Iran's New Identity: Patriotism vs. Islamism

... used the word Iran 23 times, and the words “nation and people” 18 times, which is unusual given his typical emphasis on the “Islamic nation.” Commentator Mehdi Arab-Sadeq noted that the change in discourse could signify “the beginning of neo-nationalism,” emphasizing that Iran's “victory” over Zrael depends on maintaining national unity. The installation of billboards, banners and monuments glorifying Iran's pre-Islamic heritage in major cities coincides with a shift in the rhetoric of the political establishment. ...