MOJAHEDIN

The Paykar that I remember

Masoud, you wrote:"

Taghi Shahram was the leader of those who abandoned Islam and embraced Marxism-Leninism. Actually, the Islamists did not take over. The Shahram group (majority) took over and kept the name PMOI. After the revolution, the Marxist group changed its name and became Peykar. Almost all the Americans killed were by the Shahram group (i.e., Peykar), and not Rajavi’s PMOI. There is only one possible exception. After release from prison in 1979, Rajavi took over the Islamic wing and the PMOI. The Marxists left and created Peykar. "

My question is about where you wrote:"Almost all the Americans killed were by the Shahram group (i.e., Peykar), and not Rajavi’s PMOI." This surprises me. The Paykar that I remember, even though it was a tondroo group, it had nothing with "Mobareze mosalahane", however the mazhabee Mojahedin were into Mobareze Mosalahaneh, going into khanehaye teemi. etc.   Could you show supporting evidence about what you wrote.

Should we care if PMOI is delisted?

=Should we really care if PMOI is delisted? Should we care about America support?

What moral support you talking about?

Why should even America care about what is going on in Iran?

Is it doing for her own interest or it is the push of certain groups that

makes Iran a priority?

Why it always has to be USA,Europe and outside to help us find our way to solve our problem?

Why all Jebhe Meli and PMOI leaders are outside and cannot go back , fight in Iran territory?This place is for cowards like me, show your courage, go back to Iran, prove you have courage and moral.

Show us, you beleive in what youkeep writing and saying . Have some respect for us , stop fooling us.

I know one fact well, if Jebhe Meli and PMOI are given chance to return to Iran, they will follow the same path and what they did in 1979,irresponsible, out of touch, naggers, selfish and destructive.

Delsiting PMOI , feeding Jebhe Meli with millions of dollar makes no change , the truth is that Iranians are bombarded with misinformation by insider and outsider and all is left for people is

disbelief and distrust.There is no real source to explain the truth to Iranian , we all adding to the confusion and their misery.

People! ,Jebhe Meli and PMOI are dead, all PMOI can do is to sell Iran military or national defense secret and Jebhi Melli keep blaming Shah and glorifying a dead man called Mossadegh.

For god sake , wake up, America or Europe is not doing it for free , there is no moral in politic ( moral would not support Hosni Mobarak for 30 years and then let him to be shown in sick bed around the world).

So is your politics , we called it " Nokari" for late Shah to listen to American and have their support , but today you shamelessly accept American to bomb,sanction and you call it "moral support".

Stop brining America in as a savior or freedom seeking dude for Iran and the region or any where else .They have job to do and they are not doing it to make you and me happy.They have a national interest and they do their job , even,if it takes to kill millions or divide the whole world into to little pieces.

Please do not call it moral support.

In Iran we have a saying "Tofe sareh bala". We are exactly that ,we are a disgrace to our nation.

It is a real shame for an Iranian to come here every day, 24/7 pray , wish an demand to bomb his people blame Arabs,American every one else but themselves , but does not realise one fact, IRI will not go anywhere unless Iranian living inside find their own leaders, find a mutual goal for the sake of the future of their children to overthrow IRI and repair the destruction and scars left behind by those who called Late Shah " Nokare Amrika" but now begging the master at any price for support and call it "moral support".

Finally, Iranian living inside are the ultimate sacrifice and I am sure we all have our other passport handy to use it as soon as we find a little discomfort.Let us be responsible, be a true human, patriot , our goal should be to return Iran to a normal life .

IRI is not the first and the last one , even support of the most powerful nation or any other factors willnot save it , it will fall because from the start , it was founded on lies and deception.We will not need PMOI or Jebhe Meli.

Let Uncle Sam delist PMOI, and give moral support to Jebhe Meli, we will not need them.

For the Sake of Reconciliation Is such a nonsensical title

Lets all get one Key thing straight, delisting means something.. it does not mean the group is now in the sunlight and may be brought back into the democratic process.

They are out in the sunshine now, they are not listed in the uk or eu.

It means they can access financial and political support from the usa.  Now we have to deal with negative US Agendas for the region, in co-operation wth the EU and UK.

I don't want that for the many obvious reasons posted below.  It Could also be argued that it will encourage the creation of other new terrorist organizatons that realize their leaders will face no consequences.

Sunshine Policy Needs to apply to ALL

De-listing the MEK as a terrorist organization depends on whether or not the MEK denounces the use of terror as it's primary means of operation, AND gives up it's weapons.

Has the MEK said that this is what they intend to do?

I'm not sure I'm hearing it as loudly as I would like to hear it.

But, it is better for ALL groups to be out in the sunlight so we can see what they intend, and what they stand for and ABOVE ALL so that they can be criticized and commented on like we are doing here.

If you like the MEK, having them out in the sun allows the MEK to (hopefully) help Iran become a better Iran.

If you hate the MEK, having them out in the sun, takes them out of the dark and exposes whatever it is you might not like about the MEK.

Either way, continuing to have the MEK in the shadows is precisely the problem.

No one is suggesting that just because the MEK comes out into the open, that suddenly we're all going to lose our minds, forget about freedom and democracy and magically give in to their cultish ways.

Personally, all of the MEK I've ever met, seemed sort of like Persian Mormons. Just a bit off, to be sure, but largely OK and harmless.

Certainly not as bad as a full blown mollah.

To read more bahmani posts visit: //brucebahmani.blogspot.com/

This is what needs to happen...!

1) MEK should get delisted.

2) MEK should give up its ideology and beg for forgiveness

3) MEK and the rest of Iranians should rally behind Reza Pahlavi

4) A complete regime change in Iran (i.e., destruction of IRR) even at the expense of US military intervention

5) A referendum on the future form of the government in Iran

6) Once (5) decided, free elections monitored by the international organizations (no Jimmy Carter)

7) Hopefully Reza Pahlavi play a major role in the future of Iranian politics

8) But a big condition for all of the above is that Iranian nation should 1st become adam ....

Mehrban... OMG mek is #28 ! Do you know what that means?

I hate those guys, thats my number!!!

They stole the number on my soccer jersey, I'm #28 ..

We need to start a petition to change their number.  ASAP.

just so that we are all on the same page.

//www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm

When you've all had a chance to breathe from gossipping

ONCE more, WHERE IS THE FUNDING COMING FROM?

Oh just forget it. Never seen anything like this amount of politically, illiterate rubbish.   

Oh Big Bang, and these people drive cars and vote! 

a critique of AmirAhmadi's post

HA: The original MEK included Islamists and Marxists; before long they split violently and the Islamists took over.

MK: False. The PMOI was an Islamist group. Their interpretation of Islam was a modernist interpretation. The original members studies various theories and ideologies in order to form their own. They studied and agreed with the Maoist version of analyzing how the world works. The best analogy is Liberation Theology in Latin America when Catholic activists (including priests) studied Marxism in order to refute it but ended up embracing its ANALYSIS. Both the PMOI and Liberation Theology activists remained true to their faiths (Shia Islam and Catholism), but wished to incorporate Marxian analysis into their analysis of events. In the Liberation Theology, they distinguished between el dios de ricos [God of the rich] and el dios del pobres [God of the poor]. This became possible under the progressive Vatican II. But when John Paul became the Pope, he destroyed the group.

In the 1970s, after the original founders of the PMOI were executed by the Shah, and Rajavi was in prison, many outside continued their studies of various ideologies. Many top members reached the conclusion that Islam was mumbo jumbo and that Marxism-Leninism (the Maoist variety) was the best ideology for liberation. An intense fight broke out among those who abandoned Islam and those who remained committed to Islam. Rajavi was the leader of the Islamists. Taghi Shahram was the leader of those who abandoned Islam and embraced Marxism-Leninism. Actually, the Islamists did not take over. The Shahram group (majority) took over and kept the name PMOI. After the revolution, the Marxist group changed its name and became Peykar. Almost all the Americans killed were by the Shahram group (i.e., Peykar), and not Rajavi’s PMOI. There is only one possible exception. After release from prison in 1979, Rajavi took over the Islamic wing and the PMOI. The Marxists left and created Peykar.

HA: The tragic conversion from a loyalist to a traitor group began in 1979 when the MEK parted with the Islamic Republic, murdered state officials, including a president and a prime minister, and joined Saddam Hussein.

MK: If I am not mistaken, Dr. AmirAhmadi was a supporter of the Tudeh Party (which supported Khomeini and the Islamic Republican Party Feb 1979-1983).

The violence began with the fundamentalists from the get-go. About 70-90 members, and supporters of the PMOI were murdered before the PMOI retaliated. The fundamentalists were a extremist violent terrorist group that were using massive violence against other forces (liberal democrats, Marxists, feminists, etc). Despite massive violence against them the PMOI did NOT resort to armed struggle until June-July 1981. From 30 Khordad 1360 [June-July 1981], after the "coup" (or dismissal) against President Bani Sadr, the PMOI began its armed struggle against the terrorist regime.

The fundamentalists and the Tudeh Party types regard the fight against the fundamentalist terrorist regime as "treason." I doubt that many other do. Joining Saddam in 1986 is a different matter and for this reason many Iranians condemn the PMOI.

HA: Opponents of delisting rightly suspect that the group may never become democratic or even pragmatic.

MK: Actually the PMOI is very very pragmatic. From around late 1982 or early 1983, the PMOI abandoned its ideology and policies of anti-imperialism and embraced a very very pragmatic policy of working with any power that helped it fight against the terrorist regime. The PMOI began to solicit help from conservative Western Europeans to socialist and leftist parties in Europe to both Republican and Democrat parties in the U.S.

The PMOI is not democratic, but it is very pragmatic.

HA: However, it is ridiculous to assert, as they do, that removing the MEK from the US terrorist list will strengthen the Islamic regime, demoralize the Iranian reformers, threaten the freedom of Iranian-Americans, and give the MEK the power to impose a US war on Iran.

MK: The above is among few CORRECT observations by HA. It is utter non-sense to say that de-listing the PMOI will strengthen the terrorist regime. It is absolutely non-sense to say that the de-listing of the PMOI will threaten the freedom of Iranian-Americans. The notion that an Iranian group such as the PMOI could have the power to force the U.S. to go to war with the terrorist regime is utter nonsense.

Many reformist members of the fundamentalist oligarchy hate and despise the PMOI. The PMOI is a group that competes with other groups (e.g., democrats, monarchists, Marxists, reformists) for influence and support. To be a democrat, one has to defend the civil liberties and political rights of all forces, especially those with whom one disagrees. I strongly oppose the policies of the monarchists, PMOI, Marxists, and reformists, but I defend their RIGHTS.

HA: First, Iran’s "rising" power and reformers’ adversity occurred while the MEK was on the terrorist list.

MK: 100% true. Although I would not use the term "Iran" but rather the accurate term "the power of hard-line fundamentalists." I think the term Iran should be reserved for Iran which includes also reformists, democrats, Marxists, feminists, PMOI, monarchists, etc.

HA: Second, a delisted MEK could hardly bully Iranian-Americans in a democratic America

MK: 100% true.

HA: Finally, the US’ Iran policy is designed to avoid war while intensifying "targeted sanctions." Short of an accident, failure of sanctions can be used to justify a war - a la Iraq.

MK: That is precisely why we should support sanctions which would weaken the terrorist regime so much that they would empower and enable the Iranian people ourselves to overthrow the terrorist regime. REAL bitting sanctions (full sanctions on sales of crude oil and natural gas from the terrorist regime) are the alternative to war. The Iranian people overthrowing the terrorist regime is the alternative to war. If we fail to get rid of the terrorist regime and the terrorist regime gets close to having nuclear bomb, then the U.S. would consider war a necessity.

HA: Not all opposed to delisting are genuinely concerned about its upshot; some are moved by sheer self-interest - anti-Iran activism is a business. These people use MEK as a facade to conceal their own deleterious acts, e.g., supporting sanctions and calling for the surveillance of Iranian scientists. Delisting will expose these foul-crying groups who deceptively single out the MEK as the only wicked force.

MK: What the hell is HA talking about (or rather writing about). As far as I can observe it is NIAC that has gone nuclear about the de-listing. I do not know the motivation of NIAC. I can only speculate. Perhaps, one motivation is jealousy (they do not want competition on Capitol Hill). Or perhaps, to make the terrorist regime happy.

HA: Enemies of the Islamic Republic have often used the MEK as a bogyman even if the group has been a failure. To them, delisting will mean public funds and more power. More money sure, but delisting will weaken the MEK as it becomes one among many contesting opposition groups. The Islamic regime will publically scorn the US, accusing it of hypocrisy in fighting terrorism; privately, however, Tehran will welcome delisting as it pacifies the MEK.

MK: The de-listing would allow the PMOI to better organize and lobby in the U.S. They have already been de-listed in U.K. and EU and we can observe the results. The de-listing would increase the power of the PMOI by a very small amount. Iran-Americans will not all of the sudden rush to support it. Iranians in Europe and UK have not rushed to support the PMOI since its de-listing there.

The PMOI is one among many many opposition groups. It has the support of a very very small proportion of Iranians. However, it is better organized than the rest of us. The lack of organization in other opposition groups (JM, NAMIR, monarchists, leftists) is the fault of us. We can NOT blame the PMOI for our lack of organization.

I strongly disagree with the notion that the vf regime "will welcome" the de-listing. The vf regime is paranoid about the PMOI. The regime was offering $80,000 to some due in Canada to write a story that the PMOI was a cult and a terrorist group.

The de-listing of the PMOI will enable them to lobby on issues which will harm the vf regime. Although, in my opinion, in the final analysis these lobbying have minor influence. On major foreign policy issues, there are very powerful forces and interests that influence the decisions. Groups such as PMOI, AIC, NIAC could (or would) be used by the U.S. or various agencies and entities to gather intelligence, make contacts, get opinions, and the like.

HA: The MEK in the past was the most anti-American of all Iranian groups.

MK: I would say that the fundamentalists and the Tudeh were faaaaaaaar more anti-American than the PMOI. The fundamentalists and Tudeh types ARE certainly TODAY faaaaaaaar more anti-American than the PMOI.

HA: delisted MEK will have to transform itself from a paramilitary into a political group. If this were to happen, the Iranians would be relieved and Iran’s vilified image will be somewhat rectified.

MK: The image of extremism, fanaticism, and violence that Iran suffers is due PRIMARILY to what the fundamentalists have been doing in the past 32 years.

HA: Delisting will make the US look hypocritical for supporting human rights in Iran given the MEK’s dreadful human rights record.

MK: The list of the FTOs is not about human rights. It is rather about terrorism. Objectively the PMOI is not a terrorist group. In several court cases, the PMOI was vindicated in Europe and UK. It was placed on the FTO list to reward Khatami in 1997 and then kept there during Bush II period so that the IRI would not sent assistance to extremist violent groups in Iraq.

HA: Yet, delisting can advance US-Iran relations and Iranian reconciliation - the musts for democracy in Iran. To strike such moral victory, the US must also renounce regime change and use of force while incrementally lifting sanctions and easing Iran’s security concerns.

MK: The impact of the de-listing could not be predicted. The fundamentalist terrorist regime may freak out so badly that it would sit down and negotiate with the U.S. or it might decide to take MORE hostile actions against the U.S.

I do NOT see any benefit from the U.S. renouncing regime change. As far as I am able to determine the overwhelming majority of the Iranian people would love to see the vf regime changed. We, democrats, want to see the vf regime changed to a democratic secular republic. Others may wish to change the ruling regime into something else. I would like to see the U.S. not side with those who are oppressing and brutalizing the Iranian people. I find it reprehensible to see the U.S. support for brutal tyrants like Moamar Qadzafi or Bashar al Assad or Khamenei. The moral policy for the U.S. government would be to stand with the people who are struggling against these tyrannies and for democracy, and human rights.

The U.S. should openly state that it wishes to see the vf regime gone. The U.S. should do all it can to increase sanctions on the terrorist regime. The U.S. should isolate the terrorist regime.

Iran's future.

Ideally no group to should be banned from participating.  The issue is not should nazi's, marxists, religous people be banned.  (its only legally okay to ban a party if you are against a certain country/system and the group gets help from them and is their tool).  Communists were banned in USA as were tudeh in Iran, they also killed people with foreign help.

But Lets all agree for a moment all groups should be legally allowed, even non secular ones.

The issue is these people committed crimes against their own people, murdered kurds/iranians.  Any leadership associated with that has to first be brought to trial.

Next when leaders are replaced, the behavior of the members that remain and how they treat each other has to be lawful, harming no ones rights. 

Lastly no right to gain power by arms or military support.

After we have that then those members that remain are free to do what ever they want.  And like all parties a eye must be kept on them by authorities forever.  Iran needs political groups that adhere to the law for themselves and their members period.

A lawful political party, no matter how ridiculous their ideology, in principle is okay.

HOWEVER SINCE THOSE 3 LEGAL CONDITIONS WILL NOT HAPPEN WHY EVEN TALK OF DELISTING.

If you were not all so niave and you listen to the comments in the testimony on these guys, law makers Senators openly said to people giving expert witness against the group things like...

" so what, what I like about the group is that they are the only ones willing to take up arms against the regime."

"what do i care if they are not secular and most iranians want a separation between church and state"

"who they killed in the past is not my concern"

Personally my ideology,  Irans Future Law/Coonstitution needs to be secular.

Top photo

Pendar... who chose the top photo? The CIA with permission from MOSSAD.

I only wonder...

...who chose the top image...............

Yes, the Islamic Marxists are taking over... the world!

Cost-of-Progress, why are you jumping to such a conclusion? Why would delisting the Mojahedin mean that a) it's going to be the end of the Islamic Republic and b) a takeover by the Mojahedin? Aren't WE the people going to be involved in making in our own future? Is everything decided by foreigners? Will the vast majority of Iranians who can't stand the Mojahedin just sit by and watch them take control of the country? Even if the Americans wanted to install the Mojahedin in Iran, do you really think it's doable or that simple?

The discussion is about the terrorist list, not if the Mojahedin is a cult or not. Undemocratic or not. Acceptable to Iranians or not.

If they have not engaged in terrorism in years, if they are no longer an armed group, then keeping them on the terrorist simply does not jive with reason.

Dr Mirahmadi says:

"..The Iranian people will welcome any moderating influence on the MEK, which has been a source of extremism, violence and fear in a nation that is longing for peace and reconciliation..."

That is probably true. One the other hand, the Iranian have been far more pre-occupied with a far bigger source of extremism, violence and fear; the one ruling over them for over 3 decades now.

Dr. Mirahmadi also states:

''the tragic conversion from a loyalist to a traitor group began in 1979 when the MEK parted with the Islamic Republic, murdered state officials, including a president and a prime minister..."

While I agree that the MEK are regarded as traitors, rightly, for siding with Saddam against Iran, Dr. Mirahmadi seems to be inferring here that MEK are as much traitors for going against the Islamic Republic, which happened well before their collaboration with Saddam, as their later pro-Iraqi activities. So does Dr. Mirahmadi mean that if any Iranian group/individual goes against the Islamic Republic, they should be regarded as traitors?

And does that partly explain why he is so anxious the US does not press for regime change in Iran, lifts sanctions etc?

Oh and, I thought Ari raised some valid questions. 

"Tudeh used to have a military wing too. So did the Fadaiyan"

Finally a real argument, JJ--the merits of which are worth discussing below a less confusing essay. Dr. Amirahmadi's article above lacks cohernece and consistency even if some readers agree with his conclusion. It is as though I said Farmarz's avatar is funny because there's no mail on Sundays. Perhaps a valid opinion about the avatar, but the reason given does does not persuade (or dissuade) on the matter.

Is this really happening?

so, are we being railroaded to "accept" the MEK? Meaning: going from Islamic theocratic regime to Islamic Marxism. What is it with Iranians and Islam, baba give it up, it CAN'T govern. Keep it in your homes if it makes you happy, but keep it the hell away from governance - IT CAN'T GOVERN.  

If this becomes reality and we cannot form a democratic secular government on our own, I must say that we deserve what we get.

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice.......

____________

IRAN FIRST

____________

blah blah blah, the comments alone are beyond blah

who has been funding this cult, who is funding the delisting lobby, and why and who will continue to fund the organization?!!!???

Militancy

Ari, I agree that Amirahmadi is assuming a lot when he says the Mojahedin would have to moderate their policies. But you are also assuming that because the Mojahedin have been engaged in terrorism in the past, will continue to do so in the future. The Tudeh used to have a military wing too. So did the Fadaiyan Khalgh and others.

I think it would be stupid if the Mojahedin re-arm and carry out terrorism once they are delisted. Will they continue to support hawkish policies against Iran. Sure. Will they continue to spy on nuclear facilities. Yup. But will they be active terrorists? I think it would be unlikely. And even then, they could risk going back on the terrorist list, without the opportunity for parole, so to speak.

I think the general threat posed by the Mojahedin is way over-blown.

JJ : we also need to be reminded that...

That Nazi members who have committed crimes are wanted individuals and subject to persecution, some 60 years later. The top leadership of MEK are alleged criminals with much blood on their hand and should be held accountable in the court of law. The delisting will only legitimize the group with its leaders without any imposed change in the structure or strategy.

The issue is: will legitimizing MEK as their current form/structure, in general, benefit the advancement of freedom and democracy around the world? And more specifically what kind of affect will it have on Iranians and the opposition to IRI?

I believe it will weakens the American case by aligning with a group that has had a well established history of violence, partnership in genocide and cult like culture towards its own members if no real and meaningful change in the structure and practice of the group.

It will also strengthen IRI brutal hand against the opposition in Iran as they can destroy any opposition in the name of MEK with much impunity or scrutiny form the public, since MEK is so hated by Iranians. Do we remember the 80s and how IRI killed any one in the name of MEK or drug dealer?

'Hambastegi' is the main key to victory 

Mehrdad

JJ

Your position regarding delisting comes from the "no pre-emptive conviction,"and  "innocent until proven guilty" premises. Those are worth a debate on the MEK delisting issue. But no such argument is presented in this article--which is a mess. The author doesn't even propose a guarantee of non-militancy: "A delisted MEK will have to transform itself from a paramilitary into a
political group. If this were to happen, the Iranians would be relieved..." 

Within the context of the article (not your separate line of thought), what if this non-militancy were not to happen?

Members who want out

MM, I am sympathetic to those who have been forced to stay in Camp Ashraf too. But once the camp is shut down, the thugs who have taken ex-members hostage are no longer in control. Every single person will be registered and handled by international observers. At that time, those who want to leave the group, will finally be able to do so. There will be lots of horror stories to be sure.

A Blood Feud

What is going on between the Regime and the MEK is a blood feud. Based on various estimates the Regime killed over 25,000 MEK members (as high as 50K) and many of the MEK supporters today are the friends and the relatives of those who were detained, tortured or killed by the Regime. To them, I believe, this battle is more than an opposition, but rather an act of revenge, a way of life, a purpose or just a blind faith.

There are maybe around 100,000 MEK sympathizers scattered around the world of which thousands pay dues every month. I have seen them at airports or shopping malls or at 13-Bedar picnics. They keep to themselves and are very organized. The figure that I have heard is around several hundred dollars per month per member. That’s how much they are supposed to contribute to their cause. That translates to millions of dollars per month that pays for their TV programs and speaking fees for the former US officials to speak on their behalf ($20K - $30K per 10 minute speech).

MEK is not a fighting force and does not resonate inside Iran. The same way Reza Pahlavi is not regarded as a major opposition leader inside Iran. MEK however, can mobilize thousands of protesters outside of Iran in front of IR embassies, companies and interests. And that may be useful or divisive, depending on where we are on that topic. I think that the main objective of de-listing is to give them the ability to give and receive funds. They were also the ones that broke the news on Natanz.

As far as a future role for MEK in the new Iran, that’s for Iranians to decide. Communist, Fascist or Neo-Nazi parties are all officially banned from many countries in the world and MEK can fall in that category as well.

Having said all of this, people who preach an end to the sanctions or a “Grand Bargain” with the Regime and reform from within are also misguided and have other agendas as well. The future leaders of Iran are in Evin prison or on the streets of Iran.  

Here is a list of notables who are opposed to de-listing.

//www.akhbar-rooz.com/news.jsp?essayId=39758

JJ - I am sympathetic to MEK foot-soldiers

To me, the MEK foot-soldiers are victims here and need to be taken care of with de-programming, at least.  But, if they remain under the influence of the Rajavi duo, especially with the US money flowing to them, they are doomed to be in limbo where-ever they are.

Weapons

MM, let's assume Camp Ashraf is an arms depot. The Iraqis are determined to close the camp down. Once it is dismantled, members cannot just walk off with guns and grenades. Any relocation of the Mojahedin will be carried out under UN supervision. No country will accept them with weapons.

JJ - Ashraf has not been searched for weapons

As far as I know, the camp is full of MKO prisoners (up to 70%) and "small arms".  Only the big stuff have been handed over.

 //www.rawstory.com/news/2006/US_outsourcing_special_operations_intelligence_gathering_0413.html

"We disarmed [the MEK] of major weapons but not small arms. [Secretary of Defense Donald] Rumsfeld was pushing to use them as a military special ops team, but policy infighting between their camp and Condi, but she was able to fight them off for a while....."

Reminder

Bavafa, Nazis do operate freely in the U.S. Being a follower of Hilter and promoting his views are not against the law. It's the same for the KKK and many other supremacists. They are free to operate as long as they do not resort to violence.

The issue is: Are the Mojahedin a terrorist group today? Based on available evidence, as far as I know, they have not carried out any terrorist actions for years. They have been disarmed since the U.S. invaded Iraq.

Have some of its members carried out terrorist acts? Yes. Should they be prosecuted? Sure, victims can take them to court. Should members who want to leave the group but are held against their will in Camp Ashraf go free and file claims against the group? Absolutely.

However, being un-democratic, or following an odd Islamic ideology, are no reasons to remain on the terrorist list.

It does not matter to me if the Mojahedin remain on the list or not. I have no sympathy for what they stand for. But if I'm asked if they should remain on the terrorist list, my answer would be, why should they if they are not engaged in terrorism?

Requesting clarifications to the article.

1. "delisting will weaken the MEK as it becomes one among many contesting opposition groups."

In that case why is the MEK fighting so hard to be delisted? (The author is suggesting he is smarter than the MEK when it comes to startegies to advance MEK's own interests)

2. "...it is ridiculous to assert, as they do, that removing the MEK from the US terrorist list will strengthen the Islamic regime."

How is this consistent with the article's statement: "Tehran will welcome delisting as it pacifies the MEK." (Apparently the IRI itself agrees that delisting the MEK will strengthen the IRI). Please clarify, is the IRI also being ridiculous in this belief? 

3. US delisting the MEK is then a step toward normalizing relations between Americans and Iranians.

How is this consistent with the  statement: "the MEK is despised in...Iran. It is a “khaen” (traitor) group to most Iranians.

4. "...anti-Iran activism is a business."

How is this rebuke consistent with, "By delisting the MEK the US will... gain a redundant anti-Iran propaganda machine."  If anti-Iran activist business is bad, how does adding another business improve the stiuation?

Overall, a muddled and contradictory essay. Pending clarifications, zero points!

Dr. Amirahmadi the Reformist

I really think you are the last one to talk about democracy. You & the rest of reformists in IRAN & abroad are obstructing Iranians to achieve democray.  Two years ago Mosavi & Karoubi fooled Iranians  who poured into streets in Tehran(where is my vote) by sending them home.  These reformists did a favor to IRR/IRI saved this barbaric regime.  Therefore, reformists can not by any means help freedom seekers in IRAN.

Should US allow Nazi members to operate freely in US?

How could we even contemplate delisting of MEK, if we are to stick to our principals of not aiding and protecting criminals and murderers?

Delisting of MEK cult as they currently operate will send a clear message to Iranians that the US & its allies are not interested in supporting pro-democracy movement but any group that is willing to carry out their orders and their dirty deeds.

This message would be based on the fact that when pro-democratic groups in Iran poured onto streets of Iran, peacefully, yet hardly received any support from the West. In contrast, this group who has essentially no support base within Iranian people, has employed act of violence and betrayed Iranians routinely, will get support from the West. This would be shameful indeed for me as Iranian or as an American

If the West is remotely interested in the MEK member's faith in Camp Ashraf, it ought to put its pressure on the group to open its door to any one who cares to leave the group. They should be given sanctuary coupled with de-programization and education so they can become a productive and positive member of society .

'Hambastegi' is the main key to victory 

Mehrdad

I agree with APFSM

He is absolutely RIGHT on the spot.  CIA must be sued by FBI for suopporting a criminal, terrorist cult MEK.   They must stand on trial for their crimes against IRANIANS, Americans, Kordes, and Iraqis.

Down with all of them including those brain washed by M&M of MEK.  I am ashamed of having such IRANIANS in the world as mush as I am ashamed of IRR/IRI.