Iran War: Hope & Fear Amidst Carnage

0:00On March 7th, here's the latest in global news. A week ago, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Kaminay was killed, sparking a U.S. and Israeli bombing campaign against the regime. Now three days into the war, strikes continue hitting targets in Tehran and beyond. Many Iranians see this as a chance to end 47 years of oppressive rule, with some even cheering from rooftops as regime sites explode. Meanwhile, BBC Persian has gathered voices from inside Iran, despite heavy internet blocks and threats from authorities. In a nation of 90 million, fear lingers under the police state, but opposition to the regime runs deep after crackdowns on protests that killed thousands earlier this year. Reactions among Iranians are deeply split. Some feel hope and joy at the attacks, believing they target the right people and could bring freedom. Others feel nothing, or outright suspicion, viewing the war as serving outside interests like those of Israel and the United States, rather than Iran's.

1:00Good. Casualty reports pain and grim picture, with over 1000 civilians dead according to human rights monitors, including nearly 200 children. No bomb shelters or sirens exist, and strikes have hit schools and homes, leaving families shattered and streets littered with debris. As the week drags on, initial excitement is fading into exhaustion and terror for many. People who celebrate a common day's death now sound tired, while exiles abroad grapple with hating war, yet rooting for it to topple the regime once and for all. This story is made possible by our sponsor. Your favorite podcasts, music, or sleep sounds coming from your pillow. No earbuds, no distractions, just listen and relax. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com