On Monday, a well-placed EA source sent a report from Iran:
After the end of Ramadan this week, the fighting on the cultural front will resume. The Supreme Leader has given the signal.
The source said that the opening battle will be a renewed attempt to impeach the Culture Minister, Ali Jannati, for his “liberal” views such as a call for women to be allowed to sing solos in public, relaxed enforcement by the “morality police” of proper fashion such as women wearing hijab, and easing of bans on Internet sites and social media.
The conflict over culture had sharpened this spring when hardliners had pressed the Rouhani Government over its promises to open up social and political activity. Prominent officials and clerics such as Tehran Friday Prayer leader Ahmad Khatami had accused the Government of appeasing “sedition” with its initiatives.
President Rouhani responded to his critics, “One cannot take people to heaven through force and a whip….They have no work, no profession, they are with delusions,” although he moved cautiously over implementation of his pledges.
See Iran Feature: Rouhani Hits Back at “Delusional” Hardliners Over “Heaven’s Whip”
In recent weeks, the clash had eased, in part because of the high-level talks for a comprehensive agreement, in part because of emerging crises in Iraq and Gaza.
However, this morning brings confirmation of the prediction from the EA source. The Tehran Times puts out a belated report of Ayatollah Khamenei’s call to arms:
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said the country is facing serious challenges in the cultural area….
He made the remarks while walking past Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati during a meeting with poets and literati last week.
