stay informed, engage in the political sphere, and advocate with and for their government.
