When the truth comes out

From 2019 until November 2023, that is, until the time of Hamas's operation on October 7 against Israel, the status of freedom of expression in Iran was better for analysts and experts than in the periods before and after.

In a note by Mr. Bijan Ishtari, I saw that he also emphasized this issue. During those four years, various current policies, including foreign policy, regional policy, and the overall policies of the system, could be criticized in a calm and logical tone, but clearly and without some of the usual reservations.

However, after the operation on October 7, new, bold red lines emerged one after another and intensified. One of these red lines was the differing judgments or even skepticism regarding the strategic consequences of the October 7 operation for Palestine, the Middle East, and Iran. Analytical limitations in this regard posed serious obstacles to any heartfelt warnings about the future, and the space for commentary effectively fell into the hands of two factions: one seeking political trade through delusion within the country, and the other outside, counting the days for Netanyahu's success and celebrating.

Now, however, reality has made itself heard, and it cannot be silenced or muted by any means. When realities make themselves heard, it means that nearly all opportunities have been squandered and lost. Once an opportunity is missed, it is gone and cannot be recovered. Unfortunately, this is a rule upon which the affairs of societies are based. In religious terms, it is a tradition established by God that is neither convertible nor changeable!

In opportunities, individuals have freedom, and with the burning of opportunities, they become compelled and find themselves at infinitely difficult crossroads. Sometimes, only one path remains. The rest of the matter will remain for later.