Latest news with #Maral
National Post
26-06-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Iran regime change the only path forward, Iranian-Canadians say
OTTAWA — Despite enduring institutionally enforced hatred against both Israel and the United States, everyday Iranians aren't directing anger over weeks of airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear ambitions at them. Article content 'I've never heard anyone say, 'Why is Israel doing this,'' Iranian-Canadian Maral told the Toronto Sun. Article content 'Everyone was saying, 'This is this regime, they are the root cause of this. They put us in this situation.'' Article content Article content Maral, her identity concealed over fears of reprisals to her and her family, offered an unflinching view of life in Iran, and why Iranians believe the best way forward is to overthrow the Ayatollah Khamenei's despotic dictatorship. Article content Article content 'Every day for school, even in elementary school, there are flags of the U.S. and Israel on the floor — (students) have to walk over the flags to start our morning,' she said. Article content That, along with official regime slogans calling for the death of America, Israel and the 'three corruptors' — former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and former Israeli PM Menachem Begin — are seeing quiet but conspicuous resistance. Article content Students at universities in Tehran are going out of their way to not tread on the flags, a small but sure sign of growing resistance to Iran's brutal theocracy and a growing desire for regime change. Article content Few understand what living in Iran is like better than Iranians, who saw their once-promising beacon of democracy and prosperity transformed into an Islamofascist dystopia. Article content Article content 'Economically, this is a country that, 40 years ago, was one of the fastest-developing countries in the world,' said Kaveh Shahrooz, a lawyer, activist and Macdonald-Laurier Institute Fellow. Article content Article content 'Since the revolution, it's become one of the most stagnant economies in the world — thanks to corruption and mismanagement, but also the incredible international isolation as a result of the regime's foolish international policies, sponsorship of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons.' Article content 'If you're a young person you have no hopes for the future, because the economy is in shambles and the regime prevents you from doing all the normal things that teenagers do,' he said, describing bans on public displays of affection, drinking alcohol or even listening to music.
Vancouver Sun
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Iran regime change the only path forward, Iranian-Canadians say
OTTAWA — Despite enduring institutionally enforced hatred against both Israel and the United States, everyday Iranians aren't directing anger over weeks of airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear ambitions at them. 'I've never heard anyone say, 'Why is Israel doing this,'' Iranian-Canadian Maral told the Toronto Sun. 'Everyone was saying, 'This is this regime, they are the root cause of this. They put us in this situation.'' Maral, her identity concealed over fears of reprisals to her and her family, offered an unflinching view of life in Iran, and why Iranians believe the best way forward is to overthrow the Ayatollah Khamenei's despotic dictatorship. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Every day for school, even in elementary school, there are flags of the U.S. and Israel on the floor — (students) have to walk over the flags to start our morning,' she said. That, along with official regime slogans calling for the death of America, Israel and the 'three corruptors' — former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and former Israeli PM Menachem Begin — are seeing quiet but conspicuous resistance. Students at universities in Tehran are going out of their way to not tread on the flags, a small but sure sign of growing resistance to Iran's brutal theocracy and a growing desire for regime change. Few understand what living in Iran is like better than Iranians, who saw their once-promising beacon of democracy and prosperity transformed into an Islamofascist dystopia. 'Economically, this is a country that, 40 years ago, was one of the fastest-developing countries in the world,' said Kaveh Shahrooz, a lawyer, activist and Macdonald-Laurier Institute Fellow. 'Since the revolution, it's become one of the most stagnant economies in the world — thanks to corruption and mismanagement, but also the incredible international isolation as a result of the regime's foolish international policies, sponsorship of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons.' Shahrooz described Iran as an apartheid state for women, one that outlaws homosexuality, labour unions and even dog ownership. 'If you're a young person you have no hopes for the future, because the economy is in shambles and the regime prevents you from doing all the normal things that teenagers do,' he said, describing bans on public displays of affection, drinking alcohol or even listening to music. Iran rules its people with an iron fist, both at home and abroad. Hundreds of Iranian agents currently live in Canada, carrying out threats, harassments and even assassination against those deemed problematic. Among the more high-profile targets was former cabinet minister Irwin Cotler, whom last year it was revealed to be the target of a foiled Iranian assassination plot . Iranians also know the Ayatollah's regime cares nothing about them, proven by a lack of supports from the recent attacks. 'There were no safe shelters for people to go to, no air raid sirens, Iran's air defences were incredibly weak and knocked out immediately,' Shahrooz said. 'It's a regime that, despite the rhetoric and money that it funnels into defence and acting aggressively internationally, just did not care about the welfare of its citizens.' Maral said overthrowing the Ayatollah is the dream of most Iranians. 'For the long-term situation, for the safety of the Jewish and Israeli people and the rest of the world, the only long-term and sustainable solution is regime change,' she said. 'Iranian civil society needs help from the world to do this — and if we do this, the world is going to be a much safer place, not only Middle East, not only Israel, but the whole globe.' bpassifiume@ X: @bryanpassifiume
Calgary Herald
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Iran regime change the only path forward, Iranian-Canadians say
OTTAWA — Despite enduring institutionally enforced hatred against both Israel and the United States, everyday Iranians aren't directing anger over weeks of airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear ambitions at them. Article content 'I've never heard anyone say, 'Why is Israel doing this,'' Iranian-Canadian Maral told the Toronto Sun. Article content Article content 'Everyone was saying, 'This is this regime, they are the root cause of this. They put us in this situation.'' Article content Article content Maral, her identity concealed over fears of reprisals to her and her family, offered an unflinching view of life in Iran, and why Iranians believe the best way forward is to overthrow the Ayatollah Khamenei's despotic dictatorship. Article content Article content 'Every day for school, even in elementary school, there are flags of the U.S. and Israel on the floor — (students) have to walk over the flags to start our morning,' she said. Article content That, along with official regime slogans calling for the death of America, Israel and the 'three corruptors' — former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and former Israeli PM Menachem Begin — are seeing quiet but conspicuous resistance. Article content Students at universities in Tehran are going out of their way to not tread on the flags, a small but sure sign of growing resistance to Iran's brutal theocracy and a growing desire for regime change. Article content Article content Few understand what living in Iran is like better than Iranians, who saw their once-promising beacon of democracy and prosperity transformed into an Islamofascist dystopia. Article content Article content 'Economically, this is a country that, 40 years ago, was one of the fastest-developing countries in the world,' said Kaveh Shahrooz, a lawyer, activist and Macdonald-Laurier Institute Fellow. Article content 'Since the revolution, it's become one of the most stagnant economies in the world — thanks to corruption and mismanagement, but also the incredible international isolation as a result of the regime's foolish international policies, sponsorship of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons.'
Toronto Sun
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Iran regime change the only path forward, Iranian-Canadians say
'For the safety of the Jewish and Israeli people and the rest of the world, the only long-term and sustainable solution is regime change." In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency, members of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra perform in a concert under the capital's landmark Azadi Tower (Freedom Tower) on June 25, 2025, following a ceasefire between Israel and the Islamic republic. Photo by MORTEZA ZANGENEH / AFP OTTAWA — Despite enduring institutionally enforced hatred against both Israel and the United States, everyday Iranians aren't directing anger over weeks of airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear ambitions at them. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'I've never heard anyone say, 'Why is Israel doing this,'' Iranian-Canadian Maral told the Toronto Sun. 'Everyone was saying, 'This is this regime, they are the root cause of this. They put us in this situation.'' Maral, her identity concealed over fears of reprisals to her and her family, offered an unflinching view of life in Iran, and why Iranians believe the best way forward is to overthrow the Ayatollah Khamenei's despotic dictatorship. 'Every day for school, even in elementary school, there are flags of the U.S. and Israel on the floor — (students) have to walk over the flags to start our morning,' she said. That, along with official regime slogans calling for the death of America, Israel and the 'three corruptors' — former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and former Israeli PM Menachem Begin — are seeing quiet but conspicuous resistance. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Students at universities in Tehran are going out of their way to not tread on the flags, a small but sure sign of growing resistance to Iran's brutal theocracy and a growing desire for regime change. Few understand what living in Iran is like better than Iranians, who saw their once-promising beacon of democracy and prosperity transformed into an Islamofascist dystopia. Read More 'Economically, this is a country that, 40 years ago, was one of the fastest-developing countries in the world,' said Kaveh Shahrooz, a lawyer, activist and Macdonald-Laurier Institute Fellow. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Since the revolution, it's become one of the most stagnant economies in the world — thanks to corruption and mismanagement, but also the incredible international isolation as a result of the regime's foolish international policies, sponsorship of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons.' Shahrooz described Iran as an apartheid state for women, one that outlaws homosexuality, labour unions and even dog ownership. 'If you're a young person you have no hopes for the future, because the economy is in shambles and the regime prevents you from doing all the normal things that teenagers do,' he said, describing bans on public displays of affection, drinking alcohol or even listening to music. Iran rules its people with an iron fist, both at home and abroad. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Hundreds of Iranian agents currently live in Canada, carrying out threats, harassments and even assassination against those deemed problematic. Among the more high-profile targets was former cabinet minister Irwin Cotler, whom last year it was revealed to be the target of a foiled Iranian assassination plot. This handout picture released by the Iranian Red Crescent on June 17, 2025 shows members of their rescue teams searching the debris inside a buidling in Tehran, targeted by Israeli strikes. Photo by Iranian Red Crescent / AFP Iranians also know the Ayatollah's regime cares nothing about them, proven by a lack of supports from the recent attacks. 'There were no safe shelters for people to go to, no air raid sirens, Iran's air defences were incredibly weak and knocked out immediately,' Shahrooz said. 'It's a regime that, despite the rhetoric and money that it funnels into defence and acting aggressively internationally, just did not care about the welfare of its citizens.' Maral said overthrowing the Ayatollah is the dream of most Iranians. 'For the long-term situation, for the safety of the Jewish and Israeli people and the rest of the world, the only long-term and sustainable solution is regime change,' she said. 'Iranian civil society needs help from the world to do this — and if we do this, the world is going to be a much safer place, not only Middle East, not only Israel, but the whole globe.' bpassifiume@ X: @bryanpassifiume Toronto Raptors CFL Canada Celebrity Sunshine Girls
France 24
17-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
'Nobody deserves to suffer like this': Tehran under Israeli bombardment
Iranian authorities have announced that at least 224 people have been killed since the Israeli attacks began. According to the spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Health, "1,481 people have been injured or killed', with 90 percent of them being civilians. On the night of June 12 to 13, as the first strikes hit, many Iranian social media accounts described experiencing what felt like an earthquake. Starting June 15, the Israeli army called on Iranians living near military or nuclear facilities to evacuate their homes. However, one of our Observers told us: 'We don't know where these facilities are to avoid them. There could be buildings next to me. How should I know?' This opinion was widely shared by other Iranians on social media. 'This is the north side of our apartment,' our Observer says in this video filmed just after a strike hit a neighbouring building. 'As you can see, the building was hit and destroyed, including the kitchen, bedrooms, and only the south side of our bedrooms, which saved our lives.' 'I'm just trying to survive, my brain doesn't work' On June 13, Maral – whose name has been changed to protect her identity – was woken up when a strike hit an adjacent building. The blast from the attack destroyed her kitchen and living room. Only the bedroom is still relatively intact, if you can call it intact. We asked what had happened, and almost all the neighbours said that something had happened in the middle of the alley, and the sirens were going off. We understood that a house that was right behind our house was hit. We stepped on the ruins of the house and came out. I still didn't know what had happened. After a while, some neighbours came up to us to enquire if we were safe. They told us that it looked like Israel had attacked, and later we read on the internet that several places in Tehran had been hit by Israel. 'We are always victims of Israel and all the warmongers of the world' I am experiencing very strong emotions, even now; I am extremely scared, anxious, sad, among other things. And well, I can't understand it, I can't say exactly what I felt. I thought this was the beginning of a war and that bombs would keep raining down on us. I thought that we would be hit again now. In those first moments, I looked up at the sky to see if I could see anything. And while I was having all these feelings, there were also moments when I thought, quite logically, that I should call people to check on them. It's a very, very complicated experience. Nobody deserves to suffer like this. I'm just trying to survive, my brain doesn't work. I can't process and analyse this, but what I can say is that we are always victims of the policies of the Islamic Republic, and we are always victims of Israel and all the warmongers of the world. The ordinary people are always the victims. I hope that everything will end quickly. On June 16, the Israeli army published an evacuation notice for certain areas of Tehran, a city home to approximately 10 million inhabitants. On the same day, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that 'Tehran will burn' if Iran continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front. Amid escalating Israeli airstrikes on residential districts and increasingly threatening rhetoric from Israeli officials, many Tehran residents decided to leave the city. Multiple videos and testimonies gathered by the FRANCE 24 Observers team confirm unprecedented traffic jams on the roads and highways around the capital. 'We evacuated the city, but it took us 30 hours. On an ordinary day, we could get there in 3 hours,' one resident told us. "They struck the apartment across from us," a woman wrote on a video. "A body was thrown into our apartment," she added. 'The city is half empty, lots of people have left, and shops are closed' However, others, like Farshad – whose name has also been changed – opted to stay in the capital. Two nights ago and yesterday at noon, the attacks were horrible, and the explosions were huge. My wife was really scared and we decided that it's better if she left, but I decided to stay at our home. Every attempt to leave the city is not successful, though. My brother also wanted to leave the city. He spent more than 24 hours stuck in traffic and eventually turned back. The city is half empty, lots of people have left, and shops are closed. I'd say that after the Israeli attacks started and until Saturday night, the situation was not like this, even coffee shops were open. However, after the heavy bombing of Saturday night, and more importantly, the car bombings of yesterday, many people decided to leave the city. I think it was the moment when the phrase, 'they don't hit the civilians,' lost its reasoning among people. However, if I tell you that Tehran is a ghost town, it would be an exaggeration; I still see families walking in the streets. I don't see people running or attacking bakeries or grocery shops. The population stayed civilised, at least for the moment. Regarding the general feeling of people, I have to say that I see anger and hatred toward both sides. Before the attack of Israel on Iran, many experts were saying that another massive protest in the coming weeks is inevitable due to the economic crisis and social pressure of the regime. However, as the attacks continue, and especially after the civilians were killed, I see that more and more people who hate the regime are turning against these attacks and Israel. However, it's too soon to say anything; this anger could go toward any side of the conflict.
