The parallel between Iran and Czechoslovakia does not seem to hold. The article by Binesh Hassanpour suggests that the Velvet Revolution happened and was successful because a number of Western philosophers “streamed” into Czechoslovakia. My recollection is that the Velvet Revolution succeeded mainly because the Soviet Union collapsed and could no longer intervene. There is no Soviet Union dominating Iran today whose collapse could usher in an Iranian revolution. So I do not see any possible parallel. I do agree with the article, however, that Western philosophers should support Iranian colleagues to the greatest possible extent. Whether the World Philosophy Day – a brief and closely monitored event – is the best venue is at least highly doubtful.

Cordially yours, Fred Dallmayr

Fred R. Dallmayr is a Professor at Departments of Political Science and Philosophy University of Notre Dame, Indiana.