Some of the comments here make it sound like living in Iran is like living in Shangri-la...power to the people and all that bullshit. Talk to folks who have left everything behind in Iran and emigrated to Europe, Canada and the US. A true democracy? I don’t think so, as the country combines some elements of a democracy with a heavy, heavy influence of theocracy...Shia Islam to be specific. One can vote for anyone but the Guardian Council and the Supreme Leader. Guess what, those 12 folks on the Guardian Council (all men, 6 who are clerics) approve of all candidates and the Supreme Leader, of which there have been only 2 since 1979. A democracy also recognizes equal rights for all...women too. Not happening in Iran yet. There’s quite a long way to go and Trump’s recent effed up actions and ongoing sanctions aren’t helping those in Iran who wish to promote change at all.

Btw...my daughter had the good fortune of being suitemates with five wonderful young women from Pakistan, Iraq and Iran during her four years at Oberlin. All of these women left their respective countries for better opportunities abroad and their stories of suppressed and restricted rights were heart wrenching. The courage that they demonstrated in leaving their families and their cultures behind was awe inspiring and when we met their families four years later at graduation (none risked going home for four years fearing visa snafus), it was very emotional to say the least.

Iran | World | Middle East/North Africa | Human Rights Watch

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1203136/download