Gal Hertz in Haaretz: ‘French philosopher Michel Foucault's enthusiastic support for the Islamic Revolution in Iran (1978-79) served not only as a basis for accusations against him and disdain for his theories, but also for a sweeping dismissal of left-wing postmodern thought's challenge to binary distinctions – between West and East, liberal secularism and religious subjugation.’

And: ‘Why did Foucault see the Iranian Revolution as such a pivotal event? Why did a thinker who opposed the intellectual's role as a preacher so clearly take the side of the protesters?’

Foucault on Iran in 1979: ‘Nobody has ever seen the “collective will” and, personally, I thought that the collective will was like God.’

According to Hertz, Foucault wanted to know: ‘Can those who are subjected to power transform themselves through the revolutionary process, and establish a regime not based on oppression?’

Rarely.

Even the oppressed have a healthy appetite for power.

(a sf 2095)