Iran is no stranger to turmoil. Ever since its conception, conflict has been a fact of life. Namely, the 1979 revolution widened the divide between the citizens and the government. To make things worse, the citizens’ dissatisfaction with foreign intervention also grew. This resulted in the dethroning of the Shah and monarchy. Consequently, the Iran-Iraq war broke out.

Fast forward to present day. A series of protests broke out in Mashhad, Iran on December 28, 2017. Although it started as a public display against certain economic policies, it soon grew into something much bigger—the protest expanded to demonstrate against the theocratic regime of Iran and the mandatory hijab laws.

This protest has been the largest display of dissatisfaction since the alleged voter fraud in 2009. In some parts of the country, the protests turned violent. A reported 5,000 arrests were made and 24 deaths were caused as a result to these protests.

In response, the world has responded astoundingly in favor of the protests. President Donald Trump said, “Iranian govt should respect their people’s rights, including right to express themselves. The world is watching!” However, French president, Macron, criticized America for their support.

With that, I will end with one of my favorite quotes from Thurgood Marshall: “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”