Shadmehr Aghili, who probably pips Mr Asar as the best-known of the new generation of pop musicians, employs minders to shield him from adoring fans.

ECONOMIST: The arts in Iran

Musicians like Mr Asar, whose influences range from Elton John to the 14th century mystic poet Hafez, have responded to the change in official attitudes with a creative upsurge.

ECONOMIST: The arts in Iran

Vinit Asar, the former COO who took the reins as CEO this May, says growth is expected to continue for the foreseeable future in part thanks to a different kind of American enemy that lurks above the aging baby boomer population: diabetes.

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