Nuclear Rights and Red Lines

I think that it is ok if Iran is able to pursue nuclear technology. It isn't fair if only a few select countries are only allowed to. It provides growth and new technology to allow Iran to advance. I think that they shouldn't be allowed to develop weapons if nobody else can either. If no one has nuclear weapons then no one else will be viewed as a major threat. There should be worldwide regulations that prohibit the development of nuclear weapons. There should also be random inspections to prevent the creation of nuclear weapons. If I was president of the United States, my "red line" would probably be the actual development of the nuclear weapons. If i was president I would attempt to rid the world of nuclear weapons though, including the United State's nuclear weapons. In regards to a nuclearized Iran, I would convince them to get rid of their nuclear weapons and show them that nuclear energy is a much more prosperous topic of research to pursue.

Revolution in Cyberspace: Social Networking in Iran

I think that even though the government is creating restrictions and banning social media websites, the youth will always find ways around the confinement. Whether they are getting assistance from other countries, using proxy servers to get around restrictions, or using 3rd party applications, they will try very hard to keep the communication throughout the country and the world, connected. I think that the role of social networking in the Iranian's youth's hands is a very big part of the perspective and policy of Iran. It shows the other, hidden half of Iran. The half that we don't necessarily expect. Iran's youth are very passionate, dedicated, and opinionated part of the population. They want to change the government, economy, and laws. They want their country to prosper and be viewed in a better light throughout the world. After learning about the Internet freedom and restrictions in Iran, it definitely changes my perspective about the Internet. We take our Internet freedom for granted and use it mostly for frivolous things while the Iranians need it to communicate. They use it to organize and attempt to improve their country by trying to change the government and the economy. They want democracy and they inspire other Iranians to desire the same thing through the Internet.

A Walk in their (punk) Shoes

If I lived in Iran and experienced what Iranian teenagers were experiencing, I would probably react very differently. I wouldn't be as outspoken as most Iranian teenagers but I would attend protests and spread my opinion. I would be quite angry with the restrictions, unfairness, and corruption going on in the country. Even though I would be angered by these things, I am not the type of person to become violent and yell my opinion at the protests. I would more likely participate in the silent rebellion and the cyber-revolution. I would do things this way because I grew up in America. If I were to grow up in Iran post-revolution, I would probably do these things very differently because I would be raised in a very different environment.