An oppressed people are, once again, lured onto the street only to have their hopes dashed

Sydney Morning Herald

by Waleed Aly

March 5, 2026

An oppressed people are, once again, lured onto the street only to have their hopes dashed

They always celebrate. In Iraq. In Libya. In Venezuela. Now, in Iran. This is the natural response of those living under authoritarianism to news their tyrant is gone. So much is loaded into the moment. Like releasing a breath that has been held for decades.

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 3/5/2026