What's wrong?
You'd think
there would be a solid opposition against the IRI by now. But no...
September 23, 2003
The Iranian
These days I am flabbergasted at the richness of political conversation
and optimism among fellow Iranians. With the war unfolding so rapidly
in
Iraq, a torrent of buoyancy regarding the future of Iran seems
to have
unleashed itself from I don't know where. The only acceptable future
being
that which is free of Islamic Republicism.
I am constantly reminded of the different scenarios that could
visit Iran. The combined forces of America and Britain could easily
turn around the
next corner and end up in the land of the Ayatollahs and be
greeted with
overwhelming jubilance. Or America could just turn up the heat,
increase
radio and television programming directed into Iran, which
will in turn
soften some of the regime's harshest rules. Or, and this
is my favorite,
the Iranian people might rise up and topple the regime, in
a replay of the
1979 revolution.
It can happen. Believe me."Sure, it can, I believe it" says
you, an ironic smile
bringing out your beautiful and never-going-to-be-fooled-again
face.
What's happening is that here within the expat community lines
are being
redrawn, groups reconvening to prepare for the eventual advent
of
democracy, civil society et al.
The Monarchists have solidified themselves around a declaration
issued by
Prince Pahlavi. Each group of nationalists (thank God, there'll
never be a
shortage of those) has issued its own declaration or is busy
circulating new ones. And if you think the left is going to be
left out, you
probably
had too much abgousht last night.
With the fall of Baghdad, the Iranian opposition abroad has been
issued a new lease on life. Articles and declarations are raining
from websites, full of statements espousing the importance of
democracy, rule
of law,
progress, and modernity. They invite all hues of the political
spectrum
to join together and work to speed up the demise of the Islamic
Republic.
With so much fervor and nationalist zeal, you'd think that we
would have a
solid, all-encompassing opposition by now. A coalition representing
the
wishes and ideals of a nation long oppressed by prophets of doom
and their
terrorist thugs. But alas, that event has not taken place -- yet.
I want to know how come. No sir, this is not a rhetorical question.
Yes
mam, I may be a bit naive in thinking up that question, what
with all the
pitfalls of Iranian politics and what not. But I may be much simpler
and more naive than you think, misters
and
sisters, because I actually believe that someone might have an
answer. So,
will you stop for just a moment and think what we are doing wrong?
|
