A story by The Economist claims that the government in Iran has launched a “matchmaking” website in hopes of encouraging young Iranians, typically those under 30, to marry. The government, ever so successfully running the nation, is now worried about why young Iranians are looking for short flings as opposed to long-term relationships. I’m no expert in the art of governance, but I believe if people have some freedom and a potentially prosperous future, they tend to have a long-term vision and work towards that end. Alternatively, if they have a generally negative outlook on their future, they tend to focus on the present. As such, if the regime in Tehran wants to preserve the "traditional family unit," then perhaps they will be better served if they focus on better governance as opposed to creating matchmaking websites. Reduce corruption, increase societal freedoms, nurture Iranian culture, and let the people manage their personal lives.
On the foreign policy front, news has emerged that Uruguay has expelled a senior Iranian diplomat over last month’s planting of a dummy bomb near Israel’s embassy. As if Iran’s foreign policy with South American nations was not already under the microscope after the suspicious death of Alberto Nisman on January 18, and the disappearance of Antonio Stiuso, a key individual who was asked to testify in the mysterious murder of Mr. Nisman, the regime must now explain (not that they will) why their senior diplomat was involved in a bomb scare at the Israeli embassy. I understand that Khamenei and his government are not accountable to the Iranian people. But shouldn’t diplomats, who represent an entire people, nation, and culture, have some pride in their work and at least be accountable to themselves?