Fariborz Raisdana, Economist

(R): Rooz has published its 500th issue in the virtual world. How do you evaluate the publication’s general performance?
Fariborz Raisdana (FR): These liberal and reformist publications create space in which alternative thinkers can voice their opinion. But we will never forget and we are certain and we have experienced time and again that liberal ideals fall short at some point. Liberalism has a beautiful and inviting surface, and pretends as if it will allow all ideas to be voiced and shared. This is one side of the story. On the other hand, when liberalism’s most fundamental principles are criticized, the creed stands firm against alternative views and becomes enraged.

R: Which principles are you talking about?
FR: Issues like ownership rights and labor rights. When you want to criticize the market or defend labor, you suddenly encounter the rage of liberal publications. We have seen this repeatedly in Iran. Also, they have this anti-left and anti-socialist obsession. For instance, we have seen in Iran that, with 50 thousand miles left until they reach their goal, they are willing to take a dirt road and forget all about their goal so that they can confront leftist groups.

R: Nevertheless, some still argue that liberal publications provide space for democratic forces to voice their opinion.
FR: It will be unfair if we completely ignore the opportunities that are created by pure liberal principles. I am not talking about neoliberals and those who pretend to be liberals. But generally, since its coming to existence, liberalism has had a mission to free man from the yoke of the church, monarchs, and despots. Although two or three hundred years have passed since that time, liberals can still have an effect in creating a freer environment if they stay true to those principles.

R: University students compose a considerable portion of the readers of Rooz. How influential is Rooz on shaping the attitudes of this group of people?
FR: Rooz boasts that university students, book readers, and educated people are among its audience. But you cannot forget that Rooz owes this to the left. The leftist movement will voice its opinion Why can’t the left have a satellite television network, or a newspaper? Because the left does not have money but they do. They should know that this money is not God’s gift to them; it comes because of their connection to the power structure. For example, Hashemi Rafsanjani and his family and friends are owners of much of this country’s wealth. Their neoliberal economic policies have inflicted heavy blows on this country’s economy, leaving millions without jobs. They have created poverty and exclusion The informed university student is curious and refers to all newspapers, publications and websites.