What's happening to the nation of Iran should be concerning for all international citizens, especially for those who are advocating for gender equality, and social justice. No matter what happens to the Iranian government, women and children are still living in fear and uncertainties. What women are going through should be rather concerning for modern day democracy, it is beyond the presence of economic interests. How should we understand the political chaos and economic confusion in Iran today? Are we seeing freedom soon for women?

Arash Azizi is a writer and historian. He is a contributing writer at the Atlantic and his writings and commentary on politics, history and cinema have appeared in numerous other outlets including New York Times, New York Review of Books, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal. He is the author of “What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom”.