World Focus: As Iran protests go global, the regime reacts
The Independent / Robert Fisk
27-Jul-2009 (4 comments)

Protest demonstrations over Iran's presidential election results spread across at least 80 cities in six continents this weekend – with one worrying sign for supporters of defeated presidential candidate Mirhossein Mousavi in Tehran: in several cities, protesters could clearly be seen carrying posters advocating the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. This is something that neither Mousavi nor his supporters have encouraged.For not one of the original protesters in Iran ever demanded the destruction of Iran's Islamic Republic. They were demanding fairness in elections and a re-run of the poll. But their flag was green and Mousavi himself had for years been a supporter of the principle of a clergy-supervised nation. That the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, should have given his personal support to the declared winner, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, proves how politically divided the clergy are. Others in Qom are deeply disturbed by this state of affairs. But it does not mean that Mousavi's voters wanted to throw away the fruits of the 1979 revolution against the Shah. And herein lies the problem. The ruling clerical leadership in Iran and their security accomplices have been trying to persuade the world and the citizens of Iran – and, indeed, themselves – that the Tehran demonstrations were part of a monstrous, foreign-inspired plot organised by all the usual suspects: the CIA, the opposition Mujahedin Qalq (whom even the Americans these days regard a... >>>

Ali Lakani

Are some protesters outside hurting the movement?

by Ali Lakani on Mon Jul 27, 2009 12:10 AM PDT

What does "supporting people inside Iran" really mean?  I don't believe some people outside Iran really understand the nature of the movement inside Iran, which is a movement to seek the long neglected civil and human rights for Iranian citizens within legal frameworks of Islamic Republic of Iran.  MKO wants regime change in Iran and by participating in the protests might be jeopardizing the movement inside.  Everybody wants eventual regime change in Iran, but I don't believe this movement is about that.  I think as Iranians living abroad we must respect the objectives of the movement and not get ahead of them while trying to "support them".  That's what I think.



Balatarin
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fozolie

Mr Lakani time for that is past

by fozolie on Mon Jul 27, 2009 09:08 AM PDT

When "the Leader" gave the people the biggest "bilakh" ever, including the "khodies". Pople shut up for unity 30 years ago and that was the biggest mistake ever committed by Iranian people, inside and outside. I didn't but I was in a minority. Some of those who told me to shut up had the manners to apologize profusely later but that was too late. 

Mr. Fozolie


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Maryam Hojjat

Mr. Lakani

by Maryam Hojjat on Mon Jul 27, 2009 07:26 AM PDT

I agree with you that we must suopport Iranians inside as we have been out of IRAN for more than 30 years.  We may not know what is their desire whether is within the regime or complete removal of regime.  However, in both case we must not move ahead of them.

Payandeh IRAN & Iranians

Down with IRI & His supporters.


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javaneh29

Call me paranoid but I think the bigger picture is unfolding

by javaneh29 on Mon Jul 27, 2009 12:59 AM PDT

Its an interesting article. And Ali jaan to question whether we do an harm from outside Iran or not,  is a futile exercise. People outside of Iran have an opinion and a right to express their views also. Many of us are where we are because of the present regime. I want to add that often a broader perspective is more objective too. I think its all grist for the mill and what will be will be.

What I found interesting about this article was the last paragraph. When the first aircraft crashed I thought 'hmmmm...perhaps this is a diversion tactic by IRI'. When I heard about the second air crash it seemed to me to be more and more likely. I mean after all, where in aviation history have seen 2 crashes within the same country and such a short space of time ??? The odds of that happening are pretty high.

Now the plot has unfolded a little. I wouldn't put it past the IRI to have staged a demonstration of how the wicked sanctions against Iran have been instrumental in causing these two air crashes.  A means to turn the heads and thoughts of those inside Iran against the outside world. If that is the case, the opposition of the IRI outside Iran is vitally important.

I dont think for one moment that if this is the case, the people inside Iran will be fooled. They are only too aware of the lenths IRI will go to.

Javaneh


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