Cyrus Safdari over at the Iran Affairs blog recently put together a partial list of hype for a “second revolution” or “end of the IRI regime is near” that’s been published in the Western media over the past three decades. To all you anti-IRI cheerleaders out there, have a look at what these so-called experts were claiming back then (and now):
Is Iran nearing point where revolution is spent?
Geoffrey Godsell.
The Christian Science Monitor
July 30, 1980
Political infighting in Iran casts doubt over future
of revolution
John Kifner.
The New York Times
Feb 9, 1981
Renewed unrest in mullah-ruled Iran – is a second
revolution beginning?
Ralph Joseph.
The Christian Science Monitor
August 25, 1981
Iran regime’s staying power is debated by observers
after new bombing attack.
David Ignatius.
The Wall Street Journal
Sept 1, 1981
In revolutionary Iran: rising discontent: food and
freedom are in short supply as Muslim change and war
take a toll
Claude van England.
The Christian Science Monitor
Oct 6, 1982
War could threaten long-term stability of Iran regime.
Claude van England.
The Christian Science Monitor
Feb 27, 1985
Iran regime suffering its worst crisis; war, economy,
succession void plague nation
William Tuohy
Los Angeles Times
July 10, 1988
Discontent with revolution emerges in post-Khomeini
Iran.
Patrick E. Tyler.
The Washington Post
July 16, 1989
Painful rise in prices stirs discontent in Iran.
The New York Times
August 3, 1991
Iran’s revolution grows old; after 14 years, Islamic
rules faces apathy, discontent, infighting
Caryle Murphy
The Washington Post
Feb 12, 1993
Inflation fuels discontent against Iran’s government
The New York Times
Nov 20, 1994
In Iran, the revolution unravels. (economic conditions
in Iran)
Robin Wright.
Los Angeles Times
Dec 2, 1994
The revolution erodes in rural Iran. (growing
disenchantment with religious rulers)
Kayaton Ghazi
The New York Times
Feb 18, 1995
Second revolution brews in Iran; the crucial support
of the poor and merchants is being undercut by
economic reforms
Lamis Andoni
The Christian Science Monitor
April 12, 1995
Youthful cravings are aging Iran’s revolution; As
ideology dies, voices of dissent grow louder
John Daniszewski
Los Angeles Times
March 26, 1996
Iran discontent rises as oil-based economy falls
(International Pages)
Douglas Jehl
The New York Times
Dec 13, 1998
Time is running out for Tehran regime (pro-democracy
movement in Iran is growing)(Column)
Sandra Mackey
Los Angeles Times
July 23, 1999
Discontent Simmers in Iran (Editorial)
Los Angeles Times
June 12, 2001
Iran: Soccer or politics or both? (800 arrested during
rioting after Iran lost World Cup) (International
Pages)
The New York Times
Oct 23, 2001
In Iran, an angry generation longs for jobs, more
freedom and power. (International Pages)
Amy Waldman
The New York Times
Dec 7, 2001
Iran’s next revolution. (need for US support to help
Iranians fight government’s repressive
measures)(Column)
Michael A. Ledeen
The Wall Street Journal
June 5, 2002
Iran’s third wave. (the third generation in Iran is
expected to begin another revolution) (Column)
Thomas L. Friedman.
The New York Times
June 16, 2002
The coming revolution in Iran. (influence of the
Shiite theocracy and the mullahs will soon crumble
The Wall Street Journal
July 29, 2002
In Iran, a ’second revolution’ gathers steam; Ten days
of pro-democracy protests spur militants to counter
with a show of conservative force in the streets.
(WORLD)
The Christian Science Monitor
Nov 29, 2002
Iran’s failed revolution. (Ayatollah Ruhollah
Khomeini) (Editorial)
The New York Times
Feb 10, 2003
Iran: Ripe for Revolution? (EDITORIAL)
The Christian Science Monitor
June 16, 2003
Pending Regime Change in Iran. EDITORIAL
The Christian Science Monitor
Jan 13, 2004
Iran’s revolution at 25: out of gas; Wednesday’s
silver anniversary marks a peak of political
disillusionment. (WORLD)
The Christian Science Monitor
Feb 11, 2004
Year in year, year out, its always the same in the West: the end is near for the IRI. Trouble is, for these anti-Iran cheerleaders, they’re always WRONG.
Now that’s not to say Iran doesn’t face many challenges- it does. But it’s getting pretty pathetic all the hype and triumphalism (particularly amongst members of the completely biased and out-of-touch diaspora) that today the IRI is on the brink of implosion. See for yourself. Over the years, if you were all betting persons, you’d all be broke by now!
