25 years after revolution, Iran is facing new = realities / Islamic leaders under pressure from within, outside = nation

From: Subject: 25 years after revolution, Iran is facing new realities / Islamic leaders under pressure from within, outside nation Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 20:28:51 +0300 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/related; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40"; type="multipart/alternative" X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2800.1165 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/universal/graphics/sfgatecom_125x80.gif R0lGODlhfQBQALMAAGaZmf///5G2tu3//6zIyHynp8PX19Pi4swzM3CfnwAAAOHr6+3z8/f5+Wib m2eZmSH5BAAAAAAALAAAAAB9AFAAAAT/EMhJq7046827/2AojmRpnmiqrmzrvnAsz3Rt33iu73zv /8CgcEgsGo/IpHLJbDqf0Kh0Sq1ar9isdsvter/gsHhschQIi0VgnT4IAAkDI02vpw2PiZlwUK8b CwcEBSEODgkCCwxvRWYGa5CRAQuHB5KXAQd5AAWPmH8EIYmQC4xEo59rmgmWqap5qKmLIA+ebKZD Cw2SDQy+uwsPrJcNxcYHnH7EuwEMoQAPhwkF0wkJD3nRcZGLhhPa1NQOOZfOAud8eMOQDQYE7/AC CQTEgu8GB24Ae/j5+QQCCggTgCZSO4AOBvLxZ0DephqXDlDDtulBgVZ/3hjaaEYZKGgU/woQ2vZp ATWMlwxMM8BMkgFCNjA1OODOIRyUDQCe21lAQEoNJEsKsJXyosGWAVTaOIBUEoOGN10FaFfAKSNh 1rLCYenuHcqkLJsWe4e0obJFD2V0kmpynauXkkxKmOdP0L5zInsSYBDppQCU5v5GMlkrEoEEFbBR SCtBMTTGGebpSmXAwVdMcAcL5EQUmUU0DHqF7puQaClOgA0Y8Ki0sRlq+3omGHfIjLzXiDds0isn ots1voL7eom0AaOgSQHE+lQZgOk3y5nnfvB3rIO9vQ53OhBadS8DHKjNnrs2kkScg/KKnPb1wOzy a1QSdVYQUvP5Aix+NcZf4tw0eNHTEP9LARUzFCBDBaDbcACJFN15BuEywTyXLPAOa0ZBQoBFrI1D VFLnEGXcNHkFNA51OSUEQB+IJfCUAE+ZkZNFCm5wVDEpWRYhBhny4lKPmfBRloeYkMUNPAvBBMBe piyg1AP5JEKAGQG8URUHUrFx0o4YRIcZcsyNQ09KYE5FSgHSCJCiIdyhWcCLFlJpZY0a4PjJTIQA aZwGndhJDHhqxtUhajnG0RQk7vkUyiPvnMOAG22+uWFVVjbAwT3CBQfVXAv5o2QGnSiSqSACUSfq Uz3VNaUEnQgXpwR/ZfrolH+9MU9o0OlSikUNmeEfKx5A1oGwHzh2wTgYEBtsY9koS8aSs9BGK+20 1FZr7bXYZqvtttx26+234IYr7rjklmvuueimq+667LbrrrRZxpvlAPTWa++9+Oar77789usvvwoE LPDABBds8MEBB4DAwgw37PDDEEcs8cQUVxwxwhhnfLDCFnfs8ccgT6zxyCNzHPLJKKf8MMksI2yy yjDH3HHLNBP8ssw459ywvDz37PPPQAd9SQQAOw== ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/homepage/graphics/quicksearch.gif R0lGODlhSAAMAID/AMwAAMDAwCH5BAEAAAEALAAAAABIAAwAAAJmjI+pB7APo2qpWUinw1l60wVd +JFItn1SODqou1kwmNLVRb8iTMmzrevVhAuc7sSTIXMp4u7Jwj2Eyt2ltbQ2f8ToswKsfZ1fG7Sq 5V5jYiuj6itrx1uV/Y7ntPP8vv8PGCg4mFAAADs= ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/gatemainpages/graphics/railwhitediv.gif R0lGODlhaQABAMQAAP///wAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACH5BAAA AAAALAAAAABpAAEAAAUMICCOZGmeaKqubOuGADs= ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/gatemainpages/graphics/redarrow10x4.gif R0lGODlhCgAEAJECAG4SEmYAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAIALAAAAAAKAAQAAAIJlA2nFr3sXjoFADs= ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/gatemainpages/graphics/bluerailbox6x4.gif R0lGODlhBgAEAMQAAAAAAMzh5QAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACH5BAAA AAAALAAAAAAGAAQAAAUHYCCOZGmOIQA7 ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/universal/graphics/clear.gif R0lGODlhAQABAID/AMDAwAAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/brands/chronicle/images/chronicle_logo.gif R0lGODlhlgAVAMQQAM/Pz5+fn6+vrxAQEDAwMHBwcI+Pj1BQUN/f3yAgIGBgYEBAQO/v74CAgL+/ vwAAAP///wAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACH5BAEA ABAALAAAAACWABUAAAX/ICSOZGmeaKqubOu+cCzPdG3feK7vfC87hcXBgKgJFIeGwcEMFB0+nKPR cCCKCEYUJihQGwmCViZIJBULgsJBeAwAuQIcBwjDGW0hZH5jHMYlUCkBIwgCfDFLEEwOAQQETIA2 AQ8EOAIDYgZhAQcKDAoPRTYMBQ+EJaYCKA4Jin0iBg9UDws8AA2SMwgLD3ACtSNADwZSqyUMDcEo bQ+VBaMQY4DTKAC9tAlUDNXSItTfyCOSut7jJw4DByIOyyLKDeYQo9SA9NPk7O7yDp4Jzm4I4TFg YIAWBWICvDEBzBktZwEUCnDEAAEBAw0GFEHIQCGfOgUaLZwnJJcIRwW0/7QqYEJWvEX74HmEQKlB gQFQ2ODcM+DTI24ENIqwSKCKu3SoFPbEuMlgAwIHDpwSIFWBMlslGhyoqSyBE1MJFOAsENaUAaoP FIDd0yvqsAMIpDZYsMpRggUG6hxoSwIAsJftsL57kORBgo5uMgpoo8wgpgdHiKE14KcW3MA0wwx4 AMXvP2cDwFhhAo+By1YPTDwhdlXfAgdzAEyZBcFUlTaL/o0A9lrZvFWysCorwJsEk7SuScBDDXMB AARsOIdi0gsCvNqzHExPTsnryz0OBEypWmrd9eXVT1C1vgyziAUsz2ev7iB989kLdLtfvg9BdwiR CcZeFfS118ts1KUmX/8VygiCWTsEIAKeeFOEdMqAA9aXmgkABKCFMgokB1M8C2q4iH2YHWLifg9Y KOAimxkgBGzKzZeaexoiaGKJDSbnngh1AOScAQGkI0aJ9r2zmTMHmIIKhOwk8MZwGdLXCzcwWfJb gbYglgAwLBnXWIgkcIPejW6oJFUSf2iYTIvshaSMACpVkuU8PDUJRmJ7mDJEmsFpd6EIBRDgxZ5H tQEFAgUpoJRptQAQSl6hiLFIGwL0Mmg6xCwSilfohJJWkUCsEyh9UhXT0T9PmlXGYUoBIMtC0THR BpkKEMEAaSM5QBkuhAAgB4ApjTAAnbv6auk3Ahyzxyr+weGfFrKyU6xyNM1G1Ow4AYS5yLAnMDDR Z85Yiots6fk6zrbCxCOutAFI28Ac4q4ibjGEBhKNOeCEM4K37JSzRQ2koYGvcQsMMPAJHurw3cIQ m8DGOhGTIN48EsZg2h2CVLyFFsB07DE7+9YAXcYj79DRGim37PLLOYQAADs= ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/brands/chronicle/images/chronicle_sections.gif R0lGODlhlgANALMIAKAREf////nv77NBQdmgoMBgYNOQkAAAZv///wAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAACH5BAEAAAgALAAAAACWAA0AAATPEMlJq7046827/2AojmRpnih2rNPRSisLy4gL37NdV7Ge t7FfrYcb6o7ClGcgCLxwyN0tKrNZnz4pD0uJaqXUq1e5ATCfXe4UewVbstki+jtvg8XkEABQmOeq L1Q7bXFwNEBHgG9pWnhWh3kZewR+jX9FjlCLjBl2dHJ2mZyRGAAETnKYmpZ3q6OfW19xsqqtr6QV BgGorIJrq4q+lb2cY6FQLmO4HEG1YV6hNERGholVhz7WaI+zy97f4OEkPeTl5ufo6err7O3k4vDx 8uARADs= ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/pictures/2004/02/11_t/mn_iran_t.gif R0lGODlhQABAAPcAAPwEB/0dIf4tMdUvNXVcXZh6e/ZYYWUoLHM+QYFNUPVtedlAUVMhJvWKlbIG G7MhM4deY6CBhY0kNoduc8dGY6gsStBTc7k5W/W0xu6WsnZjaoZ2fNWKqbGRnnY9VllRVY47ab5k l5NkhXdsdZyLmfXT8vTz9OGs4lcpXv35/6WGtfv0/29MhzoqRoZZqSUdL9nU7HlwrO/u9GFfbj46 moCAh21wjAUScQIFGyo3lbKzuuDj9CU/uERWrkhUjAMkrRM2wChFwyAxd01Ta3+FnxE0nxYzkB0m QYaQrvH0/QMokhU/swcznQorfGFpfA07pgwmYyROrAwZNVF4z2+NzaKjpRtFkS9TlC5IdlB2s5Cv 3RtfvTZuttDm/73FzDNqlaTP65OsvCUqLQFijUh3jOT2/WaHkiM8QcjY2vb+/w0YGFWjnzVVUxYh HwUSD0B4ZwIIBg41JSGGWpHmvj1DQPv9/FuNcXV6dy02MAZHGQYyEpqemyRsNRtZJhtDITJVLhEX D2+dWW1va/b68kVVJ1phSSkuHJKZffz+9bi/h1tfM4WGe6mrNR4eFfjtiOTTZYqDY6GYc3dzYv/7 65WLZnNrT//205SFXYV5Vp6QZ//AQX1nO5WKc7yYWLKmkGhlYFZINeLPuVQ2GD40KtPArfHj1U5L SIyKiP+QLqFxQ6OXjI5qTaF6WdSuj5RZKoVIHPqlabaOcsyhgu7r6ebj4bR9Wm06HNS0oeHVz/9s KRwIAD0nH3tKOv718mVMRf9zUsBUPndTS0gZEWlXVP4xFJFXT4VpZYlMRVA0MYVaVYtAO81mX6lz cMscFv9HQH40MpdKR5pdW2I8O24cG5dnZl9cXP////j4+AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACwAAAAAQABAAAAI/wBvkRpI kFSoUGHGsGiAhVEhJkMYDXmUIYeVLGgslcJVqqPHjrNChpRhoqSJayjr1LHG0trKOteShCxIMBQu Mk1uhHhUaIYGWRpmYJHUwQYLI0+0aPz4UeRIkydTrmSpEqWMWbRM0DQY6suNIZuG+BAihJKmTkKu KFFi41QULFeUWlra1CnUqNdU6kVpAitHrQVtfoFSiM2MIk2GFPJhxseMTDOckFj0hNGdImHCaEEz ay5IkSRLohxN+pqJq7Rw2bxW86CZJooKfbgUYRiWL1uebOGShUwgRpJ8BCKTIwqXL1GyaKE1yRJo qKVHn8aaOhQpXKwPhiEzGMqbGUPevP8xE+UJkyJMmCzZ/WVELSdkslzp8cjMkihbqKCZ1Cu0SdN8 mRQSLdUNhB1CX2DBhhU+fKLIEFhYUZ4S6T1hoXm6cZHDHY6ccIUVYZhxBSkqKLEFGElMcpdpJcng 4oC4qEaKQLiYMNgNv0ERQygjNHEFF0xQmB4TFy6xxBPJZYGBCl9ckcUUkDiSgRNTVFkGIi2a5OKL BMZoXSs0mgCCAnQIQoYVWLAQIZBDmneehUYuwQQXXPjQSQ5XTBFGD0S40EMYVDwxxZVbbjlglzK2 AuZ110QDiyJYGKHEDJv4aIWQRKZXBJxxLsHFHZfY0MMUVExBwxAqtKJFFmZMkUZ/Vx3/iuiXitJY hxBYQDEDWZ988uOQFRYhLKdGApFFDzY8IksPWoAxhR2BRDIFEokEkcUgIhGYWowy3lKrQaXUQUIh uDYxgSZOGMFmm8IO2ykQUyCrrBFaWNPFFPfdYcYaXBQBxiQwcnvQjIouGgot1sTmAxVQGKPJrlwY cd6b7W66BA8Yw+sDDWSYUUS9vZShBQ+cqMJDFDxwYQKiXlrnbcE0zmINFF+A4UUTPthhhbpGGNGu hUUg9cTFGPMQrw9rJMKsNTLskIYWPcTwiA49RIHGRgK7rKgssiyKi8xZeIGGDk1AYscVRmSxc7tL GNHCC1gMHUQQGE8Rgw13eGIDFUzv/yBDGVz0UMoJPYC40UHWEdwK112HaY0XOkAuhCSKsaC2z8Iu AQUEHXxQxBJzzz0FB7DEQgMNfDe9g8hF3P2F4dwOdIu3jC96nQmP6xA5Fk3kAEsDRKwtLBNCNFCK Cj+A3oMFpGKQQQkx8JA6DDDsAMYVnRRgURilyJBEGri8vHjXscTSCi4wJGGN7pF7ZUUHFnDxhBI5 9EwhB0v+8AQQLqBiwAKwCMUKYrCwFSSBemUAQxYiUQP5hMESZVhdEmgXi0s0whbCEIUoWOG99ekO DWTYRDGaAYAKsMAF9luLCnDhhR4sAQg9QEUAAAAAZ4TiFp6gQhIOCANaaEEJVnjEBv+sgAROVGEH aOgCKVrhC0OMQheiUIUOOiAMT7CEfWjIAhuIQcMaOgMFa2FBCFSwgx1wIANRyAEqnCGAAARAAAqg QRYMSD3rKQEYZ2kCCYShi2FELhSy2MUTQUEKNHiBFrfQAEsgFzkbQKEZbmQjMSSgBBZY4AQwKEMZ ONAAFQiBGLBQQBsDoIAQZCEJZehCF2DAgQEAgBgQqEAHqGELW6xCB56ghih2AQdIeEIVnvBEIjCx A2uAAQy34IANPNBGAQjAGcRAQRMskIE0JOFvJwhBBmLggF+Iso2ldMEODIABGBgAADN8JQD2IAth vCIVqrjFKmwhikZEYhGLOMQhVMH/ClxYQwDLMIAziNACZzpDAc4AwA1c8DxCHTAEHAjBA56pgDeG gAVtBIAAzvnGGbrRCbWYhi0goQNc1OIVtjAEJSQBCUgcIhKuCIU1aPhMErzAAQFwxi9+4QAanOAE ZUTE98xogQtQAJ2ycOMCLoDONzrzqW98ABtWEYtKnEIHJbjFK3RRCExU4quVwIQrPCEDGjrDAB2Q wAAeEAAuomAHJSiBSxCRhk1SoKgXQIF3CpGAClRAo1B96jOB4YRQ7GAPe9ABGmiBDDh4AhOgEAYf RZGKTqRghhvlgASeAQxXSAAFPrBGCU7Ckh1k8wEUoIABRKAEOhDjFwtgqzPduFGD/zrjGTXYgxf2 UAUd7EEVyACFJy5RCVFkcBOXSAUuBNCMASjgmwqYhQ2wEAbR7rAEzsNAAyqQWgWwNqfOCK9g0amA pgZACrytQmL3cIpFVIMTkbgEJnwhCuRmIhOrEMACmGGAX+QCFo6wRgFa4IUSwMAaGLAAdxtgAQoo wAAU4F0AfhFe8brRAQbQwRB20QIQiEAVp0BDFU4hiWFUghOeoERLKYEJTFzivqwAgAG8oABNEMMZ AS7GC46AAxUkOLUUqIAELmABCAsBCgPwb3hz8eBpiCIDHWjCGeKAgGUUYxGIFcQoCiEJ+KoYEvel xCXGHIsOvKELt8hFDedygBfEQf8KYyrqXSkw5AUM4AJSBgYqUPELVOTiFxgwRDIycAos0MEQhqCG MfD5CVDYohKfoISkIUGJ+7YUE6tIhWLLUAku/sISjnjBGdrwAiIrmLtClsAD7izlV6BCE3vOxQIy MApmyGICdMADMsRwivZWoxq1RIYgJE3sSkMCE5uoLxoe9wmNwgIWrjjDGaTQAqNS4AJDfsYBVD2A CkCBDaAghp/9zIwJ1DoWEThCHEyxgAmc4g6fWIQvdtErFVMiEsVmsS02EYaV7AEa6SzEGY5wBBRc 4OAX8KsEFj6AbhOcDbwYQDOa4QASBAMQBWBGBKasCGd4QBLuPoUgBPGJQnCipfj/zsQlxHyJTSgC CWGA3BnYwIY3/GHaUjB4kP16gWcs/AGrJjgeCDGEM4iABSqIRSMIQI0JTFkaEpCCBIpBBif0uhos xQSlwSzmWLBiE5VAQs11YAo5hOEUeKDDEXJOZAnw/ADbBvoAXiAFPBSiBnhYBjR+0gg8qGIDU34F MM7wgAR8Ibd3MEWXKwEJTmDivo+PxSrCXg02+PYNZGhB2lGwdhCAwAM+r8A0pqHqVSOj7n/wgx4a 0YZPyALRntiAukGxCTpEwwaHV8Ud6ACJSBTC5I+PLyZiUYtKmEEQb6gCCTA/BDqwYQhiUEMLWkCH FkjDAz+X+wHU8AI6/MEQp/+E/zHaQIcILOIIbTDELvBAAiKQoQaHuAMefEmHUTi+0pSoxCU6QQnG rKEKqsAGZ4ADM9cCYtAGbaAGbsAAEnCAjbALDMAAuwAIaiAGzocHLXAEQ/ABakAH1fAB6IcHL/AC JJAFNdBrgiAGi5AIdNAIJwdmmYBprMAJQ7Ave7AIdsAGBHgGL4CACagG2uYGQjiEbgAIgDB0dOAH 1ZCBPfgCaScFbSAGUiAFNfB+KKiCiTAKjaAKLNV7yJYJkPBtazBqZIAFOJCEaoCAarCGQ7iGbsiG jUAIfxAHaqduejAK9TUKUSgFarABRFADiyByeGAIr7ALbmAKi3BylwAKjDgKYv+AB2RABnHQMX3A B3wwZT/4hm/YBo2gfrfgCIQQB36ADIpACITgB6IACnjgB3HQijOwCDVwgoJAB7tgC4YohIUQVlqo Bo1QCHIgB2sgHnYQC1wDCtKGB3ggBsqojMiIjHRQCMhAComQB3nQB4rgCq7wCqJwDH5Qin9ACKbg BLCIT7PYCMgwgW0AB3aHCXgACI3QCF8VC5Dwi3JgB61QC4ZwjMrogz6YhpzoBryQCoqgCJuQCtko Cq6wCqCAjdiYDDOwATVwB4vwCXRghI1ghG4AB4YACm7QCKNgCJvwTmB3B4cQTIpAhJqYkoAAB6BQ C6nwkrWgCNToB36wkAxZe+7/dgfwZgorCQesJ4Sd2JFaWIrXmAq1IAu3IAl5sIY44AYpqYBugANQ 2ZKpsAqsUAuEoAesqAeGwAu8EJKbMAcdMwwTUA2+0Ahw0JGGUITvmJFayAfUGJCsYD5KGQdv6JSa 2AZaSZN+sAlgN5CtSJN6iWirlwh18AV3IAin8Am+MAppeZFCqAaA4JamkAd6wJUEaZV+0AebaYmW 2AeVyAegWYmjSZOgOZM0mQeteJl8IAdzcD06uZi+EAxA2QhCCAiGUAimMAwdUI3USI2nGZqeKZqj WZygeZnIaZl5wJd8+QZogAZzYAcjoJOLoAG+kAyGkJaTSQceKAhaQAQsYAfi//EG4mkHdsAHhfCZ f9AHf9Ce7vmeheAL8smIoCCfweALXukLoDAMs+kLBaAKi3AHp2CdBPAJUbiSn2ADSDADaLADNtAB vUUCHRABEnoLJEAAxjABBICh1AABxuChGAoB1NChBKChEJAM1BAMELCix5AAvpAACYAACHAKHXCD 8FafoEAH7gUH1VADO4AECCMCvmAK8vkBw+AJtxABGzABI6ABEFAAExClHloABRABEVAA1MAM0UAN xXAMW3oMYAoNEgAN0KAMxfAMx+ALYiCgJCcNcHedCNAIplAF1hAGVdAFCcCfZCkIJOAFJDAC7rak IrCkG0ACVZql0QANiWqmyv9wDMrQqLxApsoQDY/qldKgn3AAB6awmG76DM+gDM/AANJQA2FABE6A BAmgAYKgASOgA6pQAyNQohoQpaewAaoQAdQQDZQaDcegqMVQDIkKpo+aqGgqDV6JDLM5DMhAgXBA B3cgBtIQrcMgo9JwB0SAN0QAAb9mCqrgBREwAsMwAuC6pIeaqMWwCl16DL+aAMUADb/6DLxwDMFw n/I5m8FQANfxAXCgBs1aA20gn8OwmwggDNVgqndQAxDwCSPgCREwA9UwDDUgCB/wAQQAAY16DLzQ pcqQDMIqDclgDMeQDLzgqbxQr/PpCxu6ATvgBGm5hmLgBsjAAAeADAeAAOv/twc2EIvP8AmeoAN/ Ogwa8AkfoAFLqgrUIAG8WgzJUAy8sLHUAKZQewzPsAmR+qjKMLKXOgpa+2t00AbuuAtge47CgAx9 dwpEUKoHgEsbYJ0TsAGfoKETQKVVEA2b1aW8kADTAKzQYAzGAKrJkAC28AwJwLFomgDPYAsIcAC+ 4Am4sAMfgKzSgAyRiwzIMAqgcLBI0AUqgAAj1qTh+rBLSgAa0AEbcApUGq/FIAEhC6ZKiwCGC68c awsY65UjC6++oJs1EAEQQADBwJ+JiwwboAOn8AGZtLmw6gskMAEz8AkEsAFuWw0j0AFxe6u3qrRJ 26hlerVdCq+CGwwI8AwI/0AAzzANoCANtZEAxiCjwzAM0vAB1fAJpmAIH2ADNuAEI2CkIyAId0C0 I7AIGzACH/gJSxq3e7ABJUMCqsAMBZAMIqu0DJwMvTsMBJAMG5oMEaADpIAVI2ADRCCu9Lu8E2sK uyAGQxCxw3AHM2AKosu/S2oMrDoCyUC0ksC3Gcq8dwABvlAJKAuuoMC8QFsNs0oCZcASqmSqRGAG HuiwOesEQ/sBdGADgrABM/ABvmAMnzAKNqABwyAJQksCE2sMQGsM4GoMpjAKd4AMWEcAyJB4dGCk JCexwzAEpkC/LWC/U+wEDiu0M7Ch1SC6sToDfwi97ysIRGAKsXgH1XAKvl+gAcbwASNgxQW6xSMg DRjKvlVcCQTgC+x7qZdKrZEbrdHqAdHKADErswdgyjXrpk4KozIqowfgpnA3enBXs60Md6g8ywwg WaQcga98jpT7y8hgCqaQa5RrCh+4vkMQEAA7 ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/universal/graphics/pixel_gray.gif R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAM7LzAAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs= ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/jpeg Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/universal/graphics/buy_sf_chronicle_1.jpg /9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAgAAZABkAAD/7AARRHVja3kAAQAEAAAAPAAA/+4ADkFkb2JlAGTAAAAAAf/b AIQABgQEBAUEBgUFBgkGBQYJCwgGBggLDAoKCwoKDBAMDAwMDAwQDA4PEA8ODBMTFBQTExwbGxsc Hx8fHx8fHx8fHwEHBwcNDA0YEBAYGhURFRofHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8f Hx8fHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8fHx8f/8AAEQgAMgBaAwERAAIRAQMRAf/EAIUAAAEFAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAADBAUGBwECCAEBAQEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQFEAACAQMDAwMDAwQDAAAAAAABAgMABAUR IRIxEwZBIgdRMhRhIwiBkaEVsUJiEQEBAAIBAgQGAwAAAAAAAAAAARECAxIEMUEyEyFhcaEiBVGR Qv/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A9U0ASB1oOjTRjqa100JPfW69WFanHUybTZu0jG7Dar7f80MH8utuZSLi 7BihGo2YdQd+tTp1FWyHzNYQYrN5CztnvmwClr6yjUrPoOpVXK6gDcms3CxDYj5+lyd/YRwYaZrC /QOb4oY1gLMI1EiyMrN+4wRmQFV666Vib624dtu331mbGgYrylrqYwToiSDqBqP+TXv37WdM218K 8/UsKsGGorxWNOagKAJIBI3I6Cgp03lUtxEJYkKgr3Ch20Gmp/tW5tgwYyZu8l58eKsoB4ltdm21 30q+5TBvJkJ5EVmJUD72G+4OnqTpvpWc1UVkbK4eN57mN7m0mlWP8aNnaY212AlxyVtj25OMiaHY VA1x73UUzLLBHA14dJHZgCby3JiZl394uI1Dqy+uutVKa564zuLyFheq1sMFcz9rLILP8iYlwUWM lNGZHLbnqNDQR8Hxtj8BBdWdtcXl/JcarZLkH1gtkUcBbxGLjIF7XFTqdwNRvU6ZPJ097fwysWEu 767uJYOxL+dj/Z+Sq/tuF01STTZJE5D9GBDKTqdPb2vc9H47em/b5uN1aBgc2lzGI39si7Mp6gin c9vj4zwJU8DqNa8LQoCgzDGDtNc29zdHv2l1dW8ifc7KsrGMnQdWiZDVw0cILfucQ0pJUq5cqoYN 6VAlI3bgSS2BjV/cydSD6hmOnQgj+lVCC2ZlaCSQvMkjbuCSwbUjTqft/wAigLiwt4IElvYUMMHd leP3O47ILl4Uj9zMANQo3qlNLDJ22YxBubfvm0ldog+ptpS0ZAJRo3JSQdOoIYVcoh8FF/qcxksR ds9tDc8chZZuZ2lhZ2JEZPeJVXXTXQkakFd9qDM/kHNeZosmN8p8gbIO7AxRY1BZLbXUTvJC0Drx EhkjUMOROh66Ag1lcL18a/LMPkk8drNcLPn7Npre/nhXhHdLbOqJdqo2Xuq6kj6619LsuTrl479Y 57N+xsxmtEc9TXh5tcbYah1XJRQeZ/5BeQeTeI+biXExmWyzNm900YLDS4tdI5GHHc/tlPb61OXW Ylts+jtw2/GSZVHwjzrI5K8xMGfwE16mWeWKzvbdp45Xe39zyCFjxIj25en61j2tPn/bd32b9j55 bm0EiRPBJIO8ve46oZSQwIO3tkH+a6xws8jC8u0Fu0t7eCIK3CWPlsB/1IVdvuB1plEDcfJniNjy 4XrS3cQDKqAsVnjIZGUDf3Dr9aDP8N8lZuTI5u18f8d7eHyJ/MtFQTFUmYjV/cg49zclRr0G/XXr x8HJv6Zalsd8h4z8p+VtYzXTpjZbSfvRnXmyB+LOIz+5uzL/AOfX0NevX9dyf6s1Yu8SD/xwTOZP /Y5u+ubl3VVaJDwU8PtJJ5NsNvSus7Th19W12+x1Xyad4P8AD2B8YUjGWgt+encbVmZtPqWJpefj 0n4TC3N8WnWkAggEY9K+ZybdVy1C1YBQY9/JDF26+O2Pkju0MmCndvyEJDIlzG0XUA7dztnfb61d pnV04tunbLGvDPlKa4ysOSiwF9lshHizZ2t/DG37cpk5SrzbSMCRerLWuLtt9p+MtrXLyy3EW2G9 +W87MsiWMOGh0ZVMrmWYpIu/2llBBUaarXt1/W8l9Vmrhd4e23wzlMlM02ZyVzdmUhpIteMZIPLQ qeS6a/QCu07Tg19Vu32Z6qt2E+E/HrPgRZIzLro0msh36/frWvf4dPTrExauth4Tj7dFVY1CrsFA 0AFcuT9htVmiZt8LZwgaINq8m3c7VrB4ltEg2UCuN3tUoAB0FZBQFAUCF7ZW95bvb3EaywyDR43A ZSP1B2rWu2BEnxSw5e2NVUdFAAH9hXr173aTDPSeQYSziA0QbVy27narg8S2iToorjd7VKBQOgrO RzQFAUBQFAUBQFAUBQFAUBQFAUBQFAUH/9k= ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/jason/graphics/column_top3.gif R0lGODlhfQAeANU/AAAAAFpZWUtLSx0dHYGBgVNTU3R0dPn5+UJCQhUUFODg4LKysvX19a2trf7+ /nFxccHBwdXV1W1tbXd3dwkJCZWVlQUFBc7Ozp2dnY6OjvDw8H19fezs7DMzM/z8/Lm5uYmJibW1 tSYmJsXFxT09PdHR0REREWZmZqmpqWlpaXh4eJGRkSMiIk1NTWJiYqWlpejo6KKiouXl5Xt7e8rK ytra2ri3tw0NDZmZmYSEhN7e3ikpKb29vS4uLgEBAf///yH5BAEAAD8ALAAAAAB9AB4AAAb/wJ/Q ETEIBIXGwfNKSXgeoXRKrVp/jkUqFTpYZQTJhHOdOmqNxsVhJaZ17LJ8LtXtAHj87ODC57x0gUMt eA8MVjQJABQRcWUOHxISOFFVDiiSNo6CnEIpeAIpFAAmESp4FQcahw4Mrg4HHIA/qqtsra+xDg4h Eg8QUR6uDGwXA6Q1QgwaGrNSDhAqEzFxB9a3DQYGI7CVWNYHm51THYs8HD0AFhifFiAYCCcyOi4F BhcqCCDhRS0CAQ0ccKj3YMEDBNRQBEgiMEeBfxgO1DhmQgEkFwgESFhjJto0Bx4ioMAQwwaxbAYg 1MDwQgOtCyMx2HA5jko6CjZkiFCHQ4K6/wEW8Bj4oMjEsUUlNNzx4WMRBB0mFt3AY4LHCTwZGBRo iscHCgUsACTgMGJqngGNnnl84YCGgQlwH0QMYWBDhg0TJKBo+wCuigcZnNW8GULDCgkzahjAk2BA UwELdloQMdXHixV4UqwYVSCC5B1RAaxYDKDCgqAFcEwlAWHnjggFFjnEOguatAUMQBjIcQGDCgMR 6BLIkYGAigwwMhggUCLG3ws1p9xcAAtcn9INRrWIDGBHiQDqKpDGUEKRgAt3Bly4XmGCn1MAcGhQ NCDGThYNyiWIgAPPhtrRDMUBAQaAoMEHv0GwgDYjyIBXBhEYRwBZDzxgQ3RS3BSQFAeAB/8AChBo x10HCrRTwQxYQWAeegCwEMEDqLgHAAEzNGUAAyhU0MAIxwyQ3yIpIIDHBI44wMNvH3CQQ4EKhDBD SgveM6ABGcgw2gYrLEBDBGRg+EM6FlC3DAMHXAVADB+IuFMPEXiYAYoAZKAiAOfdwcIFPpUmI41N BeCIAvT9CIAPFtxAwQy7eLDLkQIuCUKTTyqoDQ1gTLAPDMapsAEKxHj55SIhDJQRBKShqWZ3Mnww Qw415JDiinbiGSMefALgpwdL1BBoORQU1MALEUTwAgY0eDACkkoy6SSUk1ZqoAMw4KDCDHJ5Ex1h YIX3yZlpArDdTgNYtIsDcMoJa4uy6kn/a40zclAACS6EEJaP5ZhwAQ0zqNAAJilEdGyjTC4QaZQX YEqlDg0sgMICOWxggAKe8moDDLziYKap3nKHlhQekFZBInSyeGee7dGqQlMVcDBVAvYBQC8pF4CA RwEL4NWAsb/ZMCUIMNgw8KSYTrBCBDNI8EcIEwDnqQDqnFBBURDAyK12IdwXwTMb4OECCFO1UMJ9 6ZZcWgxBAaTIDtztQIOQFuTgIQj4zDD0C9TywACBvDkHnA11ZYABgTiAsRzCb0HsJQ+j5AGABB6w t0BTCDSgSAIlPFOe4hSEUMMoCYxwHQhm8hxWHhZAWJQM2Sk+QA0HjJb0BA9sAIOR2mjz/0AFDDSQ wgQO50VdAw/ULpdg43jQQAE99ECCgR7kcAQEJTy0wQgBCOCCDGbQcBAJJ2gCw0Mu6LDCESHgcMRe NeRDQgAxMABD9QXI0kAAJCDgAjc/aNBABSCsEINFP/AADWJQARzMpC04IBYEVvCCQzAAAhioAAZG QBNPWfCCGMygBjfIwQ5eQUGGC8QCFuDBEk4BAHBJB1wg8wMIkGACP5gAa4QAgXQsoAIvnMICANCD yv3gBTl0nuFqmIAFTIAFFaAhCRSgAPqZsIQCEIIAEiAEAthgBCy4kBBswIIRSJGKP4hAArQohARE 8QcYYEEICbBEKZ7RAGDsAQGE0MQnev/Qiz+YohAioAABkIAKJDijHss4RymY8QdgMcAUAFXII2wx ARBjQRvDaEcTDhKRCVDkFOAIsUHaoHNTOOQLEvACQP4xj2cMwAmEAEcSkLGSHrzkJwspBQKMMY9j xEAAShnKKNrylbiUoisDkEUpwDGTsIQiGH8wggTQsoqgvGQVDpmBW05BACxwoxBOYM0f2IAEh0wm B6XJggBQgZhfLMMhm5kBKpRTm2Vc5RQCAEpxalCaBFCjFMDSyGVOU5BnfKQWHUnIH7TzkXi0Jwal +YMTyLOhD2VoL+lIAgxQ1KLCFEIGXJRHLWIgoAq1IARyMAESTuEFpqkAL1tIUpNO85krOXgBwyAg hZGWtAI5MBxOX/CCnIb0p3IQIzCBStQNEuChRU1qBhWQ0A4GAQA7 ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/sports/49ers/graphics/1997/go_26x17.gif R0lGODlhGgARAMT/AP/////39/fn5+/Wzu/GxufGvee1td6tpd6lpd6cnNaUlNaMhM57c85za8Za Ur1SSr1CQrVCObU5MbUpKa0hGKUQCKUIAJwIAMDAwIwhIYwQEIwQCIwIAAAAAAAAAAAAACH5BAEA ABgALAAAAAAaABEAAAXKICaOZGme2WWtbOu225iuV23feG1dMaarr2BLJaLtKAoCYUFRXSSJwcFR +YmAl8lAkEgABpPLQyBADACLys5S1B0Ajtpj8KhsIReKAfAAXmkABVUUFBMVEQAJThAACjRtKwAI eQYCAw4PaGsSAZMrRTsXAQRVDwpoE5JOmQs6V0CnDBQVp2kFcBUTBAEQjxgsebcDWwKtEmcEAgAN Nmw+axYVDAgLEw94FhTTC9i+a04336E/ayIawC5O0EYqHCMb5OpG4u0n9vckIQA7 ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: image/gif Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Location: http://www.sfgate.com/templates/types/homepage/graphics/bg_homeblu5.gif R0lGODlhsAQFAJEAAAAAAMzl5f///wAAACH5BAAAAAAALAAAAACwBAUAAAJ6jI+py+0Po5wJiIuz 3rz7D4biSJbmiabqyrbuC8fyTNf2jef6zvf+DwwKeZSi8YhMSizDpvMJjUqn1Kr1is1qt9yuN6YM i8fkyveMTqvX7Lb7DY/L5+6y/Y5/MOn8vv8PGCg4SFhoiJWXqHi3d+j4CBkpOUlZaXlJUgAAOw== ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40 Content-Type: application/octet-stream Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://simg.zedo.com/intercept/tag/int168.js // Copyright (c) 2000-2004 ZEDO Inc. All Rights Reserved.=0A= function F0(){=0A= var a0=3Dnew Date();var z0=3Dnew Date();=0A= z0.setUTCHours(5);=0A= z0.setUTCMinutes(0);=0A= z0.setUTCSeconds(0);=0A= var t0=3Dz0.getTime()-a0.getTime();=0A= if(t0<0){=0A= z0.setUTCDate(z0.getUTCDate()+1);=0A= }=0A= return z0.toUTCString();=0A= }=0A= function F1(){=0A= var z0=3Dnew Date();=0A= z0.setTime(z0.getTime()+(6*60*60*1000));=0A= return z0.toUTCString();=0A= }=0A= function B0(){=0A= var d0=3Ddocument.cookie.match(/ZN162P168AD1=3D(\d+)/);=0A= if(d0!=3Dnull&&d0.length>0){=0A= return parseInt(d0[1]);=0A= }=0A= else{return 0;}=0A= }=0A= function U1(){=0A= var d0=3Ddocument.cookie.match(/ZN162P168AD2=3D(\d+)/);=0A= if(d0!=3Dnull&&d0.length>0){=0A= return parseInt(d0[1]);=0A= }=0A= else{return 0;}=0A= }=0A= function U0(v0){=0A= var c0=3Dnavigator.userAgent.toLowerCase();var = p0=3D(c0.indexOf('aol')!=3D-1);var = w0=3D(c0.indexOf('netscape6/6.')!=3D-1);var = r0=3D(c0.indexOf('netscape/7')!=3D-1);var = o0=3D",width=3D720,height=3D300";=0A= if(!p0&&!r0){=0A= o0+=3D",left=3D3000,top=3D3000";=0A= }=0A= if(!w0){=0A= o0+=3D",menubar=3Dno,location=3Dno";=0A= }=0A= else{=0A= o0+=3D",menubar=3Dno,location=3Dyes";=0A= }=0A= var = e0=3Dwindow.open("about:blank","_blank","toolbar=3Dno,resizable=3Dno,scro= llbars=3Dno,channelmode=3Dno,directories=3Dno"+o0);=0A= self.focus();=0A= if((e0!=3Dnull)&&(!e0.closed)){=0A= if(!e0.closed&&!p0&&!r0){=0A= e0.moveTo(Math.ceil((screen.availWidth-720)/ = 2),Math.ceil((screen.availHeight-300)/ 2));=0A= }=0A= if(!e0.closed){e0.blur();}=0A= self.focus();=0A= e0.location.href=3Dv0;=0A= }}=0A= var q0=3D1;var i0=3Dfalse;=0A= if(document.cookie.indexOf('ZN162P168AD1')=3D=3D-1){=0A= document.cookie=3D"ZN162P168AD1=3D0;expires=3D"+F0()+";domain=3D.zedo.com= ;path=3D/";=0A= if(document.cookie.indexOf('ZN162P168AD1')!=3D-1){=0A= i0=3Dtrue;=0A= }=0A= }else{=0A= i0=3Dtrue;=0A= }=0A= if(i0&&document.domain.indexOf('zedo.com')!=3D-1){=0A= var n0=3DB0();var x0=3DU1();=0A= if(n0 25 years after revolution, Iran is facing new = realities / Islamic leaders under pressure from within, outside = nation

SFGate=20 Home
Today's=20 Chronicle

Sports=20
Entertainment

News &=20 Features
Business
Opinion
Politics
Technology
Crime
Science
Weird = News
Polls
Photo = Gallery
Columnists
Travel
Lottery
Obituaries

Personal=20 Shopper

Classifieds
Jobs
Personals
Real = Estate
Rentals
Vehicles
WebAds

Regional
Traffic
Weather
Live = Views
Maps
Bay Area = Traveler
Wine = Country
Reno & = Tahoe
Ski & = Snow
Outdoors
Earthquakes
<= FONT=20 face=3D"verdana, arial, sans-serif" color=3D#336666 = size=3D1>Schools

Entertainment
Food & = Dining
Wine
Movies
Music &=20 Nightlife
Events
Performance
Art
Books
Comics
TV & = Radio
Search = Listings

Living
Health
Home & = Garden
Gay & = Lesbian
Horoscope

Resources
Search &=20 Archives
Feedback/Contacts
Corrections
Newsletters

Site = Index

Subscriber=20 Service
Missed = Delivery
Vacation = Hold
Subscribe
Contact

Advertising
Advertise = Online
Place Print = Ad
Media=20 = Kit

25 years after revolution, Iran is = facing new=20 realities
Islamic leaders under pressure from = within,=20 outside nation

Borzou = Daragahi,=20 Chronicle Foreign Service=20

Wednesday, February=20 11,=20 2004
3D"San

=20

=20

Tehran -- In a narrow alleyway, = Refah=20 School pulses with life as the country marks the 25th=20 anniversary today of an uprising that reminded people = that=20 Islamic fundamentalism is a force to be reckoned with. =

Here, at the school where the revolution was = hatched,=20 clerics met for years to pave the way for the return = of=20 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. When he arrived in Tehran = on Feb.=20 1, 1979, after 15 years in exile, millions thronged = the=20 streets. Ten days later, the government of the = U.S.-backed=20 Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi fell, and the school became = the=20 revolution's headquarters. In the first few months, = Ayatollah=20 Sadeq Khalkhali, Iran's infamous hanging judge, = ordered the=20 executions of hundreds of opponents in Tehran, some = shot to=20 death on Refah's roof.=20

Today, Refah is an elementary school for girls, who = have=20 festooned its walls with drawings and poems decrying = the shah,=20 America and Israel and praising the leader of the = revolution.=20

"Oh, holy warrior, oh symbol of honor," the = schoolgirls in=20 their modest little headscarves sing in unison. "You = are the=20 protector of our nation and faith. Your words lead us = to=20 health. Khomeini, oh, Imam! Khomeini, oh, Imam!"=20

The slogans are the same, but today's Iran is far = different=20 than the one 25 years ago, when Khomeini declared the = birth of=20 the Islamic republic and set the country on a = collision course=20 with the world. Though politically still a theocratic=20 dictatorship, Iran today is younger, smarter, more = cynical and=20 more modern.=20

At the urging of Iran's religious leaders, hundreds = of=20 thousands are expected to march, wave signs and shout = slogans=20 lauding the revolution during anniversary festivities = today,=20 but the celebrations obscure a reservoir of = discontent.=20

"The revolution put us at least two decades ahead = of Arab=20 and Muslim countries," said Hamidreza Jalaipour, a = University=20 of Tehran social scientist. "People in those countries = now=20 want religious government. We've already experienced = that. We=20 thought religious government could solve all our = problems. But=20 religion didn't become more popular, the mosques = didn't become=20 more full and the state didn't become more efficient." =

Twenty-five years later, the revolution that = started at=20 Refah School casts a long shadow on the world as well = as Iran.=20

"It catalyzed Islamic movements across the world," = said=20 Rasool Nafisi, an Iranian American professor of = humanities at=20 Strayer University in Baltimore. "The echo of its = revolution=20 is still heard in the constitutions of various new = republics,=20 such as Afghanistan and Iraq. New Islamic republics = are being=20 born, and new militant assertions of power by Muslim = clergy=20 are being heard across the Muslim world."=20

Meanwhile, Iran is struggling with a midlife = crisis.=20

Reformists led by President Mohammad Khatami, the = smiling=20 cleric who was elected with huge majorities in 1997 = and 2001,=20 have tried to change Iran from within the government. = But many=20 have been barred from running in elections scheduled = for=20 February 20, setting off a political crisis that is = putting=20 the spotlight on Iran's curious hybrid government, = which bills=20 itself as an Islamic republic.=20

In the past quarter century, "the ongoing debate = and the=20 competing interpretations of what it means to have a = republic=20 that is at once Islamic and democratic" has only = heightened,=20 said Nader Entessar, an Iranian American professor of=20 political science at Spring Hill College in Mobile, = Ala.=20

The Islamic revolution radically transformed Iran, = a=20 relatively prosperous, modern nation that chafed under = the=20 rule of the Shah.=20

The 444-day hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy that = began=20 in November 1979 destroyed ties with Washington and = led to a=20 quarter century of economic isolation, turning Iran's = best=20 friend into its worst enemy.=20

During Iran's long night of Jacobin terror from = 1981 to=20 1983, Amnesty International estimates that up to = 25,000=20 suspected opponents to clerical rule were executed. = The ruling=20 clerics' shock troops enforced Islamic rules against = liquor,=20 dancing and pop music. They took over the courts, = intelligence=20 services and military, stifling dissident voices and = jailing=20 critics. And they dispatched militants abroad -- = masters of=20 terror like Hezbollah -- who frayed Iran's relations = with=20 nearly every country in the world.=20

But today's Iran is being forced to adjust to new = domestic=20 and international realities. With U.S. troops = occupying Iraq=20 to the west and guarding Afghanistan to the east, = Iran's=20 clerical leaders are under pressure to establish = relations=20 with the country they once labeled the Great Satan. = Europeans=20 have demanded -- and received -- concessions on = terrorism and=20 weapons proliferation in exchange for badly needed = foreign=20 investment.=20

Critics have also demanded that Iran be more = accountable=20 for its human rights record. Most observers agree it = has=20 steadily improved since the late 1980s, but the = government=20 continues to jail dissidents.=20

"The reality is our situation is like a nightmare," = said=20 Ahmad, a prominent intellectual released from jail = last year=20 who asked that his name not be used for fear of = retribution.=20 "I feel like I'm asleep and I'm seeing a nightmare and = I'm=20 waiting to wake up from the nightmare and be able to=20 comfortably think and write without worrying that my = phone=20 calls are being monitored and that my activities are = being=20 watched."=20

Increasingly, however, it is neither dissidents nor = politicians who are the driving force for change in = Iran.=20

Two-thirds of Iranians are under 30, pushing for = good jobs=20 and new opportunities.=20

"I can't make it here. If you want to be a success, = you=20 have to go abroad, '' said Mohammed, a student at Amir = Kabir=20 University in Tehran who did not give his last name.=20

Women are another catalyst for change. The = revolution at=20 first reinforced patriarchy, giving men custody rights = and=20 keeping women and girls locked up at home. But = restrictive=20 childhoods made them academic superstars. Now, 60 = percent of=20 university students are women, a generation entering=20 previously taboo arenas.=20

"When you play tough, you prove yourself," says = Qazaleh, an=20 engineering school graduate who plays polo with young = men and=20 teaches girls karate. "When the men bump you, you bump = back.=20 When they hit your stick, you hit them back."=20

Khomeini once said he didn't make the revolution to = improve=20 people's material lives. But even Khomeini's = ideological heirs=20 have adjusted their message. Though conservative = historian and=20 cleric Mohsen Alviri disparages America and Israel and = trumpets the revolution's spiritual successes, he = admits the=20 government needs to do more to address people's = earthly needs.=20

"Domestically in terms of management and solving = economics,=20 we haven't been successful," he said. Nearly a fifth = of Iran's=20 68 million people live below the poverty line, = according to=20 government statistics, and unemployment is estimated = at up to=20 20 percent.=20

Even some of the clerics' young, right-wing = supporters have=20 begun to change. Bashir, a member of the Basiji = militia who=20 also asked that his last name not be used, once spent = his=20 weekends harassing women who showed too much hair = under their=20 headscarves or boys who played pop music on their = radios. Now=20 he no longer has the heart to enforce the clerics' = rules.=20

"People have such big problems, and they're out = trying to=20 enjoy themselves a little bit," he says. "Either the = guy has=20 economic problems and can't get married, or he's got=20 difficulties at work. Who am I to bother him?"=20

Critics also complain that the economy remains in = the hands=20 of conservative clerics and their allies who seized = businesses=20 at the beginning of the revolution. Tehran's stock = market has=20 soared an average of 50 percent a year over the past = five=20 years, enriching some in a country where many live in = dire=20 poverty.=20

At the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery for soldiers who = died in=20 the Iran-Iraq war, Amir Saber and Asghar Shafiee say = they=20 won't vote on February 20. Both men fought against = Iraq, and=20 both men are proud of their military record, but this = loyalty=20 doesn't extend to the ballot box, they say.=20

Saber says elected officials in Iran have a history = of=20 making false promises about reform and economic = development.=20 He says too many members of parliament only look out = for their=20 own interests, not those of constituents.=20

"They enter parliament on a bicycle,'' he says, = "and they=20 leave driving Mercedes Benzes.''=20

Such corruption has disgusted many Iranians, = including=20 those in the spiritual center of Qom, the city 75 = miles south=20 of Tehran where Khomeini studied religion for years. = Some=20 clerics there say the revolution has strayed far from = its=20 original purposes.=20

"We were looking for freedom and social justice," = says=20 Fazel Maibadi, a liberal cleric. "We wanted to = eliminate=20 poverty and corruption. We wanted real freedom. We're = still a=20 long way from that."=20

But Kayhan Kalhor, one of Iran's most prominent = musicians,=20 says the debate over the Feb. 20 elections actually = shows how=20 much progress Iran has made in the past five years. = Today, he=20 says, there is more tolerance for public debate about = the=20 country's future.=20

"Iran is changing,'' he says. "There was a time, = right=20 after the revolution, when (government leaders) put an = iron=20 curtain about themselves (and the country), and they = thought=20 they could survive. Now they believe that if they want = to=20 survive, they have to be part of the world.''=20

Chronicle staff writer Jonathan Curiel in Tehran = contributed to this report.

3D"graphical

Page A - 10

3D"Buy Get 50% off home delivery of the = Chronicle=20 for 12 weeks! =
=A92004=20 San Francisco Chronicle | Feedback = | FAQ

=20 =20

=B7 Printer-friendly=20 version
=B7 Email=20 this article to a friend=20

=

3D"Bay

Intern Job # = 9429 UC Davis=20 Health Sy

Growing South = SF Co.=20 seeking Inspect

Are you an = Escrow Officer=20 ready to t

Supervisor For = fast=20 growing South SF

ASSISTANT/ = EMT/CNA Unique=20 Opportunit

YOU NO LONGER = HAVE TO=20 WORK: Weekends

Flex Schedule = $2K - $5K +=20 per mo

Closet=20 World

Explore this = career=20 opportunity in b

HIRING NOW! = Exp.=20 Litigation Secty fo

Managed Care = Experience=20 Pref'd.

ASST. = SUPERINTENDENT for=20 residential

Customer = Service Rep for=20 residential

MG DESIGN = Account=20 Manager

MG = DESIGN

mgmnt firm = seeks a PM=20 w/higher ed/la

Project = Manager & 2=20 Technician

IHI=20 Environmental

Account = Manager Leading=20 nat'l mfg in

Coordinator/=20 Receptionist

Community = Dental=20 Ofc

Sir Francis = Drake Hotel We=20 currently

LANDSCAPE: = SENIOR.=20 ESTIMATOR / PROJE

Environmental=20 Issues

West = Marine

SVC./ASSEM. FT = Perm -=20 Entry Level 18

A Wild Place = to Shop &=20 Eat

Rainforest=20 Cafe

Network Coord = for constr=20 mgmnt firm.

Pacifica = Nursing &=20 Rehab Center has

VP OPERATIONS = Exchange=20 carrier

Evans=20 Telephone

About=20 Top Jobs
View All Top Jobs=20 =

=0A= ------=_NextPart_001_001F_01C3F0DD.A93F4340 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://simg.zedo.com/undertone/tag/int168.html UndertoneNetworks.com ------=_NextPart_001_001F_01C3F0DD.A93F4340-- ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C3F0DD.A9330E40--