If You're Listening Life inside the Iranian Revolution
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Mar 16, 2026 Saeed Fassaie, author and former Iranian political activist who lived through the 1979 revolution and later settled in Australia. He recounts growing up during the Shah’s reforms, the brief freedom after 1979 and its violent rollback. He describes fleeing Tehran, conscription in the Iran–Iraq War, trauma at the frontline, emigrating to Australia, rebuilding life and hopes for change in Iran.
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The Brief Window Of Post‑Revolution Freedom
- For a brief post‑revolution period Iran enjoyed vibrant political pluralism with parties from far left to far right debating openly.
- That open phase ended after the June 1981 clerical coup when militia broke up protests and political freedom collapsed.
How Ideology Turned A Short War Into Eight Years
- Saeed argues Khomeini prolonged the Iran‑Iraq war for ideological aims, turning a reclaimable border conflict into eight years of attrition.
- He cites trillions spent, hundreds of thousands killed, and public memorials saturating daily life.
Blocked Then Vetted For University Admission
- Despite high exam scores, Saeed was initially barred from university for his political background and later allowed back after security interviews and signing guarantees.
- The Cultural Revolution had closed universities to purge secular culture and vet students politically.
