There is an article in the AZ Republic this morning titled, Iranian Youth Embrace Self-Help.  Looks like the youth of Iran are turning away from religion and learning how to be pro-active in their own lives.  The article tells of one young man:

 When Hassan Bakhitiar couldn't find a job last year, his mother told him to pray and read the Quran.  Instead, the 25-year-old aerospace engineer dropped in on a packed appearance by Alireza Azmandian, Iran's most famous motivational speaker and self-help guru.  Now, he meditates by staring at a flickering candle and chants Azmandian's inspirational chtch phrases.  "Religion doesn't offer me answers any more"

The article goes on to say that 70% of the coun'try's 65 million people are under 30 and they are "disenchanted" by with Iran's strict theocratic regime.  It says that other countries in the Middle East with similar demographics like Egypt and Turkey, they youth are turning to their Muslim faith for comfort but in Iran, the mostly well-educated youth are more likely to seek other options like yoga, self-help books and meditation.

"The regime presumed it could mold the society into whatever shape and form it wanted, but we are seeing the opposite take place.  The younger generation is turning away from conventional religion and tradition."

I'm glad that the next generation in Iran is looking to move their country forward.  I had read somewhere that a body can't move if half of it is paralyzed.  That's exactly what's happened in some of these Middle Eastern countries.  They've "paralyzed" the women under the guise of protection.  A century ago, this may have worked and been admirable but no longer.  The youth are realizing that and are doing something about it.  What I find really heartning is that they are seeking to do it with in their own country!  They aren't moving away and protesting from afar.  That's what I like about what's happening.  The government will usually crack down on behavoir that it deems un-Islamic but so far, the government is letting this play out with little or no interference from them.  Another good sign.  I'll finish this with a final quote from Azmandian from one of his seminars:

"I have control over my life, not God and not the regime.  Think of yourself as an eagle and not as a pigeon."