The Iranian exiles bar where revolution is dreamed up
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YEREVAN, Armenia —A handful of Iranian businesses cluster together at the end of Firdawsi alleyway, a sidestreet named after the famous Persian poet.
Sandwiched between an Iranian barbershop and the end of the alleyway is an establishment called Rose’s Bar.
Despite being one of the world’s few Iranian bars – alcohol is banned in Iran – the small, underground drinking hole rarely has enough customers to outnumber the staff. But that may well be a source of comfort for its clientele – many of whom are paranoid after fleeing an authoritarian surveillance state.
As the situation in Iran reaches a crisis point, the number of those fleeing Iran and seeking refuge in neighbouring countries like Armenia rises — bringing Iranians to places like Rose’s.
On Saturday the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on government buildings and military infrastructure across Iran. Trump’s strikes have directly weakened Iran’s power base and have even resulted in the death of Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader – bringing the Islamic regime to its weakest point in history.
But despite how fragile the regime has become in the last few months, the terror it has inflicted leaves its own type of psychological wound.
Rose’s Bar may be a refuge, but new refugees can’t seem to escape the habits of living under an authoritarian regime. They know that just a few hours south, the same scene – men and women together discussing politics over alcohol – could be grounds for execution.
Dissidents and regime loyalists alike visit Rose’s smoky, below-ground haven in central Yerevan. The shared language and experience among Iranian customers at Rose’s offers familiarity, but not necessarily trust: voices drop when a newcomer enters the room.
But the meager customers
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