Purge of Iranian Universities is feared
NY Times / Michael Slackman
01-Sep-2009 (4 comments)

As Iran’s universities prepare to start classes this month, there is growing concern within the academic community that the government will purge political and social science departments of professors and curriculums deemed “un-Islamic,” according to academics and political analysts inside and outside Iran.

The fears have been stoked by speeches by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as well as by confessions of political prisoners, that suggest that the study of secular topics and ideas has made universities incubators for the political unrest unleashed after the disputed presidential election in June.

Ayatollah Khamenei said this week that the study of social sciences “promotes doubts and uncertainty.” He urged “ardent defenders of Islam” to review the human sciences that are taught in Iran’s universities and that he said “promote secularism,” according to Iranian news services.

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Abarmard

Don't be too worried

by Abarmard on Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:45 AM PDT

These kind of actions have been done and failed before. The Iranian society is not in line with backward thinking of some rulers. Most Iranians who attend universities read more and learn more than it is required.

The system has realized that students are the most politically active while the general public is more concerned about their own economic welfare. They will try to control the universities but similar to previous attempts, it will fail.

It's simple why it will fail. A place of learning, no matter how backward the curriculum, will always go above and beyond backward thinking. As most reformists and socially progressive population were born after the revolution, under the Islamic System and schools, we can see how things go forward in a society that is not isolated, pro freedom and respects human rights.

Any change in any areas, if it's not within the framework of time, will never work.  Reformists have it right, if the system becomes open and responsive to educated, progressive and active part of the society, it will become stronger and naturally more secure.

I have not lost hope for reforms, although it doesn't look positive at this time, yet it's still very early to see the end of the road. The conclusion will be written by the will of the people.


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Anonymouse

Let him try it. 

by Anonymouse on Wed Sep 02, 2009 06:45 AM PDT

Let him try it.  It'll enrage people against him and discredit the regime by more than 1000 folds. 

Everything is sacred.


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Darius Kadivar

I heard this on VOA Persian yesterday

by Darius Kadivar on Wed Sep 02, 2009 05:03 AM PDT

I couldn't believe it when I heard it.

He really lives in the 12th Century ...

 


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FG

Khemenei is Incorrigible

by FG on Tue Sep 01, 2009 08:33 PM PDT

The man's natural temperament isn't just conservative but reactionary and totally anti-reform.   It's a shame this turkey became Supreme Leader instead of the humane, civilized Montazeri.  Where might IraKn be today if someone more flexible and decent held that high office.  Khamenei's Islam isn't even moral yet he says disoberying this evil slob is"a crime against God."


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