honeymoon-in-tehran

Author: R:azadeh-moaveni

Memoir based around transformation of R:iran after the 2005 election
Frustrated with moderate rule under Khatami’s presidency, Iran ends up electing a more conservative Ahmedinejad
- His campaign involved mobilizing the R:basij
- Ran a platform of change - tackle corruption, be different from establishment candidates etc
Moderates had failed to unify and present a candidate persuasive enough.
- «« THIS SEEMS LIKE A RECURRING THEME IN THE ASCENT OF ALL HARDLINE RIGHT WING LEADERS »»
Sizable portion of the voters were disillusioned by the election and just didn’t vote
Berlin Street shopping
- Persian wedding customs:
  - Groom’s family pays for the wedding while the bride’s family pays for the new life to start (a quasi-dowry) but usually involves applicances, accessories, maybe a car
  - MIL and Bride go together for wedding shopping - conflict between MIL’s budget and bride’s tastes