In the past few months, the occurrence of protests in Iran has been increasing. The sheer number of people that have been taking to the streets is a clear demonstration of the extant of the general public’s animosity toward their government and economic position. In the past few years, economic conditions in Iran have been worsening, with the cost of essential products increasing dramatically. This increase in the general price level corresponds to a decreased GDP since the sanctions which were put on the country following tensions over nuclear weapons. However, more than the economy, Iranians are upset with their government and how it has approached the situation. Rather than directly address the problems, their government continues its long-held strategy of investing in the country’s religious institutions, which have no direct influence over the troublesome areas. These institutions also tend towards the conservative side, as do the top-level government officials. Many Iranians, however, especially the displaced younger generation, would like to see a more progressive, globalizing approach in the government and to weaken, rather than continue to endorse, the powerful authoritarian institutions which have so much control over them. And the way that the government has been responding to the protests will only upset the people more. Imposing restrictions on smartphone usage and the recent ban on English in primary schools, will just create even harsher feelings among the upcoming generation.
