"Despite the repressive power of the current regime the immense creativity of popular cultural practices, that negotiate and resist a repressive system, is a potent and dynamic force. This book draws on the expertise and experience of Iranian and international academics and activists to address dive
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rse areas of social and cultural innovation that are driving change and progress. While religious conservatism remains the creed of the establishment, this volume uncovers an underground world of new technology, media and entertainment that speaks to women seeking a greater public role and a restless younger generation that organises and engages with global trends online." (Publisher description)
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"The international community entered Afghanistan in December 2001 to oust the Taliban. It promised reconstruction, development and democratisation. At the time, the trauma of 25 years of war had left civil society in Afghanistan shattered and the media had become mere tools in the hands of the dicta
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torial rulers. If the pro-Communist Governments had totally monopolised the media for their own propaganda, the Taliban banned TV in all areas under their control and ordered women journalists to go home. They had for their propaganda Radio Shariat, which only broadcast religious debate and sermons. Five days after the fall of Taliban, the first image broadcast by the public television channel Kabul Television, after five years of silence, was the face of a woman, Maryam Shakiba, no longer covered with a veil. The face of a woman presenter on national TV was regarded as a symbol of hope for change." (Introduction)
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