IRAN: Happy Now Rouz

Now Rouz, the Iranian New Year's Day, falls on March 21, the first day of spring*—an arrangement seemingly designed for the maximum in joy and optimism. Last year Iran celebrated Now Rouz in high hopes of a rich and endlessly prosperous future, for on that New Year's Eve the Iranian Parliament, under the guidance of wily Premier Mohammed Mossadegh, voted to nationalize Iran's oil.

This week, as Now Rouz rolled around again, Iranians were in full control and possession of their oil but did not know how to refine it, and no tankers called at Abadan. A commission of experts...

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