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Rich Iranians Face Blowback at a Time of Economic Stress
(Washington Post) Erin Cunningham - The lifestyles of Iran's privileged youths have sparked public anger in recent months as U.S. sanctions squeeze the economy. The young elite, some with government connections, flaunt their wealth on Instagram and in the streets of Tehran, sporting designer clothes and flashy cars and vacationing at posh resorts. They are promoted to state jobs, granted lucrative scholarships and travel with ease. An Instagram account, "Rich Kids of Tehran," showcases the lives of some of Iran's most glamorous youths. But few in Iran can afford such comforts, and Iranians have started speaking out against a culture of nepotism they say favors the "noble-born" children of the elite. Last month, President Hassan Rouhani's son-in-law Kambiz Mehdizadeh was forced to step down after just two days as head of the Geological Survey of Iran following a public outcry and online accusations of cronyism.