#31: Iran’s Past & Future; Islamism And the Left; Tolerance And Its Limits; Democracy or Theocracy

In this episode of Beyond the Bubble, Andras speaks with Darya Safai, a Belgian Member of Parliament born in Iran, for a direct and educational conversation about freedom, identity, and the future of Iran. Darya recounts her early activism as a dentistry student in Tehran, the 1999 student protests, her arrest and time in prison, and the decision to flee the country after becoming a target of the regime. She explains what daily life under the Islamic Republic meant for women, what she thinks about the distinction between Islam and political Islam, and how the system sustains itself through repression, ideology, and international alliances.Darya explains how the 1979 revolution unfolded, why she believes the regime was never truly popular, and why she sees Reza Pahlavi as a legitimate democratic alternative. She argues that the Iranian struggle is not only about women’s rights or economic hardship, but about reclaiming national identity rooted in Persia’s pre-Islamic heritage, symbolised by the lion and the sun. The conversation also addresses the role of Western media, the alliance between parts of the political left and Islamist movements, the silence around Iranian victims compared to other conflicts, and what she views as Europe’s strategic weakness toward Tehran.Throughout the episode, Darya connects Iran’s internal repression to its regional influence, from support for proxy groups to the use of drones in Ukraine and other international conflicts. She calls for a clear Western stance, warns against negotiating with the current regime, and explains why regime change is a historic opportunity. The episode closes on the personal cost of activism, the risks she and her family face, and her conviction that Iran will ultimately return to a secular, democratic path aligned with its deeper cultural roots.Content Warning: this episode contains mention of extreme violence, death, trauma and abuse, relating to the events unfolding in Iran. Viewer discretion is advised.We removed specific segments to comply with Spotify’s terms & conditions.Toggle the subtitles for extra clarification. This material is strictly for educational purposes (edsa).Views expressed are those of the guests.