Word: iranian
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Despite the war, many Iranians enjoy themselves. In summer thousands flock to the Caspian Sea, and in winter the ski resorts remain popular. Both beaches and slopes have separate zones for men and women, and there are always the Revolutionary Guards and their chador-clad female counterparts on hand to enforce proper Islamic behavior and maintain the segregation of the sexes. The cinemas, which are often jammed, feature both postrevolutionary Iranian fare and heavily censored foreign films. One recent hit was Barabbas, a 1962 picture starring Anthony Quinn. Another was the Iranian film The Call of the Forest, which dealt...
...channels. Apart from morning shows for children, the broadcast day usually begins at 2 p.m. with readings from the Koran. The rest of the fare includes foreign-language classes, American science programs of 1950s vintage and news programs in Farsi, Arabic and English, a feature designed to spread Iranian views to the gulf states. The Iranians can even watch quiz shows; one favorite involves teams of players racing to complete a crossword puzzle. Live and televised soccer matches draw large audiences, which watch the four major teams that play regularly in the capital...
Without doubt the war has given focus to the country and purpose to the revolution. But the disaffection, however great it may be at present, will grow inevitably as the interminable struggle continues. A recent business visitor to Tehran told a senior Iranian official bluntly, "I have spent three weeks talking to people here, and I haven't found a single one who is satisfied with the regime." Replied the official matter-of-factly: "God's satisfaction is what matters...
...sacrifice for the faith. Martyrdom thus offers Shi'ites a chance to imitate their sainted hero. In Iran, which is more than 90% Shi'ite, passion plays depicting Hussein's last hours are performed regularly. Each year, on the date of Hussein's death, thousands of penitents march through Iranian streets whipping themselves with chains and branches, seeking purification through suffering...
...rule of the Prophet's true heirs is an abomination. Indeed, Bahrain, which is more than 70% Shi'ite, defused a 1981 coup attempt allegedly inspired by Tehran. Kuwait, which is 24% Shi'ite, has been victimized by a wave of bombings believed to be the work of pro-Iranian terrorists...