- Visas for American journalists to visit Iran are rare and typically granted for just a few days – This is key because it highlights the difficulty and rarity of journalists being able to visit Iran and report from within the country, which makes the trip even more valuable.
- Talk to everyone we could find. Ask what’s on their mind – This is key because it emphasizes the importance of getting unbiased, accurate information from a variety of people in order to gain insight into the reality of the situation.
- Many people were visibly frightened to talk with us – This is key because it reveals the truth that the Iranian government does not allow free speech and the reality of the climate of fear in the country.
- Rampant inflation – This is key because it shows the economic suffering of the people, which is a major factor in the protests that have been taking place.
- The government crackdown was swift and ferocious – This is key because it illustrates the severity and brutality of the Iranian regime’s response to the protests.
- People still willing to speak out – This is key because it shows that despite the oppressive environment, people are still willing to risk their safety in order to tell their story and be heard.
Published February 17, 2023
Visit The Atlantic to read Mary Louise Kelly’s original post Why I Went to Iran