September 26th, 2008 by Jason

This afternoon the New America Foundation hosted Hooman Majd to discuss his new book, The Ayatollah Begs to Differ: The Paradox of Modern Iran. The discussion was moderated by Patrick Doherty, Deputy Director of the American Strategy Program at NAF.

Majd explained that the Iranian people are not in love with their system or their leadership, yet they don’t perceive that they live under a tyranny day to day.  He said that lack of respect is the overriding motive that dominates both Iranian foreign policy and public opinion. He noted that the faltering economy is the biggest threat to the regime today.

On the nuclear issue, Majd said the regime has convinced the public that enrichment is a matter of national pride and a defiance of western bullying.

For full POMED notes on the event, click here.

Posted in DC Event Notes, Elections, Iran, US foreign policy |