Yet the reality cannot be subsumed under the chador alone. Consider medical services. Because the Islamic revolution forbade male doctors from treating female patients, the regime had to push through a crash program for the training of woman doctors. Today, there are more woman doctors in Iran than under the shah. Incidentally, there are today also more female teachers, including university teachers and researchers, than under the shah, for the same reason.
Realities are always more complex than images.
Teheran is not about to become Westminster. Yet given the almost utter breakdown of the attempts to export Western-style democracies to much of the Islamic world, something interesting and at least partially hopeful is happening in Iran, and it is worth watching. Israel's Soldiers The Fund for Strengthening Israel's Defense. Papal Visit Don't miss our extensive coverage and photo album. Looking Back Browse past front pages of The Post.