Iranian theocracy has been shaken to its foundations by the biggest uprising since the revolution of 1979. Again the regime has attacked students in their dormitories in echos of previous clampdowns, and there are varying reports on the death toll.
Whatever the true result of the election, upon witch a recount has been ordered after the authorities had already claimed Ahmadinejad the winner, this people's movement is a blow against the dictatorship of the mullahs. The west should not take any of this as a sign that Iran intends to give up support for Palestine and Hamas or will give up its right to nuclear technology. Both issues have overwhelming support among Iranians, although the official state-orchestrated Palestinian solidarity events are often poorly attended.
But the west, and Obama in particular, may look on at the unfolding events as the first fruits of his new 'openness' to the Muslim world, in the same way they have been doing following the victory of 'pro-western' parties in the recent Lebanese elections. But the US will now be hoping that things don't get too out of hand, as stability is their watchword in the Middle East, despite all their anti-mullah propaganda.
The battle against the theocracy in Iran should be seen as strengthening the fight of the Palestinian resistance. The original 1979 revolution in Iran was not, initially, led by Islamists but by workers and students - this time let's hope that the ordinary people stay at the head of this movement for change.
Whatever the true result of the election, upon witch a recount has been ordered after the authorities had already claimed Ahmadinejad the winner, this people's movement is a blow against the dictatorship of the mullahs. The west should not take any of this as a sign that Iran intends to give up support for Palestine and Hamas or will give up its right to nuclear technology. Both issues have overwhelming support among Iranians, although the official state-orchestrated Palestinian solidarity events are often poorly attended.
But the west, and Obama in particular, may look on at the unfolding events as the first fruits of his new 'openness' to the Muslim world, in the same way they have been doing following the victory of 'pro-western' parties in the recent Lebanese elections. But the US will now be hoping that things don't get too out of hand, as stability is their watchword in the Middle East, despite all their anti-mullah propaganda.
The battle against the theocracy in Iran should be seen as strengthening the fight of the Palestinian resistance. The original 1979 revolution in Iran was not, initially, led by Islamists but by workers and students - this time let's hope that the ordinary people stay at the head of this movement for change.
As former supporter of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, I have some problems with the tenor of your comments.Mass Islamic movements as much as they have placed limits on democracy, and certainly on personal freedom, have mobilised popular opinion against imperialism.
ReplyDeleteThe "green" movement in Iran appears to be overwhelmingly from the pro-western middle strata of society. These people are queuing up to kiss the US/ UK anywhere thats offered, this is a body blow to anti-imperialist struggle.
The American people know that liberating Iran will mean sacrifice and they are ready to do whatever is necessary.
ReplyDeleteOperation Iraqi Liberation will be a lot different than Iraq because it is larger, which means more insurgents, but it also means that there are more pro-Americans who will help, in Iran and also in the US.
There is even a leader for the new government at the ready - Reza Palavi is pro-American and will be willing to take strong measures to help his country stamp out anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments.
The new Iran will be a useful ally for both America and Israel and it will also help the American economy by providing jobs and also helping the US free itself from some sources of oil that are problematic.
For example, Venezuela has an anti-American leader, but it cannot be bombed without jeopardizing the spread of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan and of course domestic uses as well.
Domestically the chance to help Iran comes at a timely moment in the US economy, with many Americans unemployed or underemployed and now they will have a chance to learn a skill, earn a paycheck, serve their country, help Iran and even get health care!
Combine that with the sincere desire of Americans to win the war on terror and bring a halt to anti-Israelism and anti-Americanism and Operation Iranian Freedom becomes an offer they can't afford to refuse!
Having seen US "liberation" in action so many times before, I do not believe the youth of Iran will fall for this sales patter.
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