MONITOR: RIOTS IN IRAN

Verdicts on the riots taking place in Iran after the closure of `Salam', a pro-reformist newspaper

Iran Daily

TOMORROW'S IRAN belongs to the youth of today, more specifically to the university students of today. Unity, observance of the rule of the law and adherence to the revolution's ideals are the requisites for a brighter tomorrow.

Il Manifesto

Italy

THE STUDENT demonstrations in Iran say simple things while posing rather complicated problems. It is very simple to observe that there is globalisation and that it is impossible to keep a country under a theocratic mantle. There are signs of optimism from Iran. The world continues to change, and not even fundamentalists can stop the change. But it would be wrong to think that the demonstrations are a homage to Western democracy or an effort to get rid of Islam's cultural values.

The Nation

Thailand

TWO DECADES after the toppling of the Shah, student power is still a factor to be reckoned with. Images of protesters may scare those who are not familiar with the ferocity of Iranian revolutionary fervour. They want changes and they want them now. The government must learn from history that no government can survive determined Iranians.

Le Figaro

France

SINCE KHOMEINI, Iran has been what Cuba was for the Third World: a model of the successful revolution. Today all eyes are on the Islamic perestroika. Most Iranians, two-thirds of whom are under 25, aspire to change. In not understanding these Iranians, the conservatives have perhaps plunged their country into a dangerous spiral.