Politics

Every once in a while a nation throws an election that harkens back to the glorious days of early democracy. Ironically, there may be such a sprawling, brawling, hot-tempered election going on right now in... Iran. Iran? one axis of the "axis of evil"? Interestingly, it should be noted that hardline President Ahmadinejad was elected in 2004, after President Bush called out Iran as part of the axis of evil, though Iran had been trying to work with the US in regard to controlling the Taliban in Afghanistan. Now, with Obama's election and his speech in Cairo, all bets are off. A more moderate President is likely to be elected, by a convincing majority if this story has it right. And Ahmadinejad? He is not going out without a fight. Since he has backing amongst organized groups of fundamentalist street thugs who are likely to do a lot of stupid things this week, this election could signal a huge shift in direction for Iran. Iran is a very young country, with something like 60% or so of the population under the age of 30. Although satellite dishes are technically illegal, no one cares. Since news only happens on government TV channels, everyone listens to the BBC. There is a restlessness in Iran that seems ready to burst free.

It makes our elections seem tame, doesn't it?

TEHRAN — The leading candidates are accusing each other of corruption, bribery and torture. The wife of the strongest challenger to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has threatened to sue him for defaming her. And every night, parts of the capital become a screaming, honking bacchanal, with thousands of young men dancing and brawling in the streets until dawn.

Arthur